Lentil Sloppy Joes (Stove or Slow Cooker)
User Reviews
5
Lentil Sloppy Joes (Stove or Slow Cooker)
Description
Lentil Sloppy Joes combine cooked green lentils with a finely chopped mirepoix of onion, celery, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic, all simmered in a flavorful sauce composed of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, and a blend of chili powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. The spices bring warmth and depth, while the vegetables contribute texture and flavor.
The mixture is cooked slowly to meld flavors and develop a thick consistency ideal for sandwich filling. Lentils provide a tender but slightly firm bite, mimicking the texture of traditional meat sloppy joes without using animal products.
This filling is suited for serving on toasted burger buns, complemented by classic sandwich toppings or sides such as pickles or coleslaw. It offers a satisfying, vegetal alternative for casual dinners or lunches.
For convenience, pre-chopped vegetable mixes can speed preparation, and seasoning can be adjusted before finishing. Toasting the buns helps prevent sogginess. A quicker method involves shorter lentil cooking times and finishing with vegetables for a lighter version.
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 cumin divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1 celery chopped, rib
- 1 carrot chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped, or green bell pepper
- 5 garlic minced, cloves
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce vegan-friendly
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ½ cup parsley chopped
- burger buns
Instructions
- Over medium high heat, add the lentils to a small pot. Add the water, boullion cubes, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, bring to boil, cover, and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook covered for 30 to 35 minutes.
- While the lentils cook, add the onion, celery, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped but not mushed. If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop everything by hand.
- Heat the oil in a large pot with a lid over medium high heat. Add the onion mixture and cook until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Mix well and bring to boil, lower the heat and add the cooked lentils together with any excess liquid.
- Mix well, cover, and cook on a low simmer for 30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to prevent burning. During this time, the mixture will thicken up and the lentils will continue to cook and break down.
- Uncover and cook for another 30 minutes if the mixture is still too runny. To test if the mixture is ready, push the mixture to the sides of the pot, make a well in the middle. If the mixture quickly starts to close the well, it is not ready. If the mixture does not move and the well stays the same size, the mixture is ready.
- Add the chopped parsley and serve on the burger buns.
Notes
- Using pre-prepared mirepoix saves chopping time, but finely chopping by hand also works.
- Adjust spices at the end to fit your preferred flavor intensity.
- Toast burger buns before serving to keep sandwiches from becoming soggy.
- For a quicker version, cook lentils less and finish thickening with vegetables for a faster meal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4- 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 474 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 474kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 69g | 23% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 0.04g | 2% |
| Sodium | 1244mg | 52% |
| Potassium | 1168mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 21g | 84% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 5281IU | 106% |
| Vitamin C | 49mg | 54% |
| Calcium | 184mg | 18% |
| Iron | 9mg | 50% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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