Go Back
vegan sloppy joe recipe

Vegan Sloppy Joe Recipe

Vegan Sloppy Joes offers a delicious, plant-based twist on the classic American sandwich. It's a perfect blend of familiar comfort food flavors and health-conscious ingredients, ideal for vegans and meat lovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium Pot With Lid
  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Can Opener
  • Colander
  • Toaster Or Oven
  • Food Processor
  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • LENTILS
  • 2 cups Water (half water, half vegetable broth)
  • 1 cup Green or Red Lentils (well rinsed)
  • SLOPPY JOES
  • 2 Tbsp Olive/Grape Seed/Avocado Oil
  • 1/2 medium White or Yellow Onion (minced) (plus more for serving)
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 medium Red or Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper To taste
  • 1  can Tomato Sauce (15-ounce)
  • 1-2 Tbsp Coconut Sugar (or sub brown sugar, more to taste)
  • 1-2 Tbsp Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (ensure gluten-free if needed)
  • 1-2 tsp Chili Powder (more to taste)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin (more to taste)
  • 1 pinch Smoked or Regular Paprika
  • Gluten-Free or Whole-Wheat Buns As needed

Instructions
 

  • Cooking The Lentils
    Add 1 cup of uncooked green lentils and 4 cups of water in a medium pot.
    Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
    Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid.
    Allow the lentils to simmer for 18-20 minutes or until tender but not mushy.
    Once cooked, drain any excess liquid from the lentils and set them aside.
    Alternative: If using canned lentils, drain and rinse 3 cups.
  • Sautéing The Vegetables
    Place a large skillet over medium heat and pour 1 tablespoon olive oil.
    Once the oil is hot, add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 1 chopped small green bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
    Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly soft and aromatic.
  • Adding Spices
    Add 3 tablespoons of chili powder and 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika to the skillet.
    Stir well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
    Cook for about 1 minute. Add a little water to prevent sticking if the mixture seems too dry.
  • Creating The Sauce
    Pour in one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce into the skillet.
    Add 2 tablespoons of ketchup (or tomato paste), 3 tablespoons of yellow mustard, and 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup.
    Stir the mixture well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
    Combining Lentils and Seasoning
    Add the cooked (or canned) lentils into the skillet.
    Mix the lentils with the sauce and vegetables until everything is well combined.
    Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt, or adjust to your taste.
  • Serving
    Serve the Vegan Sloppy Joe mixture on burger buns. You can toast the buns if desired.
    Optional: Top with red onion slices for added flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • Lentil Choice: Green lentils are preferred for their texture, but brown lentils can also be used. Avoid red lentils as they become too mushy.
  • Consistency Adjustments: If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more water or tomato sauce. If it is too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika to suit your heat preference. For extra heat, consider adding cayenne pepper.
  • Sauce Variation: Feel free to experiment with different types of mustard or ketchup to tweak the flavor profile.
  • Sweetness Balance: The maple syrup adds sweetness. Adjust the quantity based on how sweet or savory you prefer your Sloppy Joes.
  • Serving Suggestions: Besides buns, this great recipe is versatile and goes well with rice, pasta, or even a filling for tacos.
  • Make-Ahead: This recipe can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days, enhancing the flavors.