VEGETARIAN SLOPPY JOES

Vegetarian Sloppy Joes image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound frozen Tater Tots (about 5 cups)
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 14-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained
2/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup chili sauce (such as Heinz)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
4 hamburger buns, split
4 slices white cheddar cheese
Bread-and-butter pickles, for topping

Steps:

Preheat the oven and bake the Tater Tots as the label directs. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, crumble the tofu on a paper towel-lined plate. Mix the ketchup and chili sauce in a bowl. Set aside.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the tofu, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add 3/4 cup of the ketchup sauce and 1/3 cup water; simmer until thickened, 2 minutes.
Place the bottom buns on a baking sheet. Top with the tofu mixture, the remaining ketchup sauce and the cheese. Bake until the cheese melts, 3 minutes. Add the pickles and top buns. Serve with the Tater Tots.