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This Lentil Sloppy Joes recipe is saucy, messy, and so satisfying — and because they use pre-cooked lentils, they come together in about 15 minutes. You still get all the cozy, nostalgic sloppy joe flavor, just without the meat (or the long simmer time!). Perfect for busy weeknights.
Need more easy vegetarian meals? You will absolutely love my Crispy Tofu Rice Bowls, this CREAMY Easy Alfredo Sauce, or even my High Protein Edamame Salad!
Why you’ll love these meatless Sloppy Joes
If you grew up loving classic sloppy joes, buckle up because we’re giving them the vegan glow-up they truly deserve! These Lentil Sloppy Joes have all the saucy, messy, sweet-tangy goodness you remember—just with a veggie-packed twist that somehow makes them feel both nostalgic and a little virtuous. And bonus, it’s a fully vegan recipe!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- High-protein vegetarian dinner thanks to the lentils.
- Family-friendly — even picky eaters love the sweet-savory sauce.
- Budget-friendly and pantry-friendly.
- Make-ahead & freezer-friendly — perfect for meal prep.
- One-pan, easy cleanup + super fast because the recipe uses pre-cooked lentils.
In this post…
Sloppy Joe Ingredients
The simple ingredients for this easy vegetarian sloppy joe recipe are listed fully down in the recipe card but let’s briefly go over the pantry staples needed including a few substitutions you can make as desired!
- Cooked lentils – Instead of ground beef, we’re using homemade cooked lentils or a can of lentils (drained). Brown lentils or green lentils hold their shape best for these sloppy joes!
- Tomato sauce – Makes the base thick and saucy.
- Tomato paste – Deepens the flavor and makes everything extra rich.
- Ketchup – Classic sloppy joe sweetness. I’ve also tried this with bbq sauce and it was delicious!
- Mustard – Yellow or Dijon both work.
- Soy sauce or tamari – Adds depth and umami.
- Smoked paprika + chili powder – Smoky, warm spices that round out the flavor.
- Onion, bell pepper, garlic – The veggie base for texture and flavor. I used a red bell pepper but really any color works well.
- Optional toppings – Vegan cheese, pickled onions, shredded lettuce, avocado, red onions etc.
How to make these Vegan Sloppy Joes
Just a reminder that you can find the FULL written sloppy lentils recipe down in the recipe card, but I want to quickly go over how to make them with visuals for you :)
- In olive oil over medium-high heat, saute the onion and bell pepper in a large skillet until softened slightly.
- Add in the tomato paste and spices and continue to cook, mixing so that the veggies get covered in the tomato paste.
- Add the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine and simmer.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns. Add toppings if desired and ENJOY!
Expert Tips
- Use canned OR cooked lentils — just make sure to drain canned lentils well.
- Don’t overcook after adding the lentils. Since they’re already cooked, you’re just warming them through.
- If the mixture gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
- Toast the buns — it makes the texture way better.
- Want it sweeter? Add an extra teaspoon of ketchup, maple syrup, or brown sugar.
- Make it spicy with chipotle chili powder or diced jalapeño.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! One can of lentils (drained) is perfect. It makes this recipe super fast. Sometimes you can also find cooked packaged lentils in the produce section.
Cook ¾ cup dried brown or green lentils to yield about 1 ½ cups cooked.
Not if you use brown or green lentils. Red lentils will get too soft and aren’t ideal here.
Yes — the filling freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Lentil Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, finely diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 ½ cups cooked lentils, or 1 can, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard, yellow or Dijon
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder, optional for a kick
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Burger buns or sandwich rolls
- Optional toppings: vegan cheese, pickled onions, sliced avocado, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Sauté veggies: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add tomato paste + seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Stir in lentils and sauce: Add the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until thickened and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns. Add toppings if desired (vegan cheese slices melt great here!).
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
