Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes

Name: Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 Servings
Ingredients: 1 C (215g) French Lentils (*see note); 4 C (815g) Water; 1 tsp Sea Salt (divided); 1 Tbs Coconut 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); Hamburger Buns; Pickles, Tabasco, quick pickled onions, jalapeños, extra mustard, coleslaw.

By Traci 57 Comments

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. vegan + gluten free

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.

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 suddenly appeared on my sloppy joe. Never would I thought one day I’d be singing the praises of these vegan lentil 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 lentil 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 vegetarian sandwich recipe is just as simple to make.

Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes (!!)

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)!

Put the lentils on to cook.
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.
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.

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 and support your local farmer!

More Vegetarian (and Vegan) Sandwich Recipes to Love:

4.74 from 15 votes