Sloppy Joes are one of those summer American classics. This Easy Lentil Sloppy Joe recipe is a plant-based take on the traditional version of that classic sandwich. It’s still budget friendly with low-cost, basic ingredients. Lentils, the main ingredient, costs are fraction of the price than ground beef which is typically used in classic sloppy joes.
This no fail recipe is tried and true. Which is why it is in my rotation of easy weeknight dinners. If you’ve read my other posts, you know I am like many busy individuals and I do a lot of meal prepping on Sundays. For this recipe, I will cook the lentils ahead of time and have on-hand and ready to go during the week. This easy recipe literally comes together in minutes and can be on your table in well under 30 minutes.
When you can’t think of what to cook for dinner tonight, try out this great recipe and vegan version of homemade sloppy joes!
Ingredients for Easy Lentil Sloppy Joes
These ingredients are simple and include items that you probably already have in your pantry.
3 cups cooked brown lentils (1 1/4 cup dried)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup ketchup
2 TB mustard – Dijon
2 TB. Brown Sugar
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
How to make Lentil Sloppy Joes
Cook the lentils. General rule of thumb is 1 to 3 ratio, 1 & 1/4 cup dried lentils to 3 & 3/4 cups water. Bring water to boil in a large saucepan, then add lentils, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes. As I mentioned above, I like to do this in advance so it’s ready to go when I make these during the week.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté 2-3 minutes or until onion is translucent.
Add the cooked lentils and the remainder of the ingredients to the skillet.
Simmer over medium heat about 5 minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve and Enjoy!
Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Sliced Pepper-jack Cheese
- Cole Slaw
- Hot peppers
- Onions rings
Serve in a hamburger, sandwich or brioche bun. Top with green onion, shredded cheddar cheese and/or Cole slaw.
FAQ’s
- How do I store leftovers? – Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The great thing about sloppy joes is that it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Can I use other types of lentils? – Definitely! Red lentils work really with this recipe, as well as green lentils.
- Large group – simply double the recipe.
- For additional flavor – add chopped green pepper for a great addition – sauté with the chopped onion.
Substitutions
Lentils – substitute with any vegan ground beef such as beyond meat.
Brown sugar – You can substitute with maple syrup.
Ketchup – mix together 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
Garlic powder – 1-2 cloves fresh minced garlic can be substituted for the garlic powder. Sauté 30 seconds with the onions before adding the other ingredients.
Ways to Serve or Use Leftover Sloppy Joe
There are so many ways to serve this American classic!
- Traditional served on hamburger buns, or sandwich or brioche buns
- Inside a lettuce wrap
- In a tortilla wrap with cheese, white rice, shredded lettuce, and Cole slaw mix – Sloppy Joe Burrito!
- On a salad
- Serve on a baked potato topped with shredded cheese
Other Lentil Recipes You Might Enjoy
Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie
Summer Lentil Salad
I hope you enjoy this delicious sandwich as much as we do! Feel free to leave a comment below!
Ingredients
- 3 cups brown lentils, cooked
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 4 Burger Buns
Optional
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1½ cup cole slaw
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté 2-3 minutes or until onion is translucent.
- Add the cooked lentils and the remainder of the ingredients to the skillet.
- Simmer over medium heat about 5 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve on a bun with optional toppings.
- Enjoy!
