Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders with Smoky BBQ Sauce

vegetarian sloppy joe sliders
It’s Monday again — the weekend always seems to fly by. I hope yours was relaxing and that you’re ready for a fresh week. For this week’s Meatless Monday recipe we’re celebrating Manwich Monday with these delightful vegetarian sloppy joe sliders made with Manwich Bold Sloppy Joe Sauce. Sliders are wonderfully versatile: they make a fun appetizer, a satisfying after-school snack, or a quick family dinner. Because they’re small, you can enjoy a few without feeling guilty — they’re mini, after all!

Manwich Monday is a simple way to kick the week off with easy, family-friendly meals. I’ve tried different Manwich varieties and find the Bold flavor particularly appealing for this recipe. Bold brings a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky profile that complements the other ingredients, making these veggie sliders flavorful and hearty without meat. Any of the Manwich sauces would still work for a quick, convenient meal, but Bold offers that extra depth that pairs beautifully with black beans and sautéed vegetables.

In this meatless version, black beans replace ground meat. They add both texture and protein, keeping the sliders filling and nutritious. I also add diced red bell pepper and yellow onion to build more flavor and body. The peppers and onions get soft and slightly caramelized in the pan, which enhances the overall richness of the filling. A touch of garlic, cumin, and a pinch of pepper round out the seasoning.

These vegetarian sloppy joe sliders are perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or game-day snacking. They’re easy to prepare, transport well for potlucks, and are kid-friendly. Serve them with simple sides like carrot sticks, a green salad, or oven-baked potato wedges. Because they’re handheld, they encourage relaxed, communal eating — just a friendly reminder that some meals are best enjoyed with two hands and good company.

The recipe below is straightforward and forgiving. You can adjust the seasoning to taste, add more vegetables, or stir in a little extra sauce if you prefer saucier sliders. If you want extra texture, top a few with shredded cheese or a scoop of coleslaw for contrast. These adjustments are optional, and the base version is delicious on its own.

veg-sloppy-joe-1veg-sloppy-joe-2Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Sliders

Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Sliders
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can Manwich Bold Sloppy Joe Sauce
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 24 mini hamburger buns
Instructions
  1. Warm the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
  3. Add the drained black beans, ground cumin, and pepper, stirring to combine. Pour in the Manwich Bold Sloppy Joe Sauce and stir until the mixture is heated through and evenly coated with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the mini hamburger buns and serve warm. For a variation, top a few sliders with shredded cheese or a small scoop of coleslaw.
Makes 24 sliders

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Manwich. All opinions are my own.