Lentil Sloppy Joes

This was one of the first vegan recipes that pushed me out of my comfort zone and started my love of the kitchen!

Growing up, sloppy joes was one of my favorite meals. I would ask my dad to make it all the time, and it felt like comfort food. When I switched to a vegan diet, I knew I had to find a great alternative.

This recipe has no unusual ingredients and has SO many great flavors, I crave it more often than I should, and it’s just as delicious & comforting as the sloppy joes my dad used to make.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup dry lentils
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small white or yellow onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 pinch paprika

Method:

  • Rinse the lentils. Combine with water in a small saucepan & bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes or until tender. Drain excess liquid.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and season with salt & pepper.
  • Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the onions are slightly browned and tender. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the tomato sauce, sugar, cumin, paprika, soy sauce, and chili powder.
  • Once the lentils are ready, add them to the skillet. Continue cooking for about 5-10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until heated through and thick.

Taste & adjust the flavor as needed. Serve on toasted buns. Enjoy & share!

* If you want a more beef-like texture, mash half of the lentils with a potato masher or process half of the mixture in a food processor.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

This is one of my favorites! It's simple yet creative, and so so delicious.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 6
Calories 182 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup dry lentils
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small white or yellow onion minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 pinch paprika

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the lentils. Combine with water in a small saucepan & bring to boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain excess liquid.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and season with salt & pepper.
  • Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the onions are slightly browned and tender. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the tomato sauce, sugar, cumin, paprika, soy sauce, and chili powder.
  • Once the lentils are ready, add them to the skillet. Continue cooking for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and thick.
  • Taste and adjust flavor as needed.* Serve on toasted buns.
  • Enjoy & share!

Nutrition

Calories: 182kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 9gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 270mgPotassium: 356mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 224IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Hi! I’m Jamie.

I’m here to make your life easier! I stopped eating animal products in 2018 in order to be kinder to animals and the planet. This website is where I share my favorite vegan recipes that are simple and economical. Enjoy!

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