Name: Lentil Sloppy Joes (Vegan)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 yellow onion; 1 bell pepper; 2 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1.5 cups cooked lentils; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tbsp mustard; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp chili powder; Salt & pepper; Burger buns or sandwich rolls; Optional toppings:

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Lentil Sloppy Joes (Vegan)

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Sauté veggies: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Add tomato paste + seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Stir in lentils and sauce: Add the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until thickened and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Assemble: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns. Add toppings if desired (vegan cheese slices melt great here!).

Notes

Freezer instructions: Let the lentil filling cool completely. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen on the stovetop with a splash of water.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Caramelize Your Aromatics 🧅
Take 5-7 minutes to deeply caramelize the onions and garlic over medium heat before adding other ingredients—this builds a rich, savory foundation that makes the entire dish taste more complex and developed.
Toast Your Spices First 🌶️
Bloom the chili powder and smoked paprika in the hot oil for 30 seconds before adding wet ingredients to unlock their full aromatic potential and deepen the flavor profile considerably.
Reduce the Sauce Properly 💨
Simmer uncovered for the final 5-10 minutes to evaporate excess liquid and concentrate flavors, creating a thick, clingy sauce that coats the lentils instead of a watery mess.
Balance Sweet and Savory 🤝
Use equal parts ketchup and mustard (about 2-3 tablespoons each) plus a splash of soy sauce to create that signature nostalgic sloppy joe tang without any ingredient overpowering the others.
Toast Your Buns Lightly 🍞
Lightly butter and toast the buns in a skillet for 1-2 minutes just before serving to add textural contrast and prevent them from becoming soggy from the saucy filling.