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4.86 stars (47 ratings)

Vegan Sloppy Joes

These easy to make Vegan Sloppy Joes are smoky, savory, and naturally sweetened to perfection. They take only 30 minutes to whip up from start to finish, making them a real quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 224kcal
Author: Nora Taylor

Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked green lentils
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped small
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • (1) 15-ounce can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (or tomato paste)
  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoons salt, or to taste
  • burger buns for serving
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • First, cook the lentils: In a medium pot with a lid, add the lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until tender. Drain excess liquid and set aside. (Alternatively, use 3 cups canned lentils, drained and rinsed.)
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
  • Now add the chili powder and smoked paprika, and stir to coat the vegetables for about 1 minute. Add a little water if it's too dry.
  • Next, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard and maple syrup. Stir until well incorporated. Add in the cooked lentils and stir. Season with salt to taste.
  • Serve on burger buns with red onion slices if desired and enjoy! I also like to eat this open faced on bread, over a baked potato or even just out of a bowl, it's so good!

Notes

  1. To make this meal faster and easier, you may use canned or packaged already cooked lentils. You will need about 3 cups cooked lentils.
  2. Substitute Impossible or Beyond vegan beef for the lentils, if desired. Use 1 package (12 or 16 ounces). Or use a mix of lentils and "beef".
  3. The sloppy joe mixture freezes well, simply fill freezer friendly containers, leaving a little room for expansion and freeze. Let defrost when ready to use, add to a pot and cook until warm. 
  4. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 815mg | Potassium: 869mg | Fiber: 15g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 2318IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 5mg