A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Plant-Based Classic
Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food, and this Vegan Sloppy Joes recipe gives the classic dish a plant-based twist without sacrificing any flavor! Made with lentils, savory spices, and a tangy tomato sauce, this meal is hearty, filling, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
I love this recipe because it’s wholesome, packed with protein, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re serving these on a toasted bun, over rice, or with roasted potatoes, this dish is sure to be a hit with both vegans and meat-lovers alike!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes! Simply drain and rinse canned lentils, then add them directly to the sauce. Reduce the simmering time to 10-15 minutes.
Q: What’s the best type of lentils to use?
Green or brown lentils work best because they hold their shape while cooking and provide a meaty texture. Red lentils can be used but will create a softer, mushier consistency.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Serve the filling on gluten-free buns, over cooked rice, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The filling stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and actually tastes even better the next day. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q: What toppings go well with Vegan Sloppy Joes?
Try sliced avocado, pickles, coleslaw, jalapeños, caramelized onions, or vegan cheese for extra flavor and texture.
What You Need to Make Vegan Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup dry lentils (brown or green), rinsed
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 4-6 hamburger buns (or gluten-free option)
How to Make Vegan Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and salt, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Lentils
- Add lentils and vegetable broth, stirring well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Toast hamburger buns for extra texture.
- Spoon the lentil mixture onto each bun and add desired toppings.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Vegan Sloppy Joes
✔ For extra depth of flavor – Add a dash of liquid smoke or Worcestershire sauce (vegan-friendly) for a smoky taste.
✔ Want it spicier? – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
✔ Prefer a chunkier texture? – Stir in chopped mushrooms or crumbled tempeh for added bite.
✔ Meal prep friendly – The filling stores well, so make a double batch!
✔ Make it oil-free – Sauté veggies with vegetable broth instead of oil.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma L. – “These were SO good! The lentils make it hearty, and the sauce is perfectly tangy and sweet.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 James K. – “Super easy to make! I served it with coleslaw on top, and it was amazing!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Samantha W. – “A great plant-based meal that even my non-vegan family loved. Will make again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lucas R. – “I added mushrooms for extra texture, and it turned out great! Perfect for meal prep.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “This was a hit! So much flavor, and the leftovers were even better the next day!”
Printable Recipe
Vegan Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup dry lentils (brown or green), rinsed
- 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 4-6 hamburger buns (or gluten-free option)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and salt, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Lentils
- Add lentils and vegetable broth, stirring well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
Step 4: Assemble & Serve
- Toast hamburger buns for extra texture.
- Spoon the lentil mixture onto each bun and add desired toppings.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Vegan Sloppy Joes, don’t keep them to yourself! Share them on social media, pin them on Pinterest, or send them to a friend who’s looking for a hearty, plant-based meal. I’d love to see your versions—tag me if you try them!
