Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes (with stove top instructions)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
188 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Soup
Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes (with stove top instructions)
Description
This recipe combines diced onion and red bell pepper sautéed until softened, then adds brown lentils and split red lentils to cook in vegetable broth with tomato paste, tamari sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato sauce. Using split red lentils helps thicken the mixture as they absorb liquid and break down, creating a dense filling with a mildly spiced savory flavor. Cooking both in an Instant Pot under pressure or on the stovetop yields tender lentils and a thick sauce perfect for sandwich filling.
The result is a plant-based sloppy joe filling that offers a texture reminiscent of ground meat with a tomato-forward, smoky seasoning profile. The recipe allows serving on vegan burger buns with coleslaw, pickled onions, or pickles for contrast. It can also be enjoyed as a soup when more broth and tomato sauce are added.
Practical advice includes not adding extra salt initially, since tamari and broth provide sodium, and using split red lentils specifically to achieve the right consistency. The lentil mixture stores well refrigerated or frozen for later use.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth see notes, low sodium
- 1 cup brown lentils or green lentils
- 1 cup red lentils split
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce if not avoiding gluten
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup tomato sauce or tomato puree *see notes
Optional
- vegan burger buns or other buns of choice
- coleslaw
- pickle
- pickled onion
Instructions
Instant Pot Directions
- Select sauté on your Instant Pot, and add the onions and peppers with a tablespoon or two of water and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add all remaining ingredients, close the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position. Set to high pressure for 6 minutes. (It will take 10-15 minutes to build pressure before counting down.) When the timer is complete, quick release the steam valve.
- Serve with buns and toppings or enjoy as a soup.
Stove Top Directions
- In a large sauce pan over medium heat, add the onions and peppers with a tablespoon or two of water and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened
- Add all the remaining ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium low and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are cooked and the liquids are mostly absorbed.
- Serve with buns and toppings or enjoy as a soup.
Notes
- To make sloppy joe soup, add extra tomato sauce and vegetable broth, increasing liquid while omitting added salt initially.
- Use split red lentils, not whole, for thickening the mixture appropriately; split yellow lentils or peas can be good substitutes.
- Adjust seasoning by adding cayenne or hot sauce for spice if desired; recipe is mildly spiced by default.
- For soy-free, omit tamari and substitute with coconut aminos or add salt to taste.
- Additional vegetables like celery, carrot, mushrooms, or peas can be added for nutrition.
- Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze airtight up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 188 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 188cal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Sodium | 327mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 619mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 16g | 64% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 675IU | 14% |
| Vitamin C | 26mg | 29% |
| Calcium | 36mg | 4% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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