Lentil Sloppy Joes

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Make the best Lentil Sloppy Joes in just 20 minutes. This vegan, protein-rich recipe includes stovetop and Instant Pot instructions for an easy dinner.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 519kcal

Author: Prajakta Sukhatme

Cost: $5

Ingredients

For the Lentil Sloppy Joe Filling

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion finely diced (about 1 cup)
1 medium red bell pepper finely diced (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic minced
3 cups cooked brown or green lentils or 1½ cup uncooked lentils
1 cup tomato sauce
2 Tablespoons Tomato paste
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup water or vegetable broth if needed

For Serving

6 hamburger buns

Instructions

How to Make Lentil Sloppy Joes on the Stovetop

Step 1: Sauté the vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 3 minutes. Add garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Prepare the sauce: Add tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir well. Mix in maple syrup, soy sauce, mustard, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, and black pepper.
Step 3: Add the lentils: Add the cooked lentils. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Simmer: Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce will thicken. The flavors will deepen.
Step 5: Serve: Spoon the filling onto toasted sandwich buns. Add your favorite toppings. Enjoy immediately.

How to Make Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes

Turn on the sauté setting. Add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic.
Add rinsed brown lentils, tomato sauce, tomato paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, mustard, seasonings, and vegetable broth.
Close the lid. Set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. Release the remaining pressure carefully. Stir well. If the mixture seems thin, simmer for a few minutes using the sauté setting. Serve on toasted buns.

Notes

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This recipe is ideal for meal preparation.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Freeze the filling for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Add a splash of water if needed.

Nutrition