Savor the flavors of these Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes that are both hearty and healthy! This simple recipe combines lentils, fresh veggies, and savory spices for a delicious plant-based twist on a classic favorite. Get ready for a fun meal that’s fully satisfying and easy to make.Enjoy every bite!
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Whole grain buns for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
![To make Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes, gather these items: - 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 1 tablespoon maple syrup - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Whole grain buns for serving - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You will need a few basic tools for this recipe: - Medium saucepan - Large skillet - Spoon for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board This meal is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving contains: - Calories: Approx. 300 - Protein: 15g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fiber: 12g - Fat: 7g - Iron: 20% of daily value This information helps you plan your meals wisely. Enjoy making this recipe! For the full recipe and instructions, check the [Full Recipe]. First, rinse one cup of lentils in water. This helps remove dirt. Then, in a medium saucepan, mix the lentils with two cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. The lentils will be tender when done. If you see any extra liquid, drain it away. While the lentils cook, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add one small chopped onion. Sauté it for about 4 to 5 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add two minced garlic cloves and one diced bell pepper. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes. The bell peppers should soften nicely. Once the lentils are ready, add them to your skillet. Pour in one can of tomato sauce and two tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir in one tablespoon of maple syrup and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Add two teaspoons of smoked paprika and one teaspoon of chili powder. Don’t forget to sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well. Let this simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the mix thickens to a sloppy state. To serve, spoon the lentil mix onto whole grain buns. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. You can also pair these Sloppy Joes with sweet potato fries or a green salad. If you want a fun twist, wrap them in parchment paper for picnic style. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful meal! For the full recipe, check out our detailed guide. To get the best flavor in your Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. I often use smoked paprika for a deep, rich flavor. You can also try a splash of hot sauce for some heat. Taste as you cook. Adjust the seasonings to match your preferences. This way, you create a dish that feels just right. If your lentil mixture is too thick, add a bit of vegetable broth. Stir it in slowly until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too runny, let it simmer longer. This helps it thicken up nicely. Keep stirring to avoid burning. The goal is a sloppy, yet not soupy texture. This makes the dish perfect for your whole grain buns. You can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the lentils and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just heat them up with the sauce. This saves time on busy days. You can also freeze the lentil mixture. Just thaw and reheat it when you need a quick meal. This recipe stays delicious even after freezing. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free buns. Many brands offer tasty options. You can also serve the lentil mix over brown rice or quinoa. Both work well and taste great. Check labels to ensure they are gluten-free. You can boost nutrition by adding more veggies. Try diced carrots or mushrooms. Grated zucchini also adds moisture and flavor. Add these when cooking the onion and bell pepper. This way, they blend well into the mix. If you want a kick, add more spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper gives heat. You can also try chipotle powder for a smoky taste. For a fresh twist, mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil. Adjust the spices to match your taste. You can store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep the Sloppy Joe mix in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure it cools down before you seal it. This helps keep the flavor fresh. When it's time to eat, reheat the mix on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, heat on low and stir to avoid burning. In the microwave, use a covered dish to keep moisture. Heat it for one minute, then stir. Repeat until warm. To freeze, place the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. The mix can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy the same great taste anytime! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Yes, you can use other legumes. Black beans or chickpeas work well. Each legume adds a different texture. You may need to adjust cooking times. For example, black beans cook faster than lentils. Experiment to find your favorite legume mix. To make this recipe spicier, add more chili powder. You can also include diced jalapeños. Hot sauce is another great option. Start with a small amount, then taste. Adjust the heat to match your preference. The best sides include sweet potato fries or a green salad. You can also try coleslaw for crunch. Grilled corn on the cob pairs nicely too. Each side adds a fun element to your meal. For the full recipe, check the original post. It gives you all the details you need for a successful dish. Enjoy cooking these delicious Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes! In this blog post, we explored ingredients, tools, and cooking steps for Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes. I shared tips for flavor and thickness, plus variations and storage info. Remember, you can switch legumes or make it spicier to suit your taste. Aim to store leftovers properly, so nothing goes to waste. Enjoy the creative freedom in your cooking. Making these Sloppy Joes can be fun and fulfilling!](https://chellesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/e3fd65c7-3f60-4cd3-9d2d-da64a3310ab9-250x250.webp)