Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe

These lentil Sloppy Joes are a perfect, quick and easy, meatless Monday meal!

This deliciously simple meal can be cooked in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot And yes, I have stovetop instructions for you too. So give this lentil sloppy joe recipe a try for dinner tonight!

Dietary Requirements

Vegan – These are naturally vegan sloppy joes. So all you have to do is ensure you use vegan hamburger buns.

Gluten-Free – These sandwiches are naturally gluten-free, as long as you make sure the individual ingredients you purchase are labeled as gluten-free, particularly the burger buns.

Dairy-Free – There is no dairy in this recipe. However, you’ll want to ensure that the bread you use has no dairy.

Recipe Tips

1. Any way you decide to make this, be sure you prep everything first. In french (and the culinary world), it’s referred to as Mise En Place. “Everything in its place”. Cooking goes much smoother if you prep all the food first!
2. Prep is super easy to do ahead of time too. So if you are into weekend prep at all, that’s a great time to chop these veggies to save yourself some time later. If you do, all you have to do is sauté the veggie a little and then dump everything in the slow cooker or Instant Pot! (Or stock pot, as the case may be…)
3. Also, try to find good quality burger buns. (They can be tough to find.) Alvarado Street Bakery makes a good, clean bun and I’m sure there are a few others out there. But at the very least, opt for 100% whole grain if you want to keep it as clean as possible.
4. To give this more umami, you can add vegan Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or coconut aminos. Feel free to stir it in to taste after cooking.

Why Lentils?

• Lentils are high in soluble fiber.
• They create a complete protein when combined with the grain-based bun.
• They are just as delicious and filling as meat-based sloppy joes!
• They are low in calories and have lots of vitamins and minerals, including plenty of iron.
• They help with blood cholesterol.

What To Serve With Lentil Sloppy Joes

• A great side to this is always coleslaw.
• A green salad is also a good option.
• Soup goes well with these too.

Recipe Variations

If you want to play around with the flavors a bit, try one or some of these suggestions.

• Mustard
• Chili powder
• Ground beef – for meat eaters
• Ground turkey – for meat eaters.
• Garlic cloves – mince them and use them in place of the garlic powder or granules.
• Tomato sauce – you can add some of this if your lentils get too dry. (usually, if you overcooked them). Water or extra broth will work too.
• Ground cumin – great if you opt for chili powder

About Lentil Sloppy Joes Ingredients

Olive oil – You can use any oil you prefer.

Green bell peppers – Chop these small for the best finished texture.

Red bell peppers – Chop these small for the best finished texture.

Red onion – Chop these small for the best finished texture.

Diced tomatoes – Canned, no sugar added

Tomato paste – Canned, no sugar added

Pure maple syrup – Use the real stuff, not imitation or pancake syrup.

Garlic granules – or garlic powder. Either will work.

Paprika – NOT smoked, just regular paprika.

Ground cinnamon – No sugar mixed with it.

Ground allspice

Ground cloves

Dry brown lentils – rinsed before use and any small pebbles removed.

Vegetable broth – no sugar added. * See note in instructions

Salt – To taste after cooking.

Whole grain burger buns – I find mine at Whole Foods. The Alvarado Stree Bakery brand is a great option if you can find it.

How to Make Lentil Sloppy Joes

Instructions

Chop all the vegetables and mix the spices together. Open the cans, measure out the maple syrup, and set everything within reachable distance.

Instant Pot Instructions

Press the “Sauté” button and put the oil in the IP insert. 

Add the bell peppers and onions. Sauté until the onions are translucent. This can take a few minutes, so don’t lose patience. Stir occasionally through this process.

Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste along with the spices you mixed together. Stir well to combine.

Add the lentils and broth and stir to combine, then turn off the sauté mode.

Set your lid in place securely, close the vent, and press the “Manual” button. Adjust the pressure to high pressure and the time to 8 minutes and let it do its thing.

Allow time for a natural release of at least 20 minutes. Then vent any remaining steam before opening the lid. 

Season with salt if needed.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Heat a sauté pan, warm the oil and then sauté the vegetables until the onions are translucent. Then combine everything in your slow cooker and stir well.

Set the slow cooker on low for 8-10 hours.  Season with salt just prior to serving if needed.

Stovetop Instructions

Heat a sauté pan, warm the oil and then sauté the vegetables until the onions are translucent. Then combine all ingredients in a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce it to a simmer. Cook until the lentils are done. (about 30-45 minutes).

*Note that if you are making this on the stovetop, you will want to keep an eye on the liquid levels as the liquid will cook out much faster this way. Have some extra vegetable broth on hand just in case, and cook until the lentils are tender. Season with salt if desired for serving.

Storage

To store these, simply store the lentils in their own container. Keep this in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not store the lentils and bread together.

Freezing

You can freeze the lentils (without the bread) for up to 6 months in an airtight container.

Reheating

From frozen – That this overnight in the fridge, or thaw in the microwave.

From fridge – Simply warm these in a pot on the stove (you may need to add a small amount of water), or reheat in the microwave for 1 or 2 minutes.

Recipe Supplies

If you need a slow cooker or pressure cooker, I can highly recommend any of these. Click any of the images to be taken to that appliance on Amazon. (Affiliate links)

So give these clean eating lentil sloppy joes a try and then come back and tell me what you think! I’d love to see photos on social media if you happen to have your iPhone handy!

More Healthy Lentil Recipes

• Slow Cooker Lentil Soup Recipe
• 10 Hour Slow Cooker Curry Lentil Soup Recipe

Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe Card

Recipe from the Gracious Pantry® archives, originally posted on 7/15/18.