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Vegan Sloppy Joes Instant Pot (Soup or Sandwich!)

vegan sloppy joes in gluten free bun on a plate with pickles and chips
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These vegan sloppy joes are a hearty and delicious meal made lighter and healthier than its traditional version! Sloppy Joes have always been a family favourite, but this version is loaded with plenty of nutrients and tons of protein and fiber. To make things even better, these sloppy joes are much lower in calories than a traditional recipe, making it a perfect choice for weight loss or weight management.

vegan sloppy joes in gluten free bun on a plate with pickles and chips

These vegan sloppy joes are a low calorie meal that is filing and satisfying!

My favourite combo! This dish is such a staple in my household as it pleases my entire family, including my picky toddler who gives this two thumbs up! 🙂 Try this out on your most carnivorous friends and family. I bet they will love it!

What are vegan sloppy joes made with?

Well, this super healthy version contains:

  • lentils
  • onion & pepper
  • low sodium vegetable broth
  • tomato sauce
  • seasonings

Simple, healthy AND delicious! If you’re watching your carb intake, skip the buns and eat this as a soup instead! Add little extra tomato sauce and broth (see notes below) and serve in bowls instead. I often choose to eat this one as a soup and find it super satisfying this way, and especially comforting during colder months.

Sloppy Joe Soup in bowls

To make this easy recipe for vegan sloppy joes even easier, I use my Instant Pot. This just might be my favourite set it and forget it recipe! If you don’t own an Instant Pot, no worries! I’ve got you covered with regular stove top directions as well.

vegan sloppy joes in gluten free bun on a plate with pickles and chips and top bun sliding down

For a low calorie meal, you really can’t beat this delicious and nutritious dish. The lentils are filling, hearty and satisfying, and offer everything you’re looking for in a sloppy joe! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so as usual, please drop me a line in the comments below.

Want more lentil recipes?

Try my Lentil Veggie Soup, Lentil Pizza Crust, or Lentil Banana Protein Pancakes. From breakfast to dinner, there are a ton of delicious and unique ways to use lentils!

vegan sloppy joes in gluten free bun on a plate with pickles and chips

Vegan Sloppy Joes - Instant Pot Option

Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Keyword: gluten free, Instant Pot, vegan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Stove Top Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
These vegan sloppy joes are lightened up using lentils and veggies, but still loaded with flavour. Here's a stove top and Instant Pot option.
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Ingredients

  • 1 tsp cooking oil I use avocado
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 4-6 cups low sodium vegetable broth *see notes*
  • 1 cup green lentils
  • 1 cup split red lentils
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Tamari or soy sauce
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1-2 cups homemade tomato sauce or store bought *see notes*

Instructions

Instant Pot Directions

  • Select sauté on your Instant Pot, and once hot, add the oil, onions and peppers and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Then add all remaining ingredients, close the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position. Set to manual high pressure for 13 minutes. When the timer is complete, you may quick release.

Stove Top Directions

  • In a large sauce pan over medium heat, add your cooking oil, and saute your onion and pepper for 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the broth, both lentils, tomato paste, tamari, salt and cumin to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower heat to medium low and let simmer for 25 minutes, or until lentils are cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  • Then, add the tomato sauce and mix well. Simmer for 5 more minutes, allowing the lentils to absorb some of the sauce.
  • Serve your vegan sloppy joes with toasted gluten free buns or pitas of choice. Or skip the bread entirely, add a little extra sauce and enjoy as a stew.

Notes

If making sloppy joes as a sandwich, use 4 cups of broth and 1 cup of tomato sauce.
If making sloppy joe soup, use the 6 cups of broth and 2 cups of tomato sauce.
This sloppy joe recipe freezes well as a make ahead meal, so feel free to double the recipe and save some for future use.
 
Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 606mg | Potassium: 636mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 18.7% | Vitamin C: 40.5% | Calcium: 5% | Iron: 26.5%
DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
*Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.

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14 Comments

  2. Angela
    Reply


    I just LOVE this recipe! Simple ingredients and really mimics the flavors of Sloppy Joe’s. Excellent job with this one. Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

  3. Pam
    Reply


    What a fun, family-friendly and healthy meal! I haven’t jumped on the instant pot wagon yet, but I’m definitely thinking of giving it a try.

    • rosa Post author
      Reply

      Hi Pam, thanks so much! I have stove top directions included as well. But I totally recommend the instant pot to anyone in need of a hands off appliance! 🙂

  4. Adrianne
    Reply


    I love having meatless recipes and this one sounds like a winner!! We should all eat less meat I think, just need creative ideas like this one to keep us interested. Cheers

  7. Sofia
    Reply

    I made your Sloppy Joe Instant Pot recipe for dinner last night and it was a hit with the kids!!!! 👍🏼 Thanks for your delicious and reliable recipes – I can’t go wrong with them!!

    • rosa Post author
      Reply

      Hi Sofia. Thanks so much for the kind feedback! I’m so glad the kids were pleased. I know how difficult it can be cooking for little ones.

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