Vegan Sloppy Joes

These vegan sloppy joes are everything you loved about the classic sandwich, but with a plant-powered twist that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. The hearty lentil filling is so satisfyingly meaty, even die-hard carnivores won’t believe it’s completely plant-based.

What makes these sloppy joes truly special is their perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors. The combination of aromatic spices, rich tomato sauce, and tender lentils creates that nostalgic sloppy joe taste while packing in tons of protein and fiber. Plus, they come together in just 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Lentils:

• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 cup green or red lentils, well rinsed

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/2 medium white onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium bell pepper, diced
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
• 1-2 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 1-2 Tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 1-2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 pinch smoked paprika (optional)

For Serving:

• Gluten-free or whole wheat hamburger buns

Steps

1. For green lentils: Combine 2 cups liquid and rinsed lentils in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce to low and simmer covered for 18-22 minutes until tender but not mushy. Look for lentils that hold their shape but are easily pierced with a fork.
2. For red lentils: Bring liquid to boil at high heat, add lentils, reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 7-10 minutes. They should be tender but not falling apart – test by gently pressing between your fingers.
3. Heat a large skillet to medium (you should feel warmth holding your hand 6 inches above). Add 2 Tbsp oil and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. The onions should sizzle gently when added.
4. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring every minute. Look for slightly browned edges on onions and peppers that are still crisp-tender.
5. Add remaining sauce ingredients, stirring to combine. The mixture should be thick but not dry – if needed, add 1-2 Tbsp water.
6. Fold in cooked lentils and simmer 5-10 minutes until thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape when scraped with a spatula.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings. The filling should be slightly sweet with a rich umami flavor. If it tastes flat, add more Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp at a time.

Smart Swaps

• Use mushrooms for extra meatiness: finely chop 8 oz and cook with vegetables
• Try black beans instead of lentils (use 2 15-oz cans, drained)
• Replace buns with lettuce wraps to reduce carbs

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Use monk fruit sweetener instead of coconut sugar (1-1.5 Tbsp)
• Serve on cloud bread or low-carb buns (reduces carbs by 25g per serving)
• Add 1 cup riced cauliflower to the filling to increase fiber
• Pair with a side salad dressed with olive oil to slow sugar absorption

Pro Tips

• Make double batch and freeze portions for easy meals
• Toast buns in a dry skillet for better texture and less sogginess
• Let mixture sit 5 minutes before serving to thicken perfectly