This lentil sloppy joe is full of warm, hearty flavors and is perfect in a brioche bun, on a salad or served with rice.
I whipped this lovely dinner up in heartbeat on Sunday for the football games. Sloppy Joe is one of those dishes that everyone loves, and now this is my healthy spin on it. No one even noticed that they weren’t eating meat and let’s face it… the lentils are packed with nutrient-dense protein so I was happy to serve them to family and friends. The tomato sauce was made my from my freshly roasted tomatoes, recipe here, and it added a great tanginess along with the smoky flavor. The recipe I linked makes a wonderful soup but the first part of the recipe has how to easily roast up your tomatoes.
This recipe, made in an Instant Pot, is one of those set and forget type deals, great for a party. I left the IP on warm post-cooking so that guests can grab a roll and make their own sandwiches when hunger hit. Because I’m gluten free, I added this to rice and ate it that way. I love it also topped in a salad, yes, strange but good! Leftovers are great for busy weeknight dinners and it also freezes nicely. 
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Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Hearty and flavorful, these lentil sloppy joes are perfect on buns, over rice, or in a salad. A satisfying vegan twist on a classic!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 small jalapeño
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups (474 ml) lentils
- 3 cups (710 ml) vegetable broth
- 4 cups (946 ml) roasted tomatoes
- 6 oz (170 g) can tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp Liquid Aminos
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid smoke
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté option and allow it to heat.
- Add your olive oil.
- Once hot, add your onions and green pepper; sauté for 4 minutes.
- Add your garlic and jalapeño and stir for 1 minute.
- Turn your Instant Pot off.
- Add the remaining ingredients to your Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Place the lid on, locking the top, and vent to the closed position.
- Turn on the Instant Pot using the manual button and set it for 16 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to build and cook automatically.
- Allow for a natural pressure release.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve on rolls, over noodles, or as desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular canned tomatoes.
- If you don’t have liquid aminos, soy sauce or tamari can be substituted, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid over-salting.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 15
- Protein: 20
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the tomato sauce for the Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes?
You can make the tomato sauce by roasting fresh tomatoes, following the recipe linked in the blog. This will add a great tanginess and smoky flavor to your Sloppy Joes.
Can I use a different type of bun for the Sloppy Joes?
Yes, while a brioche bun is recommended, you can use any type of bun that you prefer or even serve the lentil mixture over rice or salad for a gluten-free option.
What should I do with leftovers from the Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for future meals, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
