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Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes
5 from 78 votes

Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes bring plant-based protein to the classic sloppy joe with a blend of green lentils, vegetables, and spices cooked together to form a hearty, savory filling. The sauce has smoky and tangy notes from smoked paprika, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce alternatives, creating a rich texture that's thickened as it cools. This recipe is versatile, serving well inside buns, wraps, or over a baked potato, and is suitable for meal prep and freezing.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 172 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegan, gluten-free

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup broth , or use 1 tsp oil to saute
  • 1/2 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1/2 bell pepper chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrot chopped
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chili powder or taco seasoning or bbq seasoning, blend
  • 1 cup tomato finely chopped or sauce
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1-2 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional, (or use soy sauce/tamari, or coconut aminos for soyfree, vegan
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup green lentils picked for stones and washed if needed, dried
  • 1 1/4 cup water or broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add 2 tbsp broth in the Instant Pot on saute. Add the onion, garlic, pepper, celery, carrots and a good pinch of salt. Cook for 3 mins. Deglaze with more broth mid-way.  (See saucepan instructions in Notes below).
  2. Add the spices, tomato, tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and mix in. Add salt, sugar, lentils, broth, and mix in. Mix well to pick up any stuck bits 
  3. Close the lid and pressure cook at bean/chili setting for 22 mins or at manual/pressure cook for 16 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Taste and adjust salt, flavor. (The sauce keeps thickening on cooling even if it looks slightly liquidy when opened. If you used extra broth, wait for a few mins to see if its thickening enough and then you might have to saute for a few mins to reduce. )
  4. Serve in buns or bread with coleslaw or onion or crunchy greens.  or in wraps or over baked potato. These sloppy lentils are freezer friendly and meal prep friendly. Refrigerate for upto 4 days and freeze for upto a month. 

Notes

  • When using the saucepan method, rinse and cook lentils before combining with sautéed vegetables and sauce to deepen flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning with mustard, smoked paprika, or barbecue sauce to vary the flavor profile.
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to four days or freeze for longer storage.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools; if needed, reheat and sauté briefly to reduce excess liquid.

Nutrition Information

Calories 172kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 32g (11%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 0.1g (0%) Sodium 434mg (18%) Potassium 760mg (16%) Fiber 13g (52%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 4485IU (90%) Vitamin C 33.2mg (37%) Calcium 53mg (5%) Iron 3.6mg (20%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 172

% Daily Value*

Calories 172kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 32g 11%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 0.1g 0%
Sodium 434mg 18%
Potassium 760mg 16%
Fiber 13g 52%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 4485IU 90%
Vitamin C 33.2mg 37%
Calcium 53mg 5%
Iron 3.6mg 20%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.