BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes have long been a beloved comfort food, drawing in diners with their messy, savory allure. This iconic dish, traditionally made with ground meat simmered in a tangy sauce and served on a soft bun, has graced dinner tables across America for decades. However, as dietary preferences shift and more individuals embrace plant-based lifestyles, it's time to reimagine this classic dish. Enter the BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes—a delightful twist that replaces meat with hearty chickpeas, offering a deliciously satisfying, healthier option for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

Revamp your comfort food cravings with this delicious BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes recipe! Perfect for plant-based diets, these hearty sandwiches swap out meat for protein-packed chickpeas, delivering a satisfying and flavorful dish. Easy to prepare, this recipe highlights nutritious ingredients like sautéed vegetables, aromatic spices, and whole wheat buns. Ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, discover how to create a meal that's both comforting and wholesome. Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic favorite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

4-6 whole wheat slider buns

Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chickpeas: In a medium bowl, use a fork or potato masher to roughly mash the chickpeas. You want some whole chickpeas left for texture, but they should be mostly mashed.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.

Combine Ingredients: Add the mashed chickpeas to the skillet along with the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and slightly thickened.

Toast the Buns: While the chickpea mixture is cooking, you can toast the whole wheat slider buns on a grill or in a toaster until golden brown.

Assemble Sloppy Joes: Evenly spoon the BBQ chickpea mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted slider bun. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve and Enjoy: Place the top half of the buns over the chickpea mixture and serve your delicious BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes hot!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4-6 servings