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Vegan lentil sloppy joe on a whole wheat bun.
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5 from 7 votes

Vegan Sloppy Joes

These Vegan Sloppy Joes are made with lentils, onions, red pepper, and a perfect balance of seasonings. Using pantry ingredients and taking less than 30 minutes to prepare, they're flavorful, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 130kcal
Author: Alison Corey

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup green lentils
  • 3 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 red pepper
  • 1 sweet onion medium
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoon coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp vegan Worcestershire Sauce
  • 8 whole wheat or gluten-free buns

Instructions

  • Prepare lentils- Thoroughly rinse lentils in colander. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add lentils. Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Dice onion, red pepper, and mince garlic. Add ¼ cup of water to sauté pan. Add onions. Sauté for 5 minutes of until translucent. Add minced garlic. Sauté for an additional minute. Add red pepper cook another minute.
  • Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add tomato sauce. Stir in coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, and vegan Worcestershire sauce.
  • When lentils are cooked drain any access liquid. Then add lentils to sauce. Stir to combine.
  • Toast buns and top with lentils. Add your favorite toppings and serve!

Video

Notes

*Calories and nutritional information are estimated without the bun or toppings.
  1. You can use pre-cooked lentils for this recipe. I find prepared lentils in the refrigerated section of Trader Joes.
  2. If preparing your own lentils, be sure to rinse before adding them to the water and broth.
  3. Check lentils at 15 minutes. Overcooked lentils become mushy.
  4. Use water or vegetable broth to prepare the lentils. Vegetable broth will add a bit more flavor to the lentils. Although in this recipe I don't find it necessary as the sauce has a lot of flavor already!
  5. Use water or vegetable broth to sauté the onions and vegetables instead of oil.

Nutrition

Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 473mg | Potassium: 528mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1581IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3mg