#lentils

The Coziest, Easiest Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes 🌱🍔

Remember that messy, delicious joy of a sloppy joe? This vegan version is even BETTER. It’s made with wholesome lentils in a perfectly sweet, tangy, and smoky sauce that’s 100% plant-based.

It’s ready in under 30 minutes, dirt cheap to make, and will absolutely satisfy that comfort food craving. Warning: it’s called "sloppy" for a reason—you’ll need plenty of napkins!

Key Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4-6 sandwiches

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Calories

Per Serving (filling only, without bun): Approximately 200-250 calories.

Ingredients

For the Lentil Filling:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 yellow onion, finely diced

1 green bell pepper, finely diced

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over

2 ½ cups vegetable broth

For the Sloppy Joe Sauce:

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari

1-2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or yellow mustard

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp chili powder (optional, for a little heat)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving:

4-6 soft burger buns

Sliced pickles, avocado, or a handful of spinach

How to Prepare

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Lentils:

Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

3. Create the Sauce:

Once the lentils are cooked, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using).

4. Simmer to Perfection:

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired "sloppy" consistency.

Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Serve:

Lightly toast the burger buns if desired.

Spoon a generous amount of the hot lentil mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.