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Chef Verde
3 days ago

Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils

Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils

Recipe Details

Author Minimalist Baker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes

Summary

Hearty, smoky-sweet lentil sloppy joes with a savory tomato base, gentle heat, and satisfying texture — a quick, comforting plant-based sandwich.

Instructions

  1. 1

    If using green lentils: Add 2 cups liquid (water and/or vegetable broth) and rinsed green lentils to a small saucepan. Bring to a low boil over medium-high, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 18-22 minutes until tender. Drain excess liquid.

  2. 2

    If using red lentils: Bring 2 cups liquid (water and/or vegetable broth) to a boil. Add rinsed red lentils, return to a gentle boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook uncovered 7-10 minutes until just tender. Drain well.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil, minced onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Sauté 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender and lightly browned.

  4. 4

    Stir in tomato sauce, coconut sugar, vegan Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, and paprika (if using). Mix to combine.

  5. 5

    Add cooked lentils to the skillet and stir to coat. Cook over medium-low heat 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and heated through.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust: add more chili powder or cumin for smokiness, salt for saltiness, coconut sugar for sweetness, or Worcestershire for depth.

  7. 7

    Serve the mixture on toasted hamburger buns with additional sliced onion if desired.

  8. 8

    Storage: Best fresh, but the sloppy joe mixture keeps refrigerated 4-5 days or frozen up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if thick.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth (or use half water, half vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup lentils (green or red, well rinsed)
  • 2 Tbsp oil (olive, grapeseed, or avocado)
  • 1/2 medium onion (white or yellow, minced; plus more for serving, sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 medium bell pepper (red or green, diced)
  • to taste sea salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 15 oz (1 can) tomato sauce
  • 1-2 Tbsp coconut sugar (or sub brown sugar; plus more to taste)
  • 1-2 Tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce (ensure gluten-free if needed)
  • 1-2 tsp chili powder (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (plus more to taste)
  • 1 pinch paprika (smoked or regular; optional)
  • 4 hamburger buns (gluten-free or whole-wheat, toasted; optional, for serving)
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