Lentil Sloppy Joes

Lentil Sloppy Joes

This is a quick and easy meal that also reheats well for lunch the next day or two. Serve this stuffed into a whole-grain bun and eat with your hands, or ladle it over the buns (open-face style) and eat with a fork. I usually serve steamed kale with this dish and fresh corn, when in season.

Ingredients

  • water or low-sodium vegetable stock
    3 ⅓ c
  • onion

    chopped

    1
  • red bell pepper

    chopped

    1
  • chili powder
    1 tbsp
  • dried brown lentils
    1 ½ c
  • 15-ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes
    1
  • soy sauce
    2 tbsp
  • dijon mustard
    2 tbsp
  • brown sugar
    2 tbsp
  • rice vinegar
    1 tsp
  • vegetarian worcestershire sauce
    1 tsp
  • salt to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Place 1 cup of the water or stock in a large pot.

  2. 2

    Add the onions and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until onions soften slightly, about 5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the chili powder and mix in well. Add the remaining liquid, lentils, tomatoes, and the rest of the seasonings. Mix well, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and cook over low heat for one hour, stirring occasionally.

  4. 4

    Serve on whole-wheat buns, or fresh baked bread, with the trimmings of your choice.

Lentil Sloppy Joes

Lentil Sloppy Joes

100 min

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About this Recipe

Delicious & Hearty Lentil Sloppy Joes: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Craving that classic, comforting sloppy joe flavor but looking for a plant-based twist? Our Lentil Sloppy Joes recipe delivers a satisfying, savory, and incredibly easy meal that's perfect for any night of the week! This vibrant dish transforms humble brown lentils into a robust, flavorful filling that's bursting with tangy BBQ-inspired goodness.

What makes this vegetarian sloppy joes recipe truly special is its incredible depth of flavor. Fire-roasted tomatoes bring a smoky sweetness, while a thoughtful blend of soy sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce creates that iconic, zesty, and slightly sweet BBQ profile. It’s a hearty and healthy alternative that doesn't compromise on taste, making it an ideal easy weeknight meal for the whole family.

Serving Suggestions & Tips

Serving up these delicious Lentil Sloppy Joes is half the fun! We love them stuffed into toasted, whole-grain buns for a classic, hands-on experience. For a slightly neater meal, try serving them open-face on buns and enjoying with a fork. To round out your plate and add a boost of nutrition, we highly recommend pairing this dish with simple, steamed greens like kale, or fresh, sweet corn when it's in season. For a little extra kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred into the mix can really elevate the flavors. This quick and simple recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions