Vegan Sloppy Joes
User Reviews
5
Vegan Sloppy Joes
Description
This Vegan Sloppy Joes recipe uses brown lentils simmered with a combination of diced yellow onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, and chopped mushrooms to build a meaty texture and base flavor. The sauce is enriched with tomato sauce, maple syrup, vegan Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, simmered until thickened. The balanced savory and slightly sweet sauce coats the lentils and vegetables thoroughly.
The lentils provide a satisfying bite with softness yet structure, mimicking the texture of traditional sloppy joes. Toasting the whole grain buns before assembling helps add texture and prevents sogginess when serving. Optional toppings like pickles or coleslaw introduce contrasts in flavor and crunch, enhancing the finished sandwich.
This recipe can be made ahead by cooking lentils in advance and reheated gently in the sauce. It suits those looking for a plant-based version of a familiar classic without sacrificing heartiness or balanced flavor complexity.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown lentils or green lentils, dry
- 1 ⅓ cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 orange bell pepper diced, or red bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup mushroom diced
- 1 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce vegan
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ground
- 4 whole grain buns toasted
- onion pickles and/or coleslaw, toppings
Instructions
- Prepare lentils by rinsing them and adding to a pot with water and a bay leaf. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat down and simmer covered until most of the liquid is absorbed and lentils are tender (about 15-20 minutes). Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, drain any excess liquid and set the lentils aside to cool. This step can be done in advance.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic and mushrooms and sauté for 7-10 minutes, until softened.
- Add the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted buns with toppings of choice. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 353 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 sloppy joe, no toppings | |
| Calories | 353kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 13g | 26% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 717mg | 30% |
| Potassium | 764mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 10g | 40% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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