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20 Minute Vegan Sloppy Joes

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A twist on a classic, these Vegan Sloppy Joes will knock your socks off! Loaded with lentils, a soy based crumble and spices, this one pot comfort food meal will satisfy the hunger bug every time!

Homemade vegan sloppy joe alongside a pickle.

Sloppy joes are a classic comfort food meal that’s traditionally made with ground beef, tomato sauce, onions and some simple spices.  I grew up on those and totally enjoyed them.  These days, though, I often mix things up a bit and love to try vegan and vegetarian versions of some of my faves. With the ingredients that I’m using for this vegan version, even meat lovers will devour them. Promise.

Ingredients for Vegan Sloppy Joes

Well, what makes these vegan sloppy joes ‘vegan’?  For the main component of these meatless sloppy joes, I used canned lentils and Yves Veggie Ground (which is a soy-based crumble and resembles somewhat the look and texture of ground beef).  This is not sponsored or anything, I just regularly enjoy this product. I usually always have on hand because it freezes well too.  This meal takes about 20 minutes to make.  Yep, 20 minutes! And it’s made in one pot for easy clean up. So, it’s awesome for an easy weekday dinner or make ahead meal for game day.

Ingredients for homemade vegan sloppy joes on a wooden board.

How to Make Sloppy Joes

  • Cook onion for a little until tender
  • Add veggie ground round (soy based crumble)
  • Stir in lentils
  • Add spices
  • Stir in tomato paste
  • Pour in stock
  • Finish with balsamic vinegar
  • Enjoy!

Photo collage of how to make sloppy joes.

Photo collage of how to make sloppy joes.

What Type of Lentils to Use for Lentil Sloppy Joes?

I used canned lentils in this recipe and I regularly have them stocked in our pantry. They are just so darn convenient, and super budget friendly.  Just make sure to rinse and drain them before using to get rid of any excess liquid and salt.  You can use dried lentils, if you prefer, but they take a little longer to prep.  Just cook ’em first and then proceed with the recipe.

A bowl of canned lentils.

Tips for Making these Meatless Sloppy Joes

  • If you can’t find (or don’t want to use) soy based crumble, use all lentils. So sub the crumble for about another 1.5 cups of lentils.
  • This recipe can easily be made ahead and reheated when it’s time to enjoy. You may just have to add a little stock to loosen to your desired consistency.
  • I used Thai chili pepper here, but you could omit or replace with cayenne powder to taste (if that’s what you have on hand).
  • I used veggie stock in this recipe, but mushroom stock would work lovely too.

A close up shot of the vegan sloppy joe mixture.

Other Easy Lentil Recipes you may Enjoy

A homemade vegan sloppy joe cut in half to show interior, stacked on the other half of the sloppy joe.

Hope you love these vegan sloppy joes as much as I do!

Until next time take care and chit chat again soon 🙂

P.S. If you think these vegan sloppy joes will make your belly happy too, please be sure to hit that little Pin button.  Many thanks, you guys! XO

Two vegan sloppy joes on a wooden board alongside some pickle and cheese.
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5 from 10 votes

Vegan Sloppy Joes

A twist on a classic, these Vegan Sloppy Joes will knock your socks off! Loaded with lentils, a soy based crumble and spices, this one pot comfort food meal will satisfy the hunger bug every time!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword easy sloppy joes, lentil sloppy joes, vegetarian sloppy joes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 432kcal
Author Dawn Coombs

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion -roughly minced
  • 340 g soy based crumble (Veggie Ground Round)
  • 19 oz can lentils -rinsed and drained
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried organo
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Thai chili peppers -minced or 1/2 tsp cayenne
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup unsalted vegetable stock -or more, if desired
  • 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 4 burger buns -variety of your choice

Optional Suggested Garnishes

  • vegan cheese shreds -or regular if you want vegetarian
  • hot peppers

Instructions

  • In a non stick pan on medium heat add olive oil.  Cook onion 3-5 minutes until translucent.
  • To onion add soy based crumble.  Break up with a back of a wooden spoon.  Cook 3-5 minutes.
  • To pan, add lentils and stir to combine.  Add chili powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, oregano, salt, pepper, chili peppers (or cayenne) and tomato paste.  Stir to combine. Cook 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in stock (add more if you like your sloppy joes more 'loose'). 
  • Stir in balsamic vinegar.  Serve on warmed/toasted buns.  Garnish, if desired.  Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • If you can't find (or don't want to use) soy based crumble, use all lentils. So sub the crumble for about another 1.5 cups of lentils.
  • This recipe can easily be made ahead and reheated when it's time to enjoy. You may just have to add a little stock to loosen to your desired consistency.
  • I used Thai chili pepper here, but you could omit or replace with cayenne powder to taste (if that's what you have on hand).
  • I used veggie stock in this recipe, but mushroom stock would work lovely too.
Tried this recipe? That's awesome!Mention @dawn.girlheartfood or tag #girlheartfood!

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 996mg | Potassium: 1240mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 17.1% | Vitamin C: 13.2% | Calcium: 22.3% | Iron: 43%

A photo collage of vegan sloppy joes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. David @ Spiced

    November 19, 2018 at 10:08 am

    I love a good sloppy joe! Talk about the epitome of comfort food right there. 🙂 But I must admit that I didn’t realize you could use lentils to create a similar version. I’m going to have to keep this recipe in mind for a snowy winter day!

    Reply

  6. Marissa

    November 15, 2018 at 5:11 pm


    These Vegan Sloppy Joes are pure genius, Dawn! I love it when you can take a heavy, comfort food favorite and riff on it to make something healthier but still delicious! You nailed it my friend!

    Reply

  9. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

    November 15, 2018 at 9:21 am


    I have a strong aversion to traditional sloppy joes because of ugly rumors at my elementary school on sloppy Joe day (think eyeballs in people’s lunches. . .oh the life of a 7-year-old). But I could definitely go for a vegan version! I think I’ve mentioned my love of lentils before; I adore them and anything made with them! I’m thinking I need to try these asap!

    Reply

  11. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

    November 15, 2018 at 9:11 am


    My husband eats sloppy joes on a regular basis, but he uses the canned sauce and ground beef. I’m definitely going to try this recipe. I bet he won’t even know the difference, and I’ll be able to enjoy some too! I also think this sloppy joe filling would be awesome in tacos or quesadillas! Happy almost weekend Dawn!

    Reply

  12. Mliena

    November 14, 2018 at 3:00 pm


    I am no vegan, but definitely an avid lentils fan. Just last night made a curried lentil dip with some naan. So…you combined a sloppy Joe (when I first had one I was already 26 and thought it was awesome:) and lentils. I say YES!!! PS. Like you I also keep canned lentils in the pantry. At all times. You never know when you’ll need them:) Pinned.

    Reply

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