Lentil Sloppy Joes
These family-friendly lentil sloppy joes are a hearty, plant-based twist on a classic sandwich. Made with brown lentils, vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce, this easy weeknight dinner is nutritious, budget-friendly, and kid-approved.
Servings 6
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 6 hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, vegan Worcestershire (or soy sauce), maple syrup, and mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the sauce thickens. If you prefer a thicker filling, uncover for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the mixture simmer another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- While the filling finishes cooking, toast the buns in a skillet or toaster until golden. Spoon the warm lentil sloppy joe mixture onto buns and serve immediately.
