These Vegan Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are healthy, hearty, and will make you feel good! They’re easy to make, flavorful, and great for a filling lunch or dinner.
I’m not sure why I don’t stuff sweet potatoes more often! They’re the perfect vehicle for this delicious vegan sloppy Joe mix. I’ve been making this sloppy Joe recipe for quite a few years now, and it’s one of my favorites. I think you will love these Vegan Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes!
Why Your Body Will Love These Sloppy Joe Sweet Potatoes
- Immune System Support – Sweet potatoes contain a good amount of Vitamin A, which helps the body fight infections and keeps the immune system healthy. Alongside Vitamin A, sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene and carotenoids to protect our eyes and muscles. Broccoli has many antioxidants that further support the immune system.
- Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants – Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, A, copper, and manganese, as well as antioxidants that support the immune system.
- Protein (and Fiber) Power – Tofu is amazing because it’s super versatile, works well in myriad seasons, sauces, and dressings, and is a great meat alternative because it’s a complete protein. This makes our muscles happy, and our bellies satisfied. Lentils are also a meat-free source of protein and an amazing way to pack in tons of fiber. Fiber supports our digestive health and helps carry toxins out of our bodies.
Vegan Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe Ingredients
- Sweet Potato – I like to use small sweet potatoes for this recipe. That way, each sweet potato is good for one person. If you can’t find small sweet potatoes, you can use a larger one and cut it into pieces for each person.
- Tofu – I use extra-firm tofu for this recipe, and I press as much liquid out of it as possible. Super-firm, pre-pressed tofu is also great and easy to work with!
- Lentils – I’ve been buying Trader Joe’s pre-cooked lentils, and they’re great! You can also buy canned lentils or make your own using dry lentils.
- Onion & Garlic – These aromatics add a nice flavor to savory dishes like this!
- Marinara Sauce – Marinara sauce is the base of the sloppy Joe sauce. Marinara can be nice because it’s not chunky, but you can also use a chunky-style tomato sauce to add more veggies. I usually use marinara but only had regular sauce on hand when I made these, and it worked great!
- Ketchup – Ketchup adds a nice sweetness and goes well with the marinara.
- Maple Syrup, Apple Cider Vinegar, and Tamari – These ingredients add sweetness, tartness, and a nice salty flavor. Honey could be substituted for maple syrup, and soy sauce could be used instead of Tamari.
- Spices – I like to season my vegan sloppy Joe mix with cumin, mustard powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, granulated garlic, and salt and pepper.
How To Make Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes come together quickly and don’t require much work!
- Start by roasting your sweet potatoes. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and thoroughly wash your sweet potatoes. Use a fork to pierce the sweet potatoes a few times and then place them on a lined baking sheet. Roast sweet potatoes until fork-tender. The amount of baking time will depend on the size of your sweet potato; mine were small and took about 45 minutes.
- Make your sloppy joe mixture. Start by sautéing some diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened. Crumble your tofu into the pan and cook until tofu is browned, about 7 minutes. Next, add in your cooked lentil and the remaining sloppy Joe mixture ingredients (marinara, ketchup, maple syrup, vinegar, tamari, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, mustard powder, granulated garlic, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let cook so the spices can develop their flavor, 5-7 minutes.
- Take your sweet potatoes and cut a slit down the middle. Use a fork to mash some of the sweet potato, and use your hands to help open it up. Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture into each sweet potato and then top with your favorite garnishes.
Stuffed Sweet Potato Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this recipe vegan? Yes!
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce/tamari.
- Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes? Definitely!
- Can I freeze the sloppy Joe mixture? Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Can I use an ingredient other than tofu or lentils? Yes, I’ve made this recipe using chickpeas and tempeh before, and it worked great.
- How long will these sweet potatoes last in the refrigerator? Store them in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
Have a question that I didn’t answer? Ask me in the comment section below, and I will get back to you ASAP!
Looking For More Vegan Sweet Potato Recipes?
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Noodles
Sweet Potato Pie Bars
Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili
1-Ingredient Sweet Potato Tots
Sweet Potato and Quinoa Enchilada Bake
Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad
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Vegan Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 6 small sweet potatoes
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package extra firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils
- 1 1/4 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon tamari
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 3/4 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnishes: guacamole, pepitas, cilantro, vegan sour cream, vegan cheese, jalapeño, onion, etc…
Instructions
- Start by roasting your sweet potatoes. Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F and thoroughly wash your sweet potatoes. Use a fork to pierce the sweet potatoes a few times and then place them on a lined baking sheet. Roast sweet potatoes until fork tender. The amount of baking time will depend on the size of your sweet potato. Mine were small and they took about 45 minutes.
- Make your sloppy joe mixture. Start by sautéing some diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened. Crumble your tofu into the pan and cook until tofu is browned, about 7 minutes. Next, add in your cooked lentil and the remaining sloppy Joe mixture ingredients (marinara, ketchup, maple syrup, vinegar, tamari, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, mustard powder, granulated garlic and salt and pepper. Stir everything together well and let cook so the spices can develop their flavor, 5-7 minutes.
- Take your sweet potatoes and cut a slit down the middle. Use a fork to mash some of the sweet potato and use your hands to help open it up. Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture into each sweet potato and then top with your favorite garnishes.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dinner, Vegan
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: American
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