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Hearty lentil sloppy joes arranged on a platter.
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5 from 5 votes

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
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 321kcal
Author: MaryAnne

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 small saucepan

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  • 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.

Video

Notes

    • Vegetable broth will add more flavor, but you can use water to cook the lentils as well.
    • 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!
    • 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 and stir occasionally until warm throughout, around 10 minutes.
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Nutrition

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