30-Minute Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes

Lentil Sloppy Joe with a onion ring on top.

30-Minute Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes

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.

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Diet Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword Lentil Sloppy Joes, Vegan Sloppy Joes, Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Total Time 30

Servings Servings

Calories 239kcal

Author Traci York

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

*Look for organic Dry French Lentils in the bulk bins. Bob's Red Mill also carries packaged heritage French Lentils.

Nutrition below does not include buns or additional condiments.

Nutrition