VEGAN SLOPPY JOES
These vegan sloppy joes are saucy, comforting, and the kind of weeknight sandwich you can pull together fast with pantry lentils and canned tomatoes. The filling cooks in about 20 minutes, thickens into a rich, savory mixture, and piles beautifully into soft burger buns. It’s a plant-forward meal that tastes just as hearty as the classic version—messy, bold, and seriously satisfying.
6 servings
Calories: 327kcal
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper chopped (about ¼ cup)
- ¾ cup chopped onion
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cups cooked lentils green, brown, or black
- 1 cup tomato puree or canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
For Serving:
- 6 hamburger buns
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1 jalapeño sliced or pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder and brown sugar. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add the cooked lentils, tomato puree (or diced tomatoes), red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture thickens and the flavors come together, about 8–10 minutes.
- Spoon the lentil mixture into warm buns. Top with sliced avocado and jalapeño.
Notes
How to Store
- Let the mixture cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 4–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Store buns separately to prevent sogginess.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth if it thickens too much.
- Microwave: Warm in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute intervals.
- Green, brown, or black lentils hold their shape best. Avoid red lentils—they become too soft for this recipe.
- Add chipotle in adobo for a smoky, spicy twist.
- Stir in grated carrots or mushrooms with the aromatics for extra veggies.
- Serve over rice or quinoa for a less messy bowl version.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 513mg | Potassium: 710mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 5mg