Vegan Sloppy Joes

Vegan sloppy joes that will knock your socks off! They are quick and easy to make, loaded with flavor, and the best family friendly recipe.

This sloppy joe’s recipe is also full of nutrients. They are made with lentils, a great source of plant based protein!

Ingredients

Lentils are a staple in our house. We love them and put them in everything, so it only made sense to create lentil sloppy joes! They are filled with protein and iron, both of which are needed in our vegan diet, along with tons of nutrients and fiber.

Here is what you need to make the filling of this vegan sloppy joe recipe:

• Yellow or sweet onion
• Green or red pepper 
• Garlic cloves 
• Veggie broth 
• Green or brown lentils
• Tomato sauce 
• Tamari or soy sauce
• Maple syrup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt 

How To Make Vegan Sloppy Joes

This recipe is so easy to make on the stove, but see below if you would like to use a slow cooker or pressure cooker instead.

Here are the stovetop directions:

1. Sauté the veggies.
2. Add remaining ingredients.
3. Cook until thickened.
4. Serve!

How to cook in a slow cooker

To cook these lentil sloppy joes in the crock pot, it’s best to sauté the peppers, onion and garlic first. Then put everything into a crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-5.

Pressure cooker instructions

If you have an instant pot with a sauté setting, then follow the recipe and sauté the peppers, onion and garlic. Then add the rest of the ingredients and do the following:

1. Put on the top and move the valve to the sealing position.
2. Cook on the manual setting for 6-7 minutes.
3. Once done, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes or so, then move the valve to the release position. Once released open and enjoy!

Topping suggestions

Traditionally sloppy joes are served on buns with or without toppings. Some of our favorite toppings to choose from are:

• Pickles
• Shredded cabbage or Mexican Coleslaw
• Spicy Cilantro Cream Sauce
• Vegan Ranch Dressing
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Green onions
• Cheese
• Vegan Sour Cream

What to serve with vegan sloppy joes

These go great with loads of sides! Serve them with any or all of these:

• Veggie tots
• Oven baked french fries
• Baked Vegan Eggplant Fries
• Vegan Macaroni Salad
• Loaded Baked Potato

More ways to use the filling

Mix it up each week! Instead of buns, try the lentil sloppy joe filling in any these ways:

• Serve in a wrap with tortilla or flatbread.
• Put on pizza crust as part of a pizza.
• Bowl style with rice and potatoes, greens, etc.
• Over pasta.
• As a dip!

How to add extra veggies

Adding veggies into this vegan sloppy joe recipe is super easy!

I started with the hidden veggies I wanted in it and turned to my tried and true zucchini, carrots, and onion, which I knew would pair well with the tomato and not overpower on taste.

But you really can add anything. Just be mindful of how strong the veggie flavor is. You could also do veggies on the side if you wanted more variety!

I also added more veggies into the toppings. Because I can’t stand soggy bread, I put some pickles (patted them dry first) on the bottom piece of bread, then the lentils, then covered those with a coleslaw.

The combination of crunchy and soft was awesome and the layers protected the bread from getting tomato sauce soggy!

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Keep your leftovers fresh, or make this lentil sloppy joe recipe in advance to keep dinnertime easier!

• If prepping ahead, make sure you’re using lentils that aren’t going to get too mushy over time.
  • Green and brown lentils are best because the cook soft enough to bind together a little but also hold their shape well.
• You can make the filling and store it in an air tight container in the fridge.
• The filling will last about 5-7 days in the refrigerator, but is best with flavor and texture if you eat them within 3 days.
• You can also freeze the vegan sloppy joe filling. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.