Grab a fork, napkin and those tangy toppings, we’re getting sloppy y’all! Freezer friendly Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes are tender, slightly spicy and oh SO crave-worthy. Serve these easy vegetarian sandwiches up with your favorite tater tots, fries or potato salad. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan + gluten free [See Recipe Card for VIDEO]
Table of Contents
Back in the Day
Do you remember? Aqua Net, parachute pants, giant Apple computers, Guns N’ Roses, Van Halen and U2 on the boombox … yoyos (!!). I’m showing my age.
OMGeee.
Flashback to the 1980’s when Manwich was a weeknight staple. Ma would whip up sloppy joes in no time flat and she always served them with tater tots or potato salad. They were one of my favorite things. At the time, vegetarian sloppy joes were unheard of in our household.
Is that when Manwich was invented?
Then, Adam Sandler wrote an ode to sloppy joes in Lunch Lady Land. I’m telling you, they were revolutionary!
I didn’t even know what a lentil was back in the day, let alone be able recognize it if it appeared on my sloppy joe. Never would I thought one day I’d be singing the praises of these vegetarian sloppy joes!
Those days are long gone, and although my love of 80’s music hasn’t changed much, my diet has, as well as my wardrobe (hehe). As for sloppy Joes, hands down, this vegan sloppy Joes version wins.
I think even my big brother would approve (Chuck, are you listening – i.e. go get some lentils).
And really, this easy vegan sloppy Joes recipe is just as simple to make.
Ingredients for this Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe
It’s so much about pantry staples that pull this easy vegetarian sloppy Joes recipe together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- French Lentils – also known as de puy lentils, these can be found in the bulk section. They hold their shape after cooking and have a nice firm texture.
- Onion – yellow or red
- Green Bell Pepper
- Chili Powder – your favorite brand
- Paprika – smoky is so nice in this dish!
- Garlic
- Tomato Paste
- Tomato Sauce
- Pickle Juice – a flavor builder for a little tang.
- Vegan Worcestershire – this is also made in a gluten free variety if needed.
- Yellow Mustard
- Maple Syrup
Quick Guide: How to Make Lentil Sloppy Joes
These vegan sloppy Joes are super simple to make and can be meal prepped days in advance (they’re freezer friendly too)! In summary, here’s how to make em’ (see recipe card for details):
- First, put the lentils on to cook.
- Next, while the lentils are cooking, make the sauce. Saute the onions and bell pepper. Stir in the garlic, spices, tomato sauce and tangy ingredients like mustard and pickle juice. Toss in a bit of maple syrup to sweeten the pot.
- Last, when the lentils are done cooking, stir them into the sauce.
Spoon onto buns and top with tangy anything like pickled onions, jalapeños, pickles, plenty of mustard and/or a big pile of cooling, creamy coleslaw.
A few glugs of Tabasco are a nice addition too.
It’s simple dinners like this that I like to keep in mind when I’m craving comfort food, yet need it quick. Vegetarian sloppy Joes deliver every time!
A Few Recipe Notes on Lentil Sloppy Joes
- Pair this vegetarian sloppy joe with your favorite coleslaw, Broccoli Slaw with Golden Raisins and Walnuts, tater tots, onion rings and/or Texas Potato Salad for the full experience!
- My friend Kelly has a fabulous Quick Pickled Red Onion recipe you can make to pile on top of this vegetarian sandwich!
- Adding a few onion rings on top offers a little crunch too.
- Meal prep ready! Prepare the lentil sloppy joe filling and store in a lidded container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezer friendly? Yes please! Store in a lidded container in the freezer for up to two weeks.
Now, for a friendly reminder: it’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) season. Be sure to check Local Harvest for your nearest farm or farmers market and support your local farmers!
More Vegetarian (and Vegan) Sandwich Recipes to Love:
- Italian Pressed Sandwich with Olive Tapenade
- Smashed Chickpea Salad with Pecans and Grapes
- Almond-Sage Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Cheese-less Smashed Pimento Chickpea Sandwich
- Mushroom and Goat Cheese Veggie Panini
the recipe
Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 C (215g) French Lentils *see note
- 4 C (815g) Water
- 1 tsp Sea Salt divided
- 1 Tbs Coconut or Olive Oil unrefined, virgin
- 2 C (245g) Yellow Onion diced (about 1 medium onion)
- 2 C (230g) Green Bell Pepper diced (about 1 large pepper)
- 2 Large Cloves of Garlic minced
- 2 1/2 Tbs Chili Powder
- 1 1/2 tsp Smoky Paprika
- 3 Tbs Tomato Paste
- 1 1/2 C (426g) Tomato Sauce (1 Can)
- 1 Tbs Pickle Juice or other pickling brine like olive
- 2 tsp Vegan Worcestershire
- 3 Tbs Yellow Mustard
- 2-3 Tbs Maple Syrup or more to taste
Serve with (Optional):
- Hamburger Buns
- Pickles, Tabasco, quick pickled onions, jalapeños, extra mustard, coleslaw.
Instructions
- In a small sauce pot, add the lentils, water and 1/8 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then turn down to low. Cook for about 20-22 minutes, or until tender. Drain the lentils. Set aside.
- While the lentils are cooking, add the oil to a large saute pan and heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook on low with 1/8 tsp salt for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the bell pepper during the last 7-8 minutes of cooking the onions and soften, stirring occasionally.
- To the onion/pepper mixture add the garlic, chili powder, paprika and 3/4 tsp salt continuing to cook on low. Stir to coat the veggies. Add the tomato paste, sauce, pickle juice, Worcestershire, mustard and maple syrup. Stir to incorporate. Add the cooked lentils and stir again cooking on low for 5-10 minutes to warm through and to thicken a bit. Serve with warmed buns and condiments.
- Store the sloppy joes in a lidded container for up to three days or freeze for up to two weeks.
Can other kinds of lentils be used in this recipe?
Hi Karen! For this recipe you’ll want a lentil that keeps its shape after cooking, so you’ll want to stick to green or brown lentils (or French as indicated). Red or yellow tend to get a bit too soft for this application. I hope this helps and you enjoy the recipe!
This recipe is one of our regular favorites. I like to make it in the instant pot and you can customize toppings with whatever you have on hand. It’s great for a low effort meal and especially when it’s rainy out like it is tonight.
Hi Meg! Thank you for your note, Instant pot tip and giving the Sloppy Joes a go! SO happy to hear.
Growing up, I hated (meat) sloppy joes; however, this recipe was delicious! An easy 5 stars!
Hooray Amber! SO happy to hear you enjoyed the SJs! Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go!
Perfect and delicious! My young kids love them!!
This is one of our favorites. When I was unable to find the French lentils (amazed at the difference) I used what lentils I had and a mixture of the veggie crumbles. Also turned out great. This freezes really well too. Thank you for the recipe.
Hi Lalita! Hooray! SO happy to hear. Isn’t it such a delight? The veggie crumbles sound like a delicious addition! Thank you for your note.
I love this recipe! I’ve made it so many, many times and it’s perfect! My husband loves it too and asks for it all the time.
I’m pregnant now and craving this delicious dish. While the idea of eating it give me great pleasure, the idea of actually cooking does not. Do you think I could throw all this in the slow cooker and cook it for like 8 hours on low? I just wonder if it will still be as delicious as it is cooked on the stove.
Hi Sarie! Thank you for your note and sharing your feedback! SO happy to hear you two are enjoying the sloppy Joes. For the slow cooker… it should work just fine, although I’ve not tried it. You’ll need to back off on the water because in the recipe, the lentils are drained. Because of this, I’d go with 2 1/2 – 3 Cups of water and just take a peak a few times to make sure the lentils don’t dry out. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of water. I hope this helps. Please let us know how it goes!
I tried it in the slow cooker and it turned out just as amazing as the stovetop version. I think 2.5 cups of water might be a little too much. Towards the end I had to turn the cooker up to high and take the lid off to evaporate some of the water, but it still turned out delicious!
Hi Sarie! Thank you for your notes and sharing how the lentils turned out in the slow cooker! So happy to hear you’re enjoying the recipe!
I’m going to make this for my vegan son. Looks delish! What is that sitting on top of the ingredients just under the bun? It looks like a fried onion ring?
Hi Martine! You’re right! It’s an onion ring. Tasty, yes, but anything pickled on top or even coleslaw is fabulous! I hope y’all enjoy the sloppy Joes!
I have brown lentils on hand. Will those work well for this recipe?
Hi Mary Ann! I’ve not cooked with brown lentils but my reading tells me that they hold their shape and have a texture similar to French lentils! I wouldn’t hesitate giving them a go. I hope this helps and you enjoy the recipe!
This was really really good. I have tried several others and this is my new go to. I drove to 5 different grocery stores to find french lentils. Glad I did, I can tell the difference.
Hooray, Jamila! Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go. French lentils are quite nice… so happy you were able to find them!
This is an amazing recipe! Best sloppy joes ever! I have made it once, and am about to make it again for food prep. Served it on potato rolls with spicy pickles and vegan potato salad. Thanks so much!
Hi Beth! Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go! SO happy to hear you’re enjoying the recipe!
Made this tonight and oh my goodness! Talk about a childhood comfort food. I only did 1 tsp smoked paprika and 2 tsps sweet paprika instead because I don’t like Smokey flavors. I paired it with some sliced pickles and pickled onions I made. I halved the recipe and it was the perfect amount for one person who like leftovers.
Yummy!!! I love this recipe! I call it “clean the fridge” Lentil Sloppy Joes– I had some sad looking grape tomatoes and wilted celery that was added to my “not the freshest” mini colored peppers and the rest of the ingredients. Talk about a healthy and economical recipe! My daughter likes them so much better than “greasy meat sloppy joes”. Even my husband who is a manwich fan really enjoyed this meal. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Hooray! What a great way to clean out the fridge :D SO happy to hear you and your family are enjoying the recipe – economical YES! Thank you for your note Anne!
Soooo, made this recipe tonight ! I am trying to incorporate more plant based recipes. We loved these sloppy joes . I made them exactly as written except maybe a little more maple syrup. I cannot tell you how good these were!!! Thank you
SO happy to hear Kim! Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go! Way to goooooo YOU!
PS : Even BETTER the second night!!!!
Woooo! Love it!
Our family LOVED this!! The sauce is everything I was looking for – the perfect combination of flavours with plenty of tang. Thanks for the recipe, Traci!
Hiii Gayle! So nice to see your comment <3 Thank you for your note and giving the recipe a go! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it... Isn't the tangy so nice?
So good, cant wait to make again!
Great! I threw in a few fire roasted red peppers from a jar into the mix. Could not be happier!❤️
Oh now, that sounds delicious, Jen! Thank you for your note and rating!
I frequently cook for the homeless in our community. I try to feed them healthy meals, but tasty. This recipe has it all. And best of all is that it’s inexpensive to make for a crowd. Thank you.
Hi Kim! So happy to read your note and that the recipe is doing good things. Thank you for sharing and your work.
are you sure its 2.5 tablespoons of chilli powder seems an awful lot and in video it certainly isn’t that amount ??
Hi Frank! The recipe is correct. Please feel free to add chili powder to taste after all the other ingredients are added. I’d start with one Tbs if concerned. If you like, see below regarding other comments on this as written recipe. Sometimes in my videos, for timing and continuity, not every step is shown. I’m thinking additional chili pow was added after the cut to stirring. I hope this helps!
THANKS FOR THIS RECIPE! I just find it, I’m going to make it! I was wondering if a veggie sloppy joe was possible… so Thanks again!!!
You got it Isabel! Let me know how it turns out for you!
has anyone frozen this mix before? does it do well?
Hi Suzi! Store the sloppy joes in a lidded container for up to three days or freeze for up to two weeks. I freeze it all the time and it’s fabulous!
Wow, this recipe did not disappoint. I followed your instructions and only made one change, I used a red bell pepper instead of green. My entire family raved about the flavor, I was thrilled with the meal.
This one will be going into our meal rotation, it was really easy & delicious. Thanks!
Hiii Kathleen! Hooray! SO happy to hear you and your family enjoyed the recipe. A WIN-WIN for easy and meal rotation!
AWESOME!!! My husband and I are looking to eat more meatless meals, and this was just the ticket! I might add that for anyone following a Weight Watchers plan, this recipe is only 2 points when you use liquid stevia drops as a sweetner (instead of the maple syrup). I used the stevia and it was a perfect balance of savory, sweet, smoky, and tangy! I am looking forward to making a huge batch of this for the week and use it as a stuffing inside sweet potatoes, or a topping for air fryer fries! Full of protein and flavor, we loved this so much. Thanks for the great recipe!
Hiii Ms. Lee…. !! Thank you for coming back, leaving a note and rating the recipe! So happy to hear y’all are enjoying the recipe! A huge batch for a stuffing or topping sounds perfect!
When I told my husband that I was making this tonight he was less then thrilled. Lentils? Not his thing. But he did help out and make a dill pickle cole slaw to go on top of the sloppy joes. We used potato buns.
He ended up eating two sandwiches. My five year old son almost finished an adult sized portion. It was definitely a restaurant quality dish. I will make a double batch next time. Thank you for the new and healthy take on a childhood staple.
Love, love, love (!!) reading your note, April! Thank you for coming back and sharing with us! So happy to hear everyone enjoyed these tangy sandwiches! Hooray!
My daughter had pulled pork sandwiches at her wedding reception but I insisted we have a vegan alternative that would fit in with the menu. I made this a month before the wedding and loved it. j(I am vegetarian). So, I made a huge batch of this up for the reception to serve on buns (also had some gluten-free buns available) and took care of the people who don’t eat meat, vegetarian, vegan (tamari), and gluten-free. I had a big trivet pan full and every last bit got eaten! Had so many compliments on this recipe. It was a big hit! Thank you so much for posting this recipe. Had no problem multiplying this recipe so made all at once.
SO happy to hear these were a hit and that you insisted a vegan option was available! Hooray! Thank you for coming back and leaving a note, Diane (!!). Day made!
This was absolutely fabulous! It’s been many years since I have eaten meat, but I still remember what it tastes like. Some vegetarian versions of meat dishes are just not worth the effort, but these are far better than the meat version. Made a creamy coleslaw with yogurt dressing and put it on top and it was so so good. Thanks for a great recipe!
Thank you for coming back and leaving a note Vivian! So happy you enjoyed the recipe… and I agree some vegetarian versions aren’t worth it… but hooray! Some are! Your coleslaw with yogurt dressing sounds fabulous!
Omg! This recipe is perfection. Seriously, thank you. I tried to make lentil sloppies before but they weren’t thrilling. My boyfriend just kept saying “thank you’. Followed the recipe almost exactly. Adding to our summer weekly dinner list.
LOL – I giggled as I read this! Thank you for your note, Kellianne! SO happy to hear you’ve found a SJ recipe you yours like – Hooray!
I didn’t expect to love this and only made it because I needed something for the kids from the pantry. I love it though and plan to share this recipe with others it’s so ridiculously tasty! Thanks!
Hey Stephanie! Thank you so much for your note and sharing! So happy you and your kiddos love it and it came right from the pantry! A win-win! Hooray!
What kind of chili powder did you use? I wanted to like this, but the chili powder was so overpowering and made my eyes water. And I didn’t even use as much as what was called for. I used ground chili Arbol.
Please advise.
Thanks!
Hi Sarah! Thank you for your note. I’m sorry this didn’t work out for you. I linked to the chili powder I use in the recipe. It’s Frontier Co-op’s Ground Chili Powder. I hope this helps.
I will try this recipe as I am looking for protein packed recipes that is made with beans versus going for the usual Tempeh, seitan, or soy tofu. And I remember those things from the 80’s and wearing the genX badge proudly, lol!
I have one question as this recipe sounds like it is going to be a repeat use based on the ingredients. Is this freezable? I am making 2018 my vegan year. As a 9-5’er with a corporate cafeteria with limited options, this would be perfect to make in batches and freeze for lunch.
And, Oh-yeah to the onion rings! This can be made in the Air Fryer. I am a fan of onion rings and chose this over fries whenever available. I would probably serve the rings on the side.
Deep heart felt THANK YOU for this recipe. I plan to make it today (sure this will be the best Superbowl option but made as sliders).
Hi Char! Thank you for your note, tips on the Air Fryer (I’ve not tried one) and nod to genX! I should make a note about freezability… it’s completely freezable. And it makes a BIG batch. I always freeze 1/2 because it’s just Rob and I. Nothing like pulling a ready made batch out of the freezer when I just can’t get it together for dinner – lol! I love your slider idea! I hope you enjoy it!
This was so good. I’ve never cared for traditional sloppy joes really but I do remember that it was a childhood staple although I often refused lol. I made it for my 3 year olds who are vegan and my non vegetarian or vegan 11 year old who is extremely picky!!!! I will definitely make this again. Thank you so much. It was quick simple and easy.
Thank you for your note Jeanae! So happy everyone enjoyed it.. even your picky 11 YO! Hooray! A win-win-win!
These were easy to make and really yummy! I didn’t have vegan Worcestershire so I used coconut aminos and I have no idea what pickle brining liquid is so I just added a tad more vinegar! So good! Thanks :)
Hi Courtney! Thank you for your note… so happy you enjoyed the recipe! Good job on the subs… pickle brining liquid is the juice from a pickle jar (I’ll make a note – thank you!).
Yummy! I needed to add about 1/2 cup of water because I added more lentils and it was too think during the simmer phase. Per one comment, I cut back the yellow mustard by half. My teenage daughter enjoyed it too. Thanks for the easy pantry dinner!
My husband, an aspiring bbq pit master, claims that this is hands down his favorite meal of all time. Let that sink in!
Oh my goodness, Amanda! I had to read your comment twice! You know, coming from Texas, I still love those saucy BBQ flavors – just now, my goal is to hit those flavor notes using plants! LOL – thank you…. I’m letting this one sink in! <3
I love lentil sloppy joes, and this is a great recipe! I made it for dinner tonight (with brown lentils). Yummo! Thanks so much. I’ll definitely be making it again, but I’ll prob use a little less mustard, and kick the heat up a notch ;).
Hooray! Thank you for your note Gabrielle! A reason to love this recipe too… it’s SO versatile to taste! So happy you enjoyed the recipe!! :D
So quick and easy with ingredients already on hand! The flavor and texture are mouth-pleasing!
So happy to hear, Rachel! :D
These look absolutely delish! Cannot wait to make them!
PS – your photos look so great! My husband is not a big lentils fan but this had him salivating!
Thank you so much Manuja! I hope you (and your husband) enjoy the recipe! :D
I loved these! Seriously the BEST lentil sloppy Joes I have made…and I have tried quite a few recipes! I loved the tang from the pickle juice and the sweetness from the maple syrup. Yum!
Thank you for sharing, Laura!! SO happy you enjoyed these tasty sandwiches… I’m with ya on the pickle juice (I add extra for extra tang!).
I have never wanted to get so sloppy in all my life! These are making me drool like crazy. I love that splash of pickle juice for tang. Sounds so good!
And I remember those days too so you’re not too far ahead of me. I had no clue what a lentil was either but I wish I would have. They’re magical little legumes! ;)
hehe! You crack me up, Sarah! Add more pickle juice if you like, these sloppy sandwiches can take it! Lentils, right? They are incredible little power houses and so darn cheap. What’s not to like!?
I love a sweet touch in all my dishes and this is truly so amazing sounding and looking Traci. Lentils and all those peppers, simply yummy. Gorgeous pictures my dear.
pinned. xo
Thank you so much Asha! That maple gives these just a little kick of sweetness without overpowering the tang. xo
I don’t think my parents ever made sloppy joes! Maybe the trend was over by ’89. I grew up on chicken pot pie and minestrone soup instead. But I’ve made vegetarian sloppy joes in more recent years and I love them!
Yes, chicken pot pie too – the frozen variety for me. I didn’t discover minestrone soup until way later… but oh my it’s a favorite!
Traci! These sloppy joes look amazing! I love foods that are sweet, tangy spicy all at the time and these look right up my alley! Love love the gorgeous pics! and the addition of lentils in the sloppy joes! :)
No wonder we love so much of the same food, Amisha! It’s those sharp flavors that flip my switch too! (fellow Taurus :D )
You’re bring back some major 80’s vibes with this one, Traci! I was never a big sloppy Joe fan – I was not quite a vegetarian in the 80s but getting closer – so I missed out – your version looks awesome, though. Love the lunch lady land reference – I forgot about that!
LOL – right? Did AS crack you up?!
are french lentils close to brown or green ones. I already have these. This looks delish
Their greenish in color, sorta grey. Here’s a picture. Brown or green lentils take longer to cook, but I’m pretty sure they could be used too since they tend to hold their shape! I hope this helps, Starre.
I love lentil sloppy joes and those pickled red onions on top look amazing! Great idea, thanks Traci!
Welcome my dear! Kelly’s pickled onions are fabulous! :D
I was born in the early 90’s but I remember seeing those Manwich commercials on TV when I was a kid!! I don’t know if we ever had them in my house though… But this lentil version is calling my name! Especially the way you described it… tangy and spicy. Two of my favorite things!!
LOL – those Manwich commercials! I’m all about tangy and spicy too, Sarah! :D
Oh my GOSH these look good. You’re the queen of heat, Traci!
LOL – love the spicy, Meredith! :D
Yaaas! Why were Sloppy Joe’s so popular back in the day? Mom always made them from scratch and then my aunt took it a step further and made homemade fries which were always the hugest treat! Your recipe is all grown up and looking rather dapper if I do say so myself! Your update is a winning recipe, my friend!
IDK – but from scratch with homemade fries!? FTW!! I love that!
You’re bringing back memories today Traci! We used to have sloppy joe’s often as kids. Never Manwich though. My mother made her own version with chili sauce and ketchup, green pepper and onion. Tom still loves them every once in a while and both of us enjoy lentils…yes, even Tom. I bet he’d love this version. Perfect for Fridays during Lent too, when we can’t have meat! I’ll give it a try next time they’re on the menu and tell you what he thinks! Happy Friday!
Mmm your moms homemade version sounds amazing! So happy to hear Tom enjoys lentils… Rob loves this version – much to my surprise – with lentils! I hope you and Tom enjoy the recipe my dear! xo
After just making meat sloppy joes a couple weeks ago, I thought about how I’d really rather prefer a lentil version. :) I’ll try your recipe next time we make sloppy joes! What a fun idea to pile a an onion ring on there too. Photos are excellent, as usual!
You’d love the lentils, Emily! Such great texture and flavor. That onion ring adds a really nice crunch! :D
I grew up eating a sloppy joe at least once a week! What a great idea to put lentils in there. It looks so delicious and full of flavor.
LOL – you and me both, Karen! hehe
Good grief, my Mouth is watering, Traci!! This looks soooo good I’m putting it on my weekend menu – for sure. No more Manwich for me!
LOL! You’re going to LOVE how easy it is! Go get those lentils Ma! :D