Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 100% Plant-Based & Vegan
• Budget-Friendly Dinner Solution
• Rich in Protein and Fiber
• Ready in Under 45 Minutes
• Perfect for Meal Prep and Freezes Beautifully
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or Dutch oven with a lid
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 6-8 hamburger buns, for serving (use gluten-free if needed)
• Optional toppings: pickles, sliced red onion, fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin to the skillet. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Uncover the skillet and stir in the ketchup, brown sugar (or maple syrup), apple cider vinegar, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
6. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to a classic sloppy joe consistency. The mixture should be saucy but not watery.
7. Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper. Adjust any other seasonings to your preference – you might want a little more vinegar for tang or sugar for sweetness.
8. While the sauce thickens, toast your hamburger buns.
9. To serve, spoon a generous amount of the lentil mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add your favorite toppings and place the top bun on. Serve immediately.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Rinse your lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris.
• Don’t skip toasting the spices! This step, known as ‘blooming,’ deepens their flavor and adds a wonderful aromatic quality to the dish.
• For a thicker sauce, you can create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
• If the mixture becomes too thick while simmering, simply add a splash more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

For the lentils, brown or green work best as they hold their shape. Red lentils will break down and become mushy, so they are not recommended. You can substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for a refined sugar-free option. Any type of bell pepper will work. For extra umami, add a tablespoon of tomato paste when you sauté the garlic and spices. If you don’t have vegan Worcestershire sauce, a splash of soy sauce or tamari can be used in its place.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is overcooking the lentils, which results in a mushy texture. Start checking them for tenderness around the 25-minute mark. Another error is using red lentils, which do not hold their shape well for this application. Finally, don’t forget to toast the buns. A toasted bun provides a crucial textural contrast and helps prevent the bottom from getting soggy from the saucy filling.

Serving Suggestions

These Lentil Sloppy Joes are a meal in themselves but pair wonderfully with classic American sides. Serve with a crisp, creamy coleslaw, dill pickles, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, they are also delicious alongside baked beans or a corn on the cob.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover lentil sloppy joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually deepens overnight! The filling also freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. The lentil filling is naturally gluten-free. Simply serve it on your favorite gluten-free hamburger buns to make the entire meal gluten-free.

Can I use canned lentils instead of dry lentils?

Yes, you can. You will need about 2 ½ to 3 cups of cooked lentils (roughly two 15-ounce cans, rinsed and drained). If using canned lentils, reduce the vegetable broth to about ½ cup and simmer time to about 10-15 minutes, as you only need to heat the lentils through and allow the flavors to meld.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. The filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors get even better the next day. Simply reheat the portion you need and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy a comfort food classic without compromising on flavor or values. These Tangy Lentil Sloppy Joes prove that plant-based eating can be hearty, familiar, and fun. It’s a dish that will win over even the most skeptical eaters, making it a perfect addition to your culinary arsenal. We hope you love this ultimate cheap vegan dinner as much as we do!