Vegetarian Sloppy Joes Recipe
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 bite(not mushy) 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.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 321kcal
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, finely 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 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. Season to taste with additional salt if needed.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to help the sauce cling to the lentils and mushrooms. Spoon mixture into hamburger buns and garnish with pickled onions and parsley (if using).
Video
Notes
- Storage: Transfer sloppy joe mixture to an airtight container and store up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- 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).
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
