Grab a fork, napkin and those tangy toppings, we’re getting sloppy y’all! These reader favorite, vegetarian and vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes are tender, slightly spicy, a little sweet and oh SO crave-worthy. They’re made on the stovetop with pantry ingredients making them a go-to for weeknight easy.
A Tasty Discovery: Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
Flashback to the 1980’s when Manwich was a weeknight staple. Ma would whip up homemade sloppy Joes in no time and she always served them with tater tots or potato salad, like my Texas Potato Salad. They were one of my favorite things. At the time, vegetarian sloppy joes were unheard of in our household.
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 veggie sloppy joes!
This Recipe Is
- bold and tangy
- weeknight friendly
- vegan and vegetarian
If you love homemade vegetarian sandwiches, you’re in for a treat!
About the Key Ingredients
Like my other easy vegetarian dinner recipes, this veggie sloppy joe recipe is all about pulling pantry staples together to make a delicious dinner. Here are a few of the ingredients that make this recipe pop!
- Dry French Lentils – also known as de puy lentils, find these in the bulk ssection for best value. They hold their shape well after cooking and have a chewy-firm texture.
- Pickle Juice – a flavor builder that adds a little tangy flavor and acidity.
- Smoked Paprika – offers a hint of spice and smoky flavor.
- Vegan Worcestershire – add saltiness, umami and a little spice. This ingredients is also made in a gluten free variety if needed.
- Prepared Yellow Mustard – adds richness, tangy flavor and a hint of acidity.
- Maple Syrup – this recipe isn’t sweet, howerver the maple adds just a bit of balance to the spicy and acidity and gives these lentil sloppy joes a BBQish edge.
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How to Make Veggie Sloppy Joes
step by step
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!
“WOW! A HOMERUN!!! What an amazing use of lentils! Beyond impressed with this version of healthy sloppy Jo’s that have an absolutely yummy recipe!!! On my rotation for this winters recipes!! GREAT JOB!!!”
Bertha
Traci’s Tips
- If you’re a sourdough baker, Sloppy Joes are delicious shared with Homemade Sourdough Burger Buns.
- Spoon onto soft burger buns and top with a tangy condiment like pickled red onions, Pickled Jalapeños, or dill pickles, and plenty of mustard.
- Sides to Share: this sammie is so good with your favorite coleslaw, prepared tater tots, onion rings or potato salad for the full experience!
- Adding a few onion rings on top offers a little crunch too.
30-Minute Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (215 grams) Dry French Lentils, *see note
- 4 cups (815 grams) Water
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt, divided
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil, I use coconut or olive
- 2 cups (245 grams) Yellow Onion, medium diced, about 1 medium onion
- 2 cups (230 grams) Green Bell Pepper, medium diced, about 1 large pepper
- 2 Large Cloves of Garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoky Paprika
- 3 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 1/2 cups (426 grams) Tomato Sauce, or 1 can
- 1 tablespoons Pickle Juice, or other pickling brine like olive
- 2 teaspoons Vegan Worcestershire
- 3 tablespoons Yellow Mustard
- 2-3 tablespoons 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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Made it? Leave a comment below!
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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
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!).