Slow Cooker BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 2 15-ounce cans chickpeas
drained
- 1/2 cup uncooked split red lentils
rinsed
- 1 small onion
diced [about 1 cup]
- 3 medium cloves garlic
diced [about 1 tablespoon]
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon red crushed pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
- 4 hamburger buns*
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Sliced red onion
- Dill pickles or sweet pickles
- 3-quart or larger slow cooker
Directions
- 1
Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high 5-6 hours, until the lentils are cooked through and the mixture thickens. Open the slow cooker and, using a potato masher, mash about 1/3 of the filling. Give it a good stir, replace the lid, and let it cook for another 30 minutes or so until thickened.
- 2
Meanwhile, toast the buns. Brush insides with olive oil and place cut-side-up under the broiler in your oven. Broil 30 - 60 seconds until golden.
- 3
Place buns on plate and spoon filling over the top. Add toppings if desired. Serve.
- 4
Leftover filling keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Slow Cooker BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 8 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself? These Slow Cooker BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes deliver all the classic tangy, smoky flavor you love with the convenience of your slow cooker. It’s the perfect fuss-free dinner solution for busy weeknights.
This recipe stands out by combining tender chickpeas with split red lentils, creating a wonderfully thick and rich texture that mimics traditional sloppy joes. The slow cooking process allows the tangy tomato and barbecue base, infused with apple cider vinegar and dark brown sugar, to deeply meld with savory spices like dry mustard and vegan Worcestershire sauce, developing layers of complex flavor that make every bite incredibly satisfying.
Get ready for a truly satisfying, plant-based meal. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly smoky barbecue notes, balanced by a hint of warmth from the red crushed pepper flakes. The texture is incredibly hearty, thanks to the chickpeas and lentils, ensuring a filling experience that won't leave you missing meat.
It’s the ultimate comforting dish, perfect for piling high on your favorite bun. This naturally hearty vegetarian meal makes a wonderful addition to your slow cooker repertoire.
Customization & Serving Tips
Feel free to personalize your sloppy joes. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the red crushed pepper flakes. For a lighter meal, consider serving the sloppy joe mixture in lettuce cups instead of hamburger buns. You can also experiment with different types of pickles—dill or sweet—to complement the tangy barbecue sauce.
These Slow Cooker BBQ Chickpea Sloppy Joes are ideal for a casual family dinner, a potluck, or game day gatherings. Serve them warm on soft hamburger buns, topped generously with crisp sliced red onion and crunchy dill or sweet pickles for that essential sloppy joe experience.