Vegetarian Sloppy Joes Recipe
Smoky, tangy, meaty, and messy - vegetarian sloppy joes are quick and easy, and packed with protein. This veggie sloppy joes recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, makes excellent leftovers, and is freezer-friendly.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 321kcal
1 large skillet
1 small saucepan
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup green lentils, well rinsed (see "Tips" section for instructions on using red lentils)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
- 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces baby bella (or button) mushrooms, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon ketchup or tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- pickled onions (optional garnish)
- fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- 6 hamburger buns
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.
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 3-4 minutes. 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. Season to taste with additional salt if needed.
Spoon mixture into hamburger buns and garnish with pickled onions and parsley (if using). Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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- Vegetable broth will add more flavor, but you can use water to cook the lentils as well.
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- 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.
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- Make in advance: Make your sloppy joe filling the day before serving and let the flavors mingle in the refrigerator. It's actually better on the second day!
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- Storage: Transfer sloppy joe mixture to an airtight container and store up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
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- How to reheat: Place sloppy joe filling in a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until warm throughout, around 10 minutes.
Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 1037mg | Potassium: 668mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1024IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 5mg