Lentil Sloppy Joes
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!
Key Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6 sandwiches
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Calories
Per Serving (filling only, without bun): Approximately 200-250 calories.
Ingredients
For the Lentil Filling:
1 tbsp olive oil
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
2 ½ cups vegetable broth
For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1-2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or yellow mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
4-6 soft burger buns
Sliced pickles, avocado, or a handful of spinach
How to Prepare
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
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.
2. Cook the Lentils:
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.
3. Create the Sauce:
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).
4. Simmer to Perfection:
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.
5. Serve:
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.
