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!
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.
What Are The 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 the soy-based crumble on hand because it freezes well too.
This healthy sloppy joe recipe 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.
So, aside from canned lentils and the soy-based crumble, to make this easy sloppy joe recipe you’ll need –
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Dried spices, like chili powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, and oregano, as well as some salt and black pepper
- Fresh chili (or cayenne)
- Tomato paste
- Veggie stock
- A touch of balsamic vinegar
- Burger buns (and any garnish that you enjoy)
How to Make Sloppy Joes With Lentils
1: Cook onion for a little until tender.
2: Add veggie ground round (soy based crumble) and cook a little.
3: Stir in lentils.
4: Add spices and fresh chili and cook for a few minutes
5: Stir in tomato paste and heat through.
6: Pour in stock and cook until heated through and you’ve reached your desired consistency.
7: Finish with balsamic vinegar. At this point, if you want a looser consistency, add a little more stock and heat through, if needed.
8: Pile on buns and garnish (if you like). Enjoy!
Full recipe details in recipe card below.
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What Type of Lentils to Use?
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.
Can I Make These Lentil Sloppy Joes Ahead of Time?
Totally! You can easily make ahead and store in the refrigerator. Reheat when it’s time to enjoy.
You may just have to add a little stock to loosen to your desired consistency upon reheating.
Tips & Variations for Making these Meatless Sloppy Joes
If you want to add some veggies to your sloppy joes, some diced bell pepper would work lovely! Add when you start to cook onion so they soften a bit.
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.
If you want even more tomato flavour add another tablespoon or so of tomato paste. Alternatively, you can add some tomato sauce or ketchup to replace some or all of the stock.
Other Easy Lentil Recipes you may Enjoy
Cheesy Lentil Quesadillas – This hearty quesadilla recipe is delicious for a meatless meal all on its own or with a side salad.
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie – Such a delicious twist on a classic! Made with veggie ‘meat’ and lentils and topped with sweet potatoes, this is total comfort food in every bite.
Spicy Lentil Soup with Kale – Hearty, delicious and easy to prepare, this comforting soup will warm ya up on a cold day.
Slow Cooker Curried Lentils and Kale – Enjoy as is or with rice and naan for an even more substantial meal. Budget friendly and delicious!
Hope you love this homemade sloppy joe recipe as much as I do!
Until next time take care and chit chat again soon,
~Dawn
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
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Best Vegan Sloppy Joes {made in about 20 minutes}
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 oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 Thai chili peppers -minced or 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 3-4 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup unsalted vegetable stock -or more for a looser consistency, 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. See 'Notes' below if you want to add more veggies to your sloppy joes.
- 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 and simmer for a few minutes or until you've reached your desired consistency (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 want to add some veggies to your sloppy joes, some diced bell pepper would work lovely! Add when you start to cook onion so they soften a bit.
- 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.
- If you want even more tomato flavour add another tablespoon or so of tomato paste. Alternatively, you can add some tomato sauce or ketchup to replace some or all of the stock.
Nutrition (estimate only)
I’m looking for a good vegan sloppy joe recipe. Love the combination of soy crumbles and lentils, plus the onions… I think this just might be it! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Sally! Hope you love them as much as we do 🙂
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!
You sure can! Thanks David! Hope you love ’em 🙂
I love Sloppy Joe’s but haven’t had them in years! Dawn, your vegan version looks fantastic! I love the idea of putting cheese on as well.
Thank you Kelly! They are a favourite around here for sure 🙂
Love a good sloppy joe and can’t even tell its vegan!
Thank you Kevin! They are quite tasty 😉
I love lentil sloppy joes! It’s one of the few lentil dishes that my hubby actually really enjoys! I will definitely have to try your version, Dawn. What a perfect easy dinner!
Thank you Katherine! Enjoy, my friend 🙂
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!
Thank you Marissa! You’re so sweet!!
I have a friend who is vegan and I’m always looking for new recipes when she comes to visit Dawn! I’m not vegan, but I know I’d enjoy these too. They look totally delicious!
Thank you Mary Ann! Hope you both love them 🙂
Sloppy Joes are one of our favorites. I love how you made this version vegan! Using the lentils is a really great idea. This is a perfect weeknight meal because you can get it on the table in no time at all.
Thank you Kathy!! Gotta love easy meals for busy days 🙂
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!
LOL!! I remember that you love lentils…me too!! Thanks Kelsie! Hope you enjoy these as much as we do 🙂
Ooooh! Gorgeous twist on a classic! I’ve been craving Sloppy Joe’s, and now you’ve given me a delicious reason to get in the kitchen and make them! Looks fabulous!! Happy weekend, my friend! XOXO
Thank you Annie! Hope you love ’em! XOXO
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!
I bet he would enjoy these! They are really yummy, Leanne! Thanks so much and hope you’re having an awesome weekend!
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.
Yum!! Love lentils too! They are definitely good to have on hand, aren’t they?? Thanks Milena 🙂
My daughter loves the Yves products too. Such a great way to recreate the classics without meat . Looks delicious!
Totally! Thanks Jennifer 🙂