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Lentil Sloppy Joes (Stove or Slow Cooker)

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Lentil Sloppy Joes are a plant-based take on a classic comfort food, made with hearty green lentils simmered in a savory-sweet tomato sauce and served on buns. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or family-friendly dinners.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 sandwiches
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop or Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 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 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegan-friendly Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Burger buns, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a pot, combine lentils, water, bouillon cubes, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, smoked paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes until tender.
  2. While lentils cook, finely chop onion, celery, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic or pulse in a food processor.
  3. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped vegetables and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Add cooked lentils and any remaining liquid. Stir well. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking.
  6. If mixture is too loose, uncover and simmer until thickened to desired consistency.
  7. Stir in chopped parsley and serve warm on toasted buns.
  8. Slow Cooker Option: After sautéing vegetables and combining all ingredients (except parsley), transfer to slow cooker. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Stir in parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use red lentils for a smoother, saucier texture.
  • Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
  • Spinach or kale can be stirred in near the end.
  • Toast buns to avoid sogginess.
  • Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/lentil-sloppy-joes-stove-or-slow-cooker/