These Lentil Sloppy Joes are a hearty plant-based version of the classic sandwich. Loaded with protein and fiber for dinner in 15 minutes!
Lentil Sloppy Joes, affectionately known as 'sloppy lentils' are making it into my regular meal rotation. When I say 15 minute meal, I mean 15 minute meal!
The key to the 15 minute start-to-finish is canned lentils! Just like any other beans, you can find lentils in a can! They are soft and break down slightly in the sloppy joe to create that ground beef-like texture.
I love serving these lentil sloppy joes on Dave's Killer Buns for even more protein! And with some pickles of course!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love These Lentil Sloppy Joes
- Dietary needs - these sloppy joes are vegan/plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free, and sugar-free.
- Real foods - no fake meat here! You get a healthy serving of veggies like bell peppers and onion and protein/fiber from the lentils
- Quick & Easy - these sloppy joes are ready in just 15 minutes. All you have to do is throw everything in a pan and stir.
- Meal prep friendly - make a batch of these sloppy joes and enjoy a sandwich each day for lunch
- High protein - lentils are a great source of plant-based protein
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Green Bell Pepper: green pepper adds some crunch and "hidden" veggies.
- Yellow Onion: a red onion would be fine here too
- Lentils: I love buying canned lentils to make recipes like this super quick and easy. I can find them at both Kroger and Whole Foods. Feel free to also cook your own lentils
- Ketchup: ketchup is what creates the sloppy texture in sloppy joes. To avoid added sugars, look for a no added sugar ketchup and not just a "sugar free" ketchup, which may have sweeteners or sugar alcohols as a substitute
- Maple Syrup: use your favorite sweetener. Maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar all work!
- Tomato Paste: for more tomato flavor!
- Liquid Smoke: liquid smoke is a liquid made from smoke (great name, right?). It adds a lovely smoky flavor and is the key to getting a savory, umami, and smoky flavor in many vegan recipes
- Garlic Powder
- Salt & Pepper
- To serve: burger buns & pickles
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper and cook stirring often for 3-5 minutes until the veggies are soft.
Step 2. Add the lentils, ketchup, maple syrup, tomato paste, liquid smoke, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook 5 mintues, to blend the flavors.
Step 3. Serve burger-style on buns with pickles, slaw, or other desired toppings.
FAQ & Expert Tips
Yes! Head to my how to cook lentils post for full instructions. Then measure out approximately 5 ½ cups of cooked lentils.
Yes. The filling stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week, and reheats easily.
Pickles, vegan cheese, coleslaw, or sliced avocado all work well. And a side of potato chips!
Pro Tip: Toast the sandwich buns before adding the filling to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Recipe Prayer
Thank you for these sloppy joes that will fuel our bodies. Allow this food to nourish us. Amen.
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📖 Recipe
Lentil Sloppy Joes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Green Bell Pepper small diced
- 1 Small Yellow Onion small diced
- 3 15 Ounce Cans (5 ½ cups) Lentils drained and rinsed
- ½ Cup Ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 Teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Pepper
- To serve: burger buns & pickles
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper and cook stirring often for 3-5 minutes until the veggies are soft.
- Add the lentils, ketchup, maple syrup, tomato paste, liquid smoke, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook 5 mintues, to blend the flavors.
- Serve burger-style on buns with pickles, slaw, or other desired toppings.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.
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