BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes Freezer Meal Recipe (Plant-Based)
Easy-to-make dinner, BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes loaded with zesty BBQ goodness, tender chickpeas, and just the right amount of spices. It's a delicious, plant-based twist on a classic.
This BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes Freezer Meal is a plant-based twist on a comfort classic that delivers smoky BBQ flavor with zero stress. You can prep it in a few minutes, freeze it, and dump it straight into your slow cooker when you’re ready for a healthy dinner that will cook itself. Just warm, hearty sandwiches on the table when you need them most.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joe Recipe
- Freezer-First Simplicity – Prep once, enjoy later.
- Plant-Based + Budget-Friendly – Chickpeas bring the protein for way less $$.
- Family-Friendly – Even meat-lovers won’t miss a thing.
- Versatile – Serve on buns, rice bowls, wraps—you do you.
- Mess-Free Dinner Win – No dishes piling up mid-week.
BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes Freezer Meal Recipe
Easy-to-make dinner, BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes loaded with zesty BBQ goodness, tender chickpeas, and just the right amount of spices. It's a delicious, plant-based twist on a classic.
Equipment
- 1 gallon freezer bag for freezer prep
- 1 High speed blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 29 oz canned chickpeas 2 (14.5 oz) cans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup onions diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 cup carrots shredded
BBQ Sloppy Joe Sauce (Blend Together)
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 tbsp raw honey
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
For Serving:
- 4-6 buns
- coleslaw optional
Instructions
Freezer Meal Prep Instructions:
- Label a gallon freezer bag with the recipe name and today’s date. Pro tip: Add the cooking directions directly on the bag so you don’t have to look them up later
- Add sloppy joe sauce ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrape sides once or twice).
- Add all ingredients, except For Serving Ingredients, to the freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions
- Thaw freezer meal in the fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
- Stir and serve in your favorite bun
- Optional: Top sloppy joe with your favorite coleslaw., serve coleslaw on the side.
Instant Pot | Cooking Directions
- Thaw in the fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking. (Meals can be cooked from frozen, but some Instant Pots may trigger a burn notice due to slow steam generation.)
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot.
- Set to High Pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release.
- Open the Instant Pot, stir sloppy joe mixture, and serve in your favorite bun.
- Optional: Top sloppy joe with your favorite coleslaw. (Or serve coleslaw on the side)
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What to Serve With Chickpea Sloppy Joes
- Frozen sweet potato fries or tater tots (just toss them in the oven or air fryer)
- Steam-in-bag green beans or broccoli
- Frozen corn kernels with a little garlic and olive oil
- Sliced cucumbers and baby carrots with ranch or hummus
- Bagged salad with vinaigrette
- Homemade coleslaw with a vinegar or creamy dressing
Freezer Notes for BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes
- Recipe will last 3-6 months in the freezer (squeeze out as much air as possible when sealing freezer bag to ensure long-lasting)
- As a plant-based recipe you do not have to thaw for 12-24 hours before cooking. Recipe can go directly from the freezer into the instant pot or slow cooker.
- Recipe can be frozen after cooking, however this does change the texture and flavor which is why I reccommend freezing raw not cooked.
- When reheating warm mixture in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or reheat in the microwave in 30–45 second intervals, stirring between each.
- Toast your bun separately to avoid sogginess when reheating.
Want to Make It Fresh in Slow Cooker Today?
Skip the freezer prep and add everything into the slow cooker today.
Step 1: Add sloppy joe sauce ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrape sides once or twice).
Step 2: Add all ingredients, except For Serving ingredients, to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Step 4: Stir and serve in your favorite bun
Optional: Top sloppy joe with your favorite coleslaw, serve with coleslaw on the side.
Real Mom Tips
- Skip the chopping. Use frozen diced bell peppers and diced onion to save time (and your sanity).
- No tomato paste? Mix 1 tbsp ketchup with 1 tsp sugar for a quick swap that still brings the sweet-tangy flavor.
- Make it stretch. Double the recipe and freeze a second batch as a raw freezer meal—future you will be so grateful.
- Sauce too thick after cooking? Stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it up before serving.
- Want to make it feel extra special? Toast the buns in a pan or air fryer for a golden, crispy finish.
BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joe Dietary Adjustements:
Make it Gluten-Free: Serve with gluten-free bun.
Make it Dairy-Free: Recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Make it Nut-Free: Recipe is naturally nut-free.
Make it Egg-Free: Recipe is naturally egg-free.
Plant-based doesn’t have to mean complicated. This meal proves it can be simple, satisfying, and stress-free.
Want more easy prep-and-freeze meals? Grab your FREE Freezer Meal Starter Guide here.
FAQ’s
Can I freeze this after it’s been cooked?
You can—but I always recommend freezing it raw if possible. That’s how you get the freshest flavor, the best texture, and that just-cooked feel when it hits the table. But hey, life happens! If you’ve already cooked it and have leftovers, just let the mixture cool completely, then freeze it in an airtight container (separate from the buns) for up to 3 months. It still makes a great backup dinner when you need it fast.
Are Chickpeas a good substitute for meat?
Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) are one of the best plant-based swaps out there. They’re naturally high in protein and fiber, which means they’ll keep you full—without the heaviness of meat. Plus, they’ve got a hearty texture that holds up beautifully in recipes like Sloppy Joes.
They’re also packed with nutrients (hello, iron, folate, and magnesium!) and have a low glycemic index—so they’re great for balancing blood sugar and energy levels. Chickpeas are budget-friendly, shelf-stable, and perfect for freezer meals.
Are garbanzo beans and chickpeas the same?
Yep—they’re two names for the same thing.
What are the health benefits of Chickpeas?
Chickpeas are little nutrition powerhouses. They’re packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like iron, folate, and magnesium—all important for energy, digestion, and overall wellness. They’re also low in fat and have a low glycemic index, which helps support steady blood sugar levels. Bonus? They keep you full and satisfied, making them perfect for meatless meals that still hit the spot.
Can I use this mix in a wrap or bowl?
Absolutely! This BBQ chickpea mix is super versatile. Wrap it in a tortilla with slaw, scoop it into a grain bowl with rice and avocado, or stuff it into a baked sweet potato. However you serve it, it’s bold, saucy, and totally satisfying.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite! For a cleaner option, look for BBQ sauces with no high-fructose corn syrup and minimal added sugar. If you’re aiming for smoky flavor, go with a hickory-style. Prefer sweet and tangy? Try a honey or apple cider vinegar base.
Other Plant-Based Freezer Meal Recipes You’ll Love
- Hearty Vegetable Stew Plant-Based Freezer Meal
- Spicy Sweet Potato and Broccoli Plant-Based Freezer Meal
- Mediterranean Stuffed Acorn Squash Plant-Based Freezer Meal
- Falafel Plant-Based Freezer Meal
- Lasagna Plant-Based Freezer Meal
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Comment below and let me know how your BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes turned out!
