These vegan sloppy joes are hearty and delicious, delivering tons of flavour in every bite. This healthy version is loaded with nutrients, protein and fiber. As an added bonus, these mouth watering sloppy joes are lower in calories than a traditional recipe, without sacrificing on flavour.
What is a vegan sloppy joe?
Yes, sloppy joe’s traditionally have meat in them, but to make these vegan friendly, I’m using hearty lentils instead.
This dish is usually served in a soft bun, and make sure to have those napkins ready. It’s in the name, yes, this sandwich can be quite messy. But wow is it ever bursting with flavour.
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! 🙂
What’s in it?
This dish uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.
- lentils
- onion & pepper
- low sodium vegetable broth
- tomato sauce
- seasonings
Simple, healthy AND delicious!
What if I don’t want to eat a messy sandwich?
If you’re not really into licking your fingers, or even if you’re watching your complex carb intake, skip the bun. You may eat this as a delicious, warming soup instead! (My toddler’s preferred way.)
Add little extra tomato sauce and broth (see notes in the recipe card below) and serve in bowls instead. I often enjoy this one as a soup and find it super satisfying this way, and especially comforting during colder months.
How to make lentil sloppy joes
To prepare your dish, start by sautéing your onions and peppers in your Instant Pot or on stove top.
Add all remaining ingredients and cook according to your selected method. See the recipe card below for cook times depending on your cooking method of choice.
Serve with soft buns, pickles on the side, and a nice cold beer also pairs particularly well with this sandwich. 🙂
You will love this meal, it’s:
- hearty and “meaty”
- filling and satisfying
- flavourful
- low in calories and fat
- healthy and nutritious
- kid friendly
- simple ingredients
- easy to make!
More favourite lentil recipes
In this house, we eat lentils for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Such a versatile ingredient that can be included in a variety of ways. Try some of these great recipes below.
- Lentil Banana Protein Pancakes
- Baked Lentil Veggie Nuggets
- Lentil Shepherd’s Pie [Vegan + GF + Oil Free]
- Lentil Pizza Crust – Dairy & Gluten Free
- Easy Vegetable Lentil Soup to Feed the Lot
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 sea 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 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add all remaining ingredients, close the lid and turn the valve to the sealing position. Set to high pressure for 6 minutes. (It will take 10-15 minutes to build pressure before counting down.) When the timer is complete, you may quick release.
- Serve with soft buns, pita, or skip the bread, add a little extra sauce and enjoy as a stew.
Stove Top Directions
- In a large sauce pan over medium heat, add your cooking oil, and saute your onion and pepper for 2-3 minutes.
- Add all the remaining ingredients to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower heat to medium low and let simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Serve with soft buns, pita, or skip the bread, add a little extra sauce and enjoy as a stew.
I cannot find red lentils to save my life. What should I do? LOL
You may use more green or brown lentils instead. You may also sub for split peas. Enjoy! 🙂
Great recipe! My wife had it as a soup but I went for the sloppy sandwich. Will make again.
Thanks Jerry. Glad you both enjoyed!
I’ve never had sloppy joes, vegan or not… Poor poor me. Sounds like I’m going to have to give this a try to surprise my vegan daughter:)
Poor poor you indeed!! I bet you and your daughter will love this! 🙂
These look so good and it’s a bonus that they are healthy and vegan! Adding these to our weekly menu!
Thanks Michelle. Hope you enjoy!!
Delicious and yummy and a must try recipe for sure. Love the Instant pot option too.
Thanks Veena!
Delicious, healthy and filling. What else do you need, right? 🙂 I can see why it was a family favorite recipe – it can easily become mine, too!
Thanks so much Elaine!
My Instant Pot and easy, tasty recipes, like this one, make me so happy! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Beth, hope you enjoy!
What a great healthy alternative to a classic. I also love that I can put everything in the instant pot and walk away. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Thanks so much Kelly. The Instant Pot is truly a game changer!
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 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind words Angela!
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.
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! 🙂
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
Thank you Adrianne, creative ways to use new ingredients are a must! 🙂
Yum, I’ve never tried substituting lentils for ground beef before, so I’m excited to try this recipe.
Thanks Emily! Hope you enjoy this recipe. 🙂
Loving your delicious, nutrient-dense recipes, especially the instant pot one – so great for us working moms! Keep ‘em coming!!
Thanks Dina! So glad you’re enjoying my recipes. Definitely more to come. 🙂
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!!
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.