Lentil Sloppy Joes

This crowd-pleasing Lentil Sloppy Joe recipe is always a hit at gatherings—it's one of those dishes that disappears fast! For parties, I love serving them on mini buns for fun, bite-sized sandwiches. You can dress them up with toppings like chopped onion, radish, lettuce, or cilantro—or keep it simple with just a flavorful scoop of lentils on a whole grain bun.

The photo above features our “Sunday night splurge” version: a hearty pretzel bun (delicious, though not an everyday go-to due to the refined flour), a grilled mushroom stacked on top, and a slice of melty vegan cheese added by my husband. My usual go-to is a cheeseless option with a whole grain bun—but either way, it’s loaded with flavor and fiber. We often serve an extra scoop on the side to soak up any sauce and pack in even more plant-powered goodness.

Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe

These hearty and savory Lentil Sloppy Joes are a delicious plant-based twist on the classic comfort food. Protein- and fiber-rich lentils are simmered in a smoky, tangy tomato-based sauce with a subtle kick of spice. Served on toasted whole grain buns and topped with crunchy veggies, they’re satisfying, nutritious, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Bonus: they’re just as tasty without the bun—enjoy them as a bowl with rice, greens, or roasted veggies for a gluten-free option!

Serves: 2

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Lentil Sloppy Joes Ingredients

Lentil Ingredients

• 2 cups water (or half water and half vegetable broth)

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, well rinsed

Sloppy Joe Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp avocado oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (plus more for serving)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 Tbsp)

• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce

• 2 Tbsp maple syrup

• 2 Tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce

• 1 Tbsp tamari

• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tsp chipotle chili powder OR 1 Tbsp regular chili powder if you don't like spice

• 1 Tbsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For Serving Ingredients

Whole-grain buns

Chopped onion, red cabbage, radish, cilantro

Directions for Lentil Sloppy Joes

1. To a small saucepan, add water and/or vegetable broth and rinsed lentils and heat over medium-high heat.

2. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain off any excess liquid and set aside.

3. In the meantime, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, onion, garlic, and bell pepper.

4. Sautè for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, or until the peppers and onions are tender. Add the turmeric, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Next add tomato sauce, maple syrup, vegan Worcestershire sauce, tamari, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, and paprika.

6. Stir to combine.

7. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet as well, and stir to combine. Continue cooking the mixture over medium-low heat until thick, stirring occasionally — about 5-10 minutes.

8. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt for saltiness, maple for sweetness, or Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

9. Serve the mixture on toasted buns with onion, cabbage, radish and/or cilantro.

Recipe inspired by Minimalist Baker.

Delicious and nutritious additions: Layer the sandwich with greens (arugula, spinach or red leaf lettuce), raw purple cabbage, kraut, pickled vegetables

Nutrition Information

Per serving* (4 servings): 289 calories, 47 grams carbohydrates (38 grams net carbohydrates), 9 grams fiber, 14 grams protein, 9 grams fat, 776 milligrams sodium

Good source of vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin K, magnesium

Excellent source of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc