Lentil Sloppy Joe Recipe (Vegetarian)
The very best meatless version of a classic sloppy joe, this lentil sloppy joes recipe is hearty, filling, and delicious! Perfect for busy weeknights or for those who love to meal prep.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 300kcal
Ingredients
For the Lentils
- 2 Cups water
- 1 Cup brown (or green) lentils, well rinsed and picked through
For the Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or grapeseed)
- 1 small yellow or white onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, seeds and stems removed and diced into small, bite-sized pieces (any color)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 cloves = about 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic)
- 1 , 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- hamburger buns for serving (white, wheat, or gluten free)
Instructions
For the Lentils
- Add the water and rinsed lentils to a medium saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until the water is at a low boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook the lentils uncovered for 15-18 minutes, until tender. Drain off any excess liquid and set aside.
For the Sauce
- While the lentils cook, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions, peppers, salt, and pepper until the onions and peppers are tender and lightly browned (about 3-5 minutes). Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute more).
- Add the tomato sauce and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any brown bits that stuck while sautéing the onions and peppers. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and paprika to combine. Continue to cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until completely warmed through and thickened (about 5-10 minutes).
Combine the Lentils and Sauce to Create Your Filling
- Once the lentils are cooked, stir them into the sauce (you can do this while the sauce is still cooking / thickening).
- Serve on a hamburger bun with toppings of choice, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Storage and reheating: place fully cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed to your liking. If the sauce begins to dry out, add a splash of water while reheating.
Variation: use vegetable broth for cooking your lentils if desired. Replace the water one-for-one to do so.
See the 'How to Serve this Recipe for Sloppy Joes' section in the blog post for detailed topping and side ideas.
*note: nutrition facts are calculated without a bun, as size and type of bun selected will vary greatly based on personal preferences.
Nutrition
Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 1217mg | Potassium: 978mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 1584IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 6mg
