Vegan Sloppy Joes

🌱 Ingredients & Notes

Here is everything you need for this recipe:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - A high-quality olive oil adds richness and is used to sauté the aromatics for a flavorful base.
• Brown Onion - Choose a small onion and chop it finely. It adds sweetness and depth to the lentil mixture.
• Garlic Cloves - Minced or grated, these bring bold, aromatic flavor to the dish. You can sub this with garlic powder, if needed.
• Spices (Paprika, Ground Cumin, Cayenne Pepper) - These smoky, warm spices add depth and a touch of heat. Adjust the cayenne for spice preference, or swap it for chili powder.
• Lentils (Tinned) - I used a 400g tin of cooked lentils, drained thoroughly to avoid excess liquid. They’re the protein-packed base of this sloppy joe recipe! I like to use brown lentils for this recipe, but you can also experiment with green lentils or red lentils.
• Vegetable Stock - Adds moisture and enhances the savory, rich flavor of the filling.
• Passata - This smooth and tangy tomato base is essential for the sauce!
• Tomato Paste - Thickens the sauce and provides a concentrated tomato taste.
• Agave Syrup - Balances the tanginess of the tomato with a subtle sweetness. Maple syrup, brown sugar or coconut sugar could also work as a substitute.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Adds acidity to brighten and balance the flavors in the sauce. For an extra umami boost, you can also add a splash of soy sauce or tangy vegan Worcestershire sauce.
• Vegan-Friendly Hamburger Buns - Toast these for extra texture and to prevent sogginess.

If you're feeling extra fancy and want to make your sloppy joes extra filling, you can also add some thinly sliced red bell pepper or green pepper to the lentil mix!

For Serving:

• Pickles and Coleslaw (optional) - Add crunch and freshness to contrast the rich, saucy lentil filling.

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for detailed quantities and measurements.

🔪 Equipment

Here is all the equipment you need to make this recipe:

• Large Skillet or Pan - A wide pan works best to let the sauce thicken evenly and coat the lentils properly.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula - Ideal for stirring without scratching non-stick surfaces.
• Can Opener - Needed to open the tinned lentils.
• Mixing Bowl - Use this to whisk the sauce ingredients together.
• Toaster or Skillet - For toasting the hamburger buns to add texture and prevent sogginess.

🧑‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chopped onion until softened, then stir in garlic, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper or chili powder, a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Add Lentils

Drain and add lentils to the skillet. Mix well to coat with spices and aromatics.

Step 4: Simmer Mixture

Simmer over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the lentils.

Step 5: Toast Buns

Toast vegan-friendly hamburger buns until lightly crispy for added texture.

Step 6: Assemble Sloppy Joes

Spoon the lentil mixture onto toasted buns. Add optional toppings like pickles and coleslaw. Serve warm.

🍽️ Serving

Serve these Vegan Sloppy Joes warm on toasted buns with pickles and coleslaw for a tasty crunch and added freshness!

You can pair them with fries, a simple salad or roasted veggies.

They're perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Leftover filling keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge-just reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water if it thickens too much. Enjoy this hearty plant-based spin on a classic favorite!

❄️ Storage

Leftovers? No problem! Store your Vegan Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to reheat

When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat.

🔜 Related Recipes

If you loved these Vegan Sloppy Joes, you might want to check out my Vegan Burger Buns for the perfect homemade pairing or try my hearty Lentil Stroganoff for another comforting meal using lentils.

Here's a handy recipe card that you can print out and keep in your kitchen for easy reference:

📖 Recipe Card

Vegan Sloppy Joes

Romy

These Vegan Sloppy Joes offer a quick & delicious plant-based spin on the American classic - featuring protein-rich lentils in a zesty tomato sauce.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty recipe is sure to please the whole family. Serve on toasted buns with pickles and coleslaw for a fun, satisfyingly messy meal that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Sandwich

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• Large Skillet or Pan
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
• Can Opener
• mixing bowl
• Toaster or Skillet

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 whole small brown onion chopped
• 2 whole garlic cloves minced or grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• ½ teaspoon salt
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 14oz-can brown lentils (400g) 240g, drained
• 2 cups vegetable stock 500 ml
• 1 cup tomato passata 250 ml
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

For Serving:

• 4 vegan-friendly burger buns
• pickles optional
• coleslaw optional

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes fragrant.
• Drain the tinned lentils thoroughly and add them to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the onion, garlic, and spices. Make sure the lentils are evenly coated.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the vegetable stock, passata, tomato puree, agave syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the lentil mixture.
• Stir the mixture gently to ensure everything is well combined. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes over medium heat. The sauce should thicken and coat the lentils. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• While the lentil mixture is cooking, toast the vegan-friendly hamburger buns. You can use a toaster or a skillet for this step. Lightly toast them to add texture and flavor.
• Spoon the cooked lentil mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with pickles and coleslaw if desired. Place the top half of the bun over the filling and serve immediately.

Notes

• Serving - Serve the Vegan Sloppy Joes on toasted buns for the best texture. Add pickles and coleslaw for a fresh crunch and extra flavor. Pair with fries, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The sloppy joe mixture also works well as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for wraps.
• Storage - Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.
• Reheating - Warm the lentil mixture on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up. Always toast fresh buns before serving to maintain the perfect texture.
• Tips & Tricks:
  • Use high-quality lentils and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the mixture.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference, or omit it for a milder version.
  • Toasting the buns prevents them from becoming soggy and adds a delicious crunch!
  • For a gluten-free option, swap the buns for gluten-free hamburger buns.
  • Customize your toppings with sliced avocado, vegan cheese, or fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
  • Double the recipe for meal prep and freeze portions for quick, protein-packed meals on busy nights.
  • Experiment with different lentil varieties like green or brown lentils for varied texture.

Keyword lentil sloppy joe, vegan sloppy joe recipe, vegan sloppy joes

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