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Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

5 from 1 vote
Ready in 20 minutes, these protein-packed Lentil Sloppy Joes are messy, flavorful, and topped with crisp slaw. Perfect for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Lentil Filling:
  • 2½ cups Cooked green lentils (approx. 1 cup dry)
  • 2 tbsp Vegan butter
  • ½ green bell pepper (diced)
  • ½ yellow onion (diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic salt
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup unsweetened tomato sauce
  • 3 tbsp agave nectar
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • ½ tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 Buns (toasted)
The Crisp Cabbage Slaw:
  • 1 cup Shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup Shredded green cabbage
  • 1 tbsp Vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Agave nectar
  • 1 tsp Apple cider vinegar
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Skillet: For sautéing the veggies and simmering the filling.
  • Mixing Bowls: One for the slaw and one for pre-mixing spices.
  • Wooden Spoon: The best tool for stirring and breaking up the lentils.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons To get that spice ratio just right.
  • Chef’s Knife: For dicing your peppers and onions finely.

Method
 

  1. Prep the Slaw: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegan mayo, agave, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss in the shredded cabbage until well-coated. Pop this in the fridge—the flavors develop while you cook the filling!
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Melt the vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced peppers and onions. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
  3. Bloom the Spice: Stir in the minced garlic and all your dry spices (chili powder, onion powder, etc.). Cook for just 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen starts smelling incredible!
  4. Build the Sauce: Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, agave, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk it all together until the sauce is smooth and bubbling.
  5. Simmer and Serve: Stir in your pre-cooked lentils. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the lentils can soak up that savory sauce. Spoon a generous heap onto toasted buns, top with your chilled slaw, and dive in!

Notes

Pro-Tips for Success

  • Texture is Key: Use green or brown lentils for this recipe—they hold their shape much better than red lentils, which tend to get a bit too mushy for a "Sloppy Joe" feel.
  • The Toast Factor: Don't skip toasting your buns! A little vegan butter and a quick sear on the pan creates a barrier so that delicious sauce doesn't soak through.
  • Make it a "Bowl": If you’re watching your carbs, this lentil filling is incredible served over a baked sweet potato or a bed of fresh greens instead of a bun.