Vegan Sloppy Joes
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.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!
I love meals that my kids love and are easy and quick for me. Especially when that meal is healthy and fills them up! You can pair these vegan sloppy joes with creamy coleslaw for an awesome well rounded meal.
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:
- Sauté the veggies.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Cook until thickened.
- 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:
- Put on the top and move the valve to the sealing position.
- Cook on the manual setting for 6-7 minutes.
- 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:
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.
Common Questions
Why are they called sloppy joes?
These types of sandwiches are actually the creation of a cook from the 1930’s! I can’t believe they are that old. Loose meat sandwiches were popular then and he added tomato sauce to his sandwiches. These became popular and the Sloppy Joe was born!
How do I substitute lentils for meat?
Lentils have a great meaty texture and flavor. They make even traditional meaty dishes taste incredible, like in my Vegan Shepherd’s Pie. You would substitute one cup of uncooked lentils for about one pound of ground beef, but it really depends on the recipe and other ingredients. One cup of uncooked lentils will become roughly 2 cups once cooked.
Can I use vegan meat instead of lentils?
Yes you can! One pound of plant based ground beef can be used in place of the lentils.
More Vegan Sandwich Recipes
Once you devour all of these vegetarian sloppy joes, try these family favorites:
Vegan Sloppy Joes
When we committed to a vegan lifestyle, I worried that my kids would miss out on definitive childhood meals; luckily, these vegan sloppy joes ensure there is zero fomo in my house. I use hearty lentils, rich tomato sauce, and colorful peppers and cook them into a savory, slightly smoky, perfectly saucy weeknight dinner that only takes 35 minutes to make.
Servings: 8
Calories: 130kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped yellow or sweet onion
- 1 cup chopped green or red pepper , or a combo of both
- 2 garlic cloves , finely chopped
- Drizzle of oil or broth to sauté
- 2 cups broth (see note)
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
- 15 ounces tomato sauce (see note)
- 1 tablespoon Tamari/soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Sea salt , if needed (see note)
Equipment
- pressure cooker (optional)
- slow cooker (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté onion, pepper and garlic with drizzle of oil or broth until softened.
- Add lentils and cook a few minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients.
- Cook for about 20-30 minutes, depending on texture preference.
- Serve with toppings of choice!
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for this vegan sloppy joes recipe is to let the filling simmer until it is thick enough to mound on a spoon. The lentils continue absorbing the flavorful sauce as they cook, and reaching this consistency is how I create that quintessential texture that stays on the bun instead of running off with every bite.
- Choose the right lentils: Green and brown lentils are the best choice because they soften while still holding their shape. I avoid using red lentils as they break down too much and create a texture that is closer to a puree.
- Toast the buns: I like to lightly toast the burger buns before assembling the sandwiches. It helps prevent them from becoming soggy once the filling is added.
- Taste before serving: Tomato sauces and vegetable broths vary in saltiness, so I always taste the filling during the last few minutes of cooking before deciding whether it needs more salt.
- Prep toppings first: I slice the pickles, shred the cabbage, and toast the buns while the lentils simmer so everything is ready to go as soon as the filling is done.
- Rinse lentils: I always rinse and drain my lentils thoroughly, making sure to remove any stones.
Nutrition
Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 477mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 941IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3mg
