Unsloppy Joes

The name says it all. These vegetarian sloppy joes solve the biggest problem with the original: the mess. Kidney beans replace ground meat, and hollowed-out kaiser rolls act as edible bowls that contain the filling instead of letting it slide out the back with every bite.

The filling is loaded with vegetables. Onion, celery, carrot, green bell pepper, and garlic saute together, then simmer with crushed tomatoes, chili powder, tomato paste, and vinegar into a thick, spiced bean mixture. The carrot adds a subtle natural sweetness that rounds out the chili powder’s heat.

Hollowing out the rolls is the clever move. That half-inch shell holds the filling like a bread bowl, and the scooped-out insides can be saved for breadcrumbs.

Kitchen Tips

• Dice all the vegetables to a similar small size so they cook evenly and every spoonful has a good mix.
• The tomato paste thickens the filling and concentrates the tomato flavor. Don’t skip it.
• Add the kidney beans last and cook just until heated through. Overcooking makes them mushy and falling apart.
• Serve immediately after filling the rolls. The bread starts absorbing moisture quickly.

Variations

• Use black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans for a different texture.
• Add a diced chipotle pepper for smoky heat.
• Swap kaiser rolls for ciabatta rolls for a crustier shell.