It’s been a little over 3 weeks since I watched the movie “Forks Over Knives”. It’s also been a little over 3 weeks since I’ve eaten meat; no beef, chicken, pork, lamb, etc. Basically no land animal. I am still eating fish, seafood, eggs and dairy, so it’s been kinda easy. I’m not sure how long this will go on, but for now I’m committed to eating healthier, which for me is mostly a plant based diet. My husband is along for the ride, and he will stick with it if the meals I’m making are still delicious and satisfying.
I was a vegetarian in my 20s. Yes, that was a while ago and things have certainly changed as far as meat substitutes. It’s incredible how many soy food products there are available that you can make fantastic meals with and not even miss the meat. The other night I made “chicken” parmesan and my husband thought it was chicken! Seriously.
Yesterday I was craving Sloppy Joe’s. I had bought some Smart Ground veggie protein crumbles by Lightlife. I had never tried them before but I figured it would work well as a ground beef substitute. I made Vegetarian Sloppy Joe’s for lunch and I must admit they were absolutely delicious. We could not tell that it wasn’t ground beef. The consistency and taste were incredible. Plus, I felt really good about eating it!
Now, I can’t wait to make lasagna, tacos, etc. using Smart Ground. Basically anything you would use ground beef for. It’s easy to be a vegetarian when you have meat substitutions like this! Yum!!
Below is my recipe for Vegetarian Sloppy Joe’s. I hope you’ll give them a try! 
This recipe serves 4.
INGREDIENTS
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/3 Orange Bell Pepper, diced
1/3 Red Bell Pepper, diced
1/3 Yellow Bell Pepper, diced
1/3 cup Onion, diced
1 container Smart Ground protein veggie crumbles by Lightlife
1/4 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup Chili Sauce
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 tsp Sugar
1/2 tsp Granulated Garlic
1/2 tsp Granulated Onion
1/2 tsp Tabasco (more or less, to taste)
salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup water
Buns, whatever type you prefer!
METHOD
Put olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add peppers and onions, and cook for a few minutes, until translucent.
Add all the rest of the ingredients into the pot, mixing thoroughly.
Add 1/4 cup of water into the pot and allow everything to simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, toast up some buns and serve right away.
Enjoy!
Helena…this sounds so good…I’m impressed that you’ve been land meat free for 3 weeks…so can you tell a difference in how you feel? The veggie crumbles…are they tofu…what’s the content? I think I want to cut back on meat, too, so this could be a great alternative..xoxo Ally
Hi Ally! I feel great, but I was feeling great while eating meat, too. Just since watching “Forks Over Knives” I figured it was healthier to eat more plant based. I haven’t given up dairy or seafood. I can’t imagine life without butter, cheese, fish, crab! I’m thinking St. Patty’s Day may be difficult without Corned Beef! ‘sigh’ Here’s the ingredients of the Smart Ground veggie crumbles: Water, soy protein concentrate, wheat gluten, soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), less than 2% of: natural flavor (from vegetable sources), wheat starch, caramel color, hydrolyzed soy & corn protein, yeast extract, molasses, onion & garlic powder, barley malt, chickory extract (inulin), evaporated cane juice, maltodextrin, salt.
Have you watched Forks Over Knives?
Quorn products are awesome too! And they are soy-free so no phyto estrogens. I make chili, tacos, chicken parmesan etc and when someone unsuspecting tries them, they have no idea it’s meat free. I’ve been vegetarian for 20ish years now and have become quite adept at converting carnivore recipes to my own needs. Thanks for including vegetarian recipes on your site.
Hi Carla! That’s wonderful that you’ve been a vegetarian for so long!! I love the Quorn products. I made Chicken Parmesan the other night with the Naked Chikn Cutlets. It was fabulous… of course there was cheese on it. 😉
What did you use for the “chicken” parmesan?
Hi Dr. Marylynn! I used the Quorn brand, Naked Chikn Cutlets. I dipped the cutlet in flour and fried it in a little bit of olive oil. Then I topped each cutlet with some marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella (you could use soy cheese instead if you want). I popped them into the oven for about 12 minutes until everything was heated through and the cheese was nice and bubbly. Served with a little whole wheat pasta. So yummy!!
These look fantastic! Thanks so much for giving our Smart Ground a try
-Rachael
Lightlife Team Member
Hi Rachael! Those Veggie Sloppy Joes were delicious. Tried a “Smart Dog” today. I sauteed it in a little olive oil and served it on a whole wheat bun topped with mustard and chopped red onion. Perfectly yummy!!
I’m not a vegetarian but these sloppy joes look delicious!