These lentil sloppy joes are a comforting, budget-friendly, plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Made with hearty lentils simmered in a sweet, savory, and lightly smoky tomato sauce, this filling is rich, satisfying, and perfect piled high on a soft bun for an easy family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with simple, affordable pantry staples
• High in plant-based protein and fiber
• Rich, nostalgic sloppy joe flavor without meat
• Easy to make on the stovetop or in a slow cooker
• Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
• Customizable with extra vegetables or spice

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 2 vegetable bouillon cubes
• 3 teaspoons chili powder, divided
• 3 teaspoons paprika, divided
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 3 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery rib, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 red or green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons neutral oil
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Burger buns, for serving

Directions

1. Add the lentils to a small pot along with the water, bouillon cubes, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well, bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30–35 minutes until tender.
2. While the lentils cook, add the onion, celery, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Alternatively, chop everything very finely by hand.
3. Heat the oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped vegetable mixture and sauté until fragrant and softened, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Add the cooked lentils along with any remaining cooking liquid. Mix well, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking.
6. If the mixture is still too loose, uncover and continue simmering in 10-minute increments until thick. The mixture is ready when it holds its shape and does not quickly flow back together when pushed aside with a spoon.
7. Stir in the chopped parsley. Serve warm on burger buns, optionally toasted.

Slow Cooker Option

After sautéing the vegetables and combining all ingredients, transfer everything (except parsley and buns) to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 to 6 sandwiches
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 60–70 minutes (stovetop)
• Total time: About 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Use red lentils for a softer, more saucy texture
• Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables
• Stir in spinach or kale near the end for added greens
• Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat
• Balance acidity with 1–2 teaspoons of brown sugar or maple syrup if needed
• Serve open-faced with vegan cheese and broil until melted

Storage/Reheating

Allow the lentil sloppy joe mixture to cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth if the mixture has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use red lentils instead of green lentils?

Yes, red lentils work well and will break down more, creating a softer, thicker filling.

Are these lentil sloppy joes kid-friendly?

Yes, they are mild, flavorful, and familiar, making them great for kids. You can reduce spices if needed.

Do I need a food processor?

No, it just saves time. Finely chopping by hand works perfectly.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes, you can sauté the vegetables using a small amount of vegetable broth instead of oil.

How do I prevent soggy buns?

Toast the buns lightly before filling them.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the flavor improves over time, making it perfect for meal prep.

What can I serve with lentil sloppy joes?

They pair well with fries, mashed potatoes, salads, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes very well for up to 3 months.

Can I adjust the sweetness?

Absolutely. Add a small amount of sweetener if your tomato sauce is very acidic.

How thick should the mixture be?

It should be thick enough to hold its shape on a bun without dripping excessively.

Conclusion

Lentil sloppy joes are a hearty, comforting, and affordable plant-based meal that delivers classic flavor with wholesome ingredients. Whether you make them on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and feeding a crowd with ease.

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