Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Brown lentils simmered in a tangy-sweet sauce of tomato, ketchup, mustard and vegan Worcestershire, piled onto soft buns. Makes 6 sandwiches.

VeganVegetarianDairy-free

A vegan version of our Sloppy Joes, from the Steak and Seafood kitchen.

Vegan lentil sloppy joe on a toasted bun with the saucy filling spilling out
  • Prep 10 min
  • Cook 35 min
  • Total 45 min
  • Yield 6 sandwiches

Jump to: Ingredients | Instructions | Tips | Questions | Nutrition | Print recipe

Our family Sloppy Joes are a half-hour pot of beef, onions and a tangy ketchup sauce. Brown lentils make a surprisingly good stand-in: they hold their shape, soak up the sauce and give the same loose, spoonable filling.

Regular Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so use a vegan one. Most soft sandwich buns are vegan, but check for milk and eggs.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 1 cup dry brown lentils, rinsed
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For serving

  • 6 vegan hamburger buns, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the lentils. Simmer the lentils in the water for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain any extra liquid.
  2. Soften the vegetables. Heat the oil in a large skillet and cook the onion and pepper for 6 minutes. Add the garlic for 1 minute.
  3. Simmer. Add the lentils, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire, chili powder and salt. Simmer 10 minutes, until thick.
  4. Serve. Pile onto toasted buns.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

190Calories
34 gCarbohydrates
5 gFiber
29 gNet carbs
9 gProtein
3 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

VegetarianVeganDairy-free

Tips

  • Mash a third of the lentils with a potato masher for a more traditional texture.
  • The filling keeps 4 days in the refrigerator and freezes well.

Questions about this recipe

What can replace ground beef in sloppy joes?
Brown or green lentils, a plant-based ground meat, or finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts.
Is Worcestershire sauce vegan?
Usually not; most brands contain anchovies. Look for one labeled vegan.

Serve it with

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