Vegetarian Sloppy Joes (Lentil + Mushroom)

If you want that classic smoky-sweet sloppy joe vibe without ground meat, this lentil-and-mushroom version delivers the real deal: savory, tangy, and properly messy. It's got green lentils for a protein-packed bite and finely chopped mushrooms for umami "meatiness", and the sauce is made with the same pantry staples that make traditional sloppy joes craveable. It's ready in about 30 minutes, makes great leftovers, and the filling freezes beautifully.

I've tested a few combos over the years, and landed on this recipe for vegetarian sloppy joes. I use lentils and mushrooms to recreate a meaty texture, and utilize a combination of fresh and pantry-friendly ingredients to make a smoky and hearty sauce. And they taste even better the next day!

For more vegetarian sandwich recipes, try my portobello burger with slaw, spicy bbq tofu sandwich, and mushroom BLT!

Jump to:

• ⭐️ Why You'll Love These Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
• 🍄 Key Ingredients
• 📝 Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Notes
• 🔪 How To Make Lentil Sloppy Joes (Vegetarian)
• 👩🏼‍🍳 How To Thicken Sloppy Joe Sauce
• 👩🏼‍🍳 Storage & Freezing
• 👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes
• 🍽 What To Serve With Meatless Sloppy Joes
• 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
• 🍅 More Vegetarian Sandwich Recipes
• Vegetarian Sloppy Joes Recipe

⭐️ Why You'll Love These Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

• Lentils + mushrooms = the best "meaty" texture (lentils add bite, mushrooms add savory umami flavor).
• Classic sloppy joe flavor, minus the meat: smoky, tangy, lightly sweet, and super saucy.
• One-pan, weeknight-friendly and ready in about 30 minutes.
• Easy to customize (vegan, gluten-free, less sweet/spicy, etc.).
• Great for meal prep: the filling tastes even better the next day and freezes well.

🍄 Key Ingredients

• Green or brown lentils: hold their shape and keep the filling hearty (skip red lentils; they get soft/mushy). If you're a lover of lentils, try my French lentil salad with Dijon vinaigrette!
• Mushrooms: add savory depth and a "ground meat" vibe (cremini/baby bella are perfect).
• Onion & garlic: foundational flavor that makes the sauce taste "slow cooked."
• Tomato base (ketchup / tomato sauce / tomato paste): brings the classic sloppy joe sweetness and tang. If you've got leftover spaghetti sauce on hand, substitute 2 cups for the tomato sauce for a similar flavor.
• Smoky seasoning (smoked paprika, chili powder, etc.): gives that BBQ-adjacent sloppy joe vibe.

📝 Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Notes

• Vegan: use maple syrup/brown sugar as needed and a vegan Worcestershire (without anchovies), or sub soy sauce & a splash of vinegar.
• Gluten-free: serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps; check label on Worcestershire sauce (find a brand that doesn't contain barley malt vinegar).
• No Worcestershire? Use soy sauce/tamari + a splash of vinegar + a pinch of sugar.
• Lower sugar: reduce ketchup sweetness by using tomato sauce.
• Extra vegetables: finely diced bell peppers or shredded carrots blend in well, and also naturally boost the sweetness.
• No maple syrup? See my list of the best maple syrup alternatives!

🔪 How To Make Lentil Sloppy Joes (Vegetarian)

*See printable instructions in the recipe card below.

Prepare lentils: Add liquid and lentils to a small saucepan. Over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook (covered) for around 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain any remaining liquid and set aside.

Make sloppy joe mixture: While your lentils are cooking, add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 5-6 minutes, until soft and translucent. Toss in diced pepper and mushrooms, and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until mushrooms have browned. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Next, add salt, pepper, tomato sauce, maple syrup, ketchup/tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and paprika, and stir until well combined.

Add cooked lentils to the skillet and mix well. Continue cooking the mixture over medium-low heat until heated throughout, about 5 minutes.

Assemble: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to help the sauce cling to the mushrooms and lentils. Spoon mixture into hamburger buns and garnish with pickled onions and parsley (if using).

👩🏼‍🍳 How To Thicken Sloppy Joe Sauce

• Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Sloppy joes should be saucy, but not soupy!
• Add 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste for thicker, richer sauce.
• Mash a small scoop of (cooked) lentils and stir back in for natural thickening.
• Cornstarch slurry: Whisk together 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water, add to sloppy joe mixture, and simmer 1 minute.
• If it's too thick, thin it out with a splash of vegetable broth or water.

👩🏼‍🍳 Storage & Freezing

• Storage: Transfer sloppy joe mixture to an airtight container and store up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• How to reheat: Place sloppy joe filling in a saucepan over medium-low heat (or microwave) and stir occasionally until warm throughout, around 10 minutes. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth if it needs to be thinned out a bit.
• How to freeze: Cool completely and freeze in portions in a freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Make-ahead tip: Make your sloppy joe filling the day before serving and let the flavors mingle overnight in the refrigerator. It's actually better on the second day!

👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes

• For the meatiest texture, chop mushrooms very fine (or pulse in a food processor), then sauté until their moisture cooks off before adding sauce.
• Use green or brown lentils for the best bite. Red lentils turn softer and can get mushy.
• Brown the mushrooms until their moisture cooks off before adding sauce (this is what makes the filling taste "meaty," not watery).
• Taste at the end and adjust. Add a splash of vinegar for tang, a pinch of sugar for classic sweetness, and more smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
• Let it sit 5-10 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken up and cling to the lentils and mushrooms better.
• Toast your buns. For more texture and flavor, toast your hamburger buns. Slice and place (open-faced) under broiler for 3-4 minutes, and watch closely.

🍽 What To Serve With Meatless Sloppy Joes

There are so many options for pairing sloppy joes with delicious side dishes! Here are a few suggestions:

• Keep the meal lighter by pairing them with a vegetable, like roasted Brussels sprouts or corn on the cob
• For a summer picnic or potluck, serve with vegetarian baked beans
• Pair with a tasty side salad, like purple coleslaw or cucumber salad
• For a heartier meal, serve them with Japanese sweet potato fries.
• Check out my sloppy joe sides post for more options!

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

🍅 More Vegetarian Sandwich Recipes

Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

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