The Coziest, Easiest Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes 🌱🍔
Remember that messy, delicious joy of a sloppy joe? This vegan version is even BETTER. It’s made with wholesome lentils in a perfectly sweet, tangy, and smoky sauce that’s 100% plant-based.
It’s ready in under 30 minutes, dirt cheap to make, and will absolutely satisfy that comfort food craving. Warning: it’s called "sloppy" for a reason—you’ll need plenty of napkins!
Per Serving (filling only, without bun): Approximately 200-250 calories.
1 yellow onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1-2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or yellow mustard
½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sliced pickles, avocado, or a handful of spinach
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using).
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired "sloppy" consistency.
Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
Lightly toast the burger buns if desired.
Spoon a generous amount of the hot lentil mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
Top with your favorite toppings like pickles or avocado, add the top bun, and serve immediately.
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