Description
A bold and saucy vegetarian take on the classic Sloppy Joe, made with lentils, veggies, and a smoky tomato-based sauce. These sandwiches are messy, hearty, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns, toasted
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, tomato paste, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well.
- Add lentils and stir to combine. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toast burger buns in a skillet or toaster.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun and serve hot.
Notes
- Use brown or green lentils for best texture—they hold up better than red lentils.
- Add a splash more broth if the mixture gets too thick while simmering.
- Great for leftovers—store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later.
- Customize with toppings like pickles, slaw, or avocado.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 0mg