Vegan Sloppy Joes, delicious and easy to make. They're ready in just 30 minutes and require simple ingredients, and they're packed with lots of protein!
I’d wanted to try vegan Sloppy Joes for a long time and I finally did it a few weeks ago. All I can say is WOW! They may be the best sandwiches I've ever had, as they are nutritious, tasty, and SO good!
To veganize this traditional American dish, I used lentils instead of ground beef and the texture comes out really good and satisfying. This recipe is healthier and lighter than the original one too, but it's equally filling.
Besides, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients and add the veggies and spices you want to. It's a perfect meal to serve at a party or to have as a regular lunch or dinner!
Vegan Sloppy Joes, delicious, satiating, and super easy to prepare! They require simple and inexpensive ingredients, and to make them you only need 30 minutes!
How to make vegan Sloppy Joes - Step by step
- Heat the oil in a pan (photo 1) and add the veggies and the cayenne powder (photo 2). Cook over medium-high heat until golden brown (photo 3), stirring occasionally.
- Add all the remaining ingredients (photo 4), stir, and cook for about 10 minutes (photo 5).
- Serve the filling over the buns (photo 6).
Pro tips
- Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand.
- You could also make this recipe with other legumes, textured vegetable protein, or seitan instead of lentils.
- Add any spices or herbs you'd like.
- Although the buns are optional, they work amazingly well with the filling. You can also heat them in the oven, a pan, or a toaster.
- Use water instead of oil if you prefer a low-fat version of this recipe.
- If you don’t eat soy, feel free to use some salt to taste or coconut aminos instead of tamari or soy sauce.
- The tomato sauce can be replaced by tomato puree or even ketchup, but I think tomato sauce is the best choice.
- These Sloppy Joes will be less likely to fall apart if you cook the filling long enough to get a thick paste.
How long will these vegan Sloppy Joes keep?
You can keep the leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge and it will last for 3-5 days. You could also store it with the buns, but they would probably get too soft.
Can I freeze these vegan Sloppy Joes?
Yes, but you can only freeze the filling! Just let it cool first, put it in an airtight container, and transfer it into the freezer. You can either freeze it in individual portions or all the batch at the same time. It will last for up to 3 months.
To defrost, just transfer it into the fridge until thaw and reheat it in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat.
How to serve vegan Sloppy Joes
This recipe is a very complete meal and it has lots of nutrients and vitamins because of the veggies and protein thanks to the lentils. However, I love to serve it with some red cabbage, carrot, fresh chili peppers, and avocado slices on top.
Looking for more lentil recipes?
Did you make this vegan Sloppy Joes recipe?
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Vegan Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder, optional
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- ¼ onion, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped
- 15 oz canned or cooked lentils
- 1 and ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 whole-wheat hamburger buns, optional, gluten-free if needed
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan and add the veggies and the cayenne powder. Cook over medium-high heat until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add more oil or a little bit of water if needed.
- Add all the remaining ingredients, stir, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the filling over the buns and add your favorite veggies (I added some red cabbage, carrot, fresh chili peppers, and avocado slices).
- Keep the leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand.
- You could also make this recipe with other legumes, textured vegetable protein, or seitan instead of lentils.
- Add any spices or herbs you'd like.
- Although the buns are optional, they work amazingly well with the filling. You can also heat them in the oven, a pan, or a toaster.
- Use water instead of oil if you prefer a low-fat version of this recipe.
- If you don’t eat soy, feel free to use some salt to taste or coconut aminos instead of tamari or soy sauce.
- The tomato sauce can be replaced by tomato puree or even ketchup, but I think tomato sauce is the best choice.
- These Sloppy Joes will be less likely to fall apart if you cook the filling long enough to get a thick paste.
- Recipe adapted from Laura in the Kitchen.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published in February of 2017, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions, and tips in September of 2020.
Angela Carruthers says
Hi! This looks amazing! What colour of lentils did you use for this recipe? I can't wait to try it
Iosune Robles says
Hi Angela! I have used canned brown lentils, but dry brown lentils are also great 🙂
Shaelyn Varner says
I’ve been on your page as if I’m on Amazon. I’m too excited about all of these recipes. Just made your rice and beans recipe last night and tonight I made this and absolutely amazing! You sure know how to whip it in the kitchen lol! Thank you!
Iosune Robles says
Hi Shaelyn! Thanks for your kind words 🙂 You made my day!
Rachel65 says
This recipe is tasty, but the calorie count is WAY off. 400 g of lentil is about 450 calories. A TBSP of oil is 120, a TBSP of sugar is 50, everything else is negligible (peppers, tomato sauce) and spices are zero. No way that 1/6 of the total recipe is over 300 calories. Just posting so my fellow calorie counters are aware! Thanks for the yummy vegan recipe.
Iosune says
Hi Rachel! Thanks a lot, it was a mistake. I've used this web this time: https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076
Sandy says
Can I make ahead of time and freeze for later when my niece visits?
Iosune says
Hi Sandy! I've never tried it myself, but I think it should work 🙂
Kathy says
I made this recipe for a family get together. It was fantastic. Even those who tried it and do not eat a vegan or vegetarian diet really liked it. Note: I used lentils I cooked rather than canned. I’m not fond of the “canned” taste.)
Iosune says
Hi Kathy! So glad to hear that 😀
Hayley says
Do you know about how many cups are in a can of lentils (if I want to cook my own from dry)?
Iosune says
Hi Hayley! I know a 15-ounce can of legumes usually contains about 3 and 1/2 cups of legumes once it's drained, but I don't know the equivalence with dry legumes, sorry!
Kelly says
I don’t have canned. How would you make this with dried lentils? This recipe looks amazing and I’d like to make it, but how would I substitute the dried beans for canned?
Iosune says
Hi Kelly! Just cook the lentils according to package directions 🙂
Melba says
Can you cook ahead and warm up right before serving?
Iosune says
Hi Melba! Just, you can cook the filling in advance 🙂
Corinne says
Delicious! Made for my daughter and it’s a new favorite of hers. I did cook much longer than 10 minutes so it was thick. She is also gluten free so I served on gluten free tortillas but it can also be scooped up with some corn chips. I tried this and I thought it was very yummy and I’m not a vegetarian.
Iosune says
Hi Corinne! So glad you liked it 🙂 It's a good idea to serve this with gf tortillas, I'll try it!
Stormie Carlson says
These were amazing. This is the first specifically vegan recipe we've tried and it really was a wonderful positive experience. We will add it to our go to list. Thank you so much for sharing. Loved it.
Iosune says
Hi Stormie! Thanks a lot 🙂 So glad you liked it!
Penny says
Loved it and so did my my family! Next time we are making a double batch so we can have left overs. Thank you!
Iosune says
Hi Penny! So glad you liked it 😀 Have a nice day!
Marie says
Thanks so much for posting this recipe! It sounds perfect
What type of lentils do you use. I'm only familiar with French lentils being firm enough to retain texture. Every other type I've had turn to mush when cooked and I've never seen canned lentils before.
Iosune says
Hi Marie! I used canned brown lentils, but dry brown lentils are also great 🙂
jennifer says
I just made this for my kids and it was a hit! I have tried to make vegan sloppy joes before with fake meat and my kids hated them...so they were a bit hesitant to try again but they really loved it! Although mine doesn't look nearly as pretty as yours! 😉 Thanks!
Iosune says
Hi Jennifer! I'm so glad you liked it 😀 Have a nice day!
Fred says
I must say I was skeptical when I found this recipe, but the first bite charmed me! Awesome taste, better and healthier than it would taste with meat! Thanks for all your fantastic recipes guys! 😀
Iosune says
Hi Fred! You're so welcome 😀 I'm so glad you liked it!
Jen says
Looks good. Experimenting with vegan recipes. Will post how this turns out.
Iosune says
Hi Jen! Thanks a lot 😀 Hope you enjoy it!
Dairy Maid says
If we're using canned lentils, should they be drained before weighing?
Iosune says
Hi Dairy! Yes, they should 🙂
Stefanie says
this looks simply amazing, can't wait to try it! unfortuntely i have to stick to my gluten free diet but this is great, because i can just use gluten free burger buns instead the wholemeal ones, without having to rework the recipe. thanks so much for sharing it! if you ever need more inspiration, i'd love you to stop by eatwholegreens.com for some vegan awesomeness! see you there 🙂
cheers, stäf | http://www.eatwholegreens.com
Iosune says
Hi Stefanie! Thanks a lot 😀 Have a beautiful day!
Bea says
Willing to try this one!
Where do you find this type of whole wheat hamburger buns or the whole grain bagels you posted recently?
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing recipes and knowledge, you are so generous guys!!
Best , Bea
Iosune says
Hi Bea! I live in Spain, so I buy the bread at a local store in my area. You're so welcome 🙂 Have a nice day!
Kristina says
Oh my word, I will so be making this very soon. It's easy to tell this will be a winner & those chili peppers bring it all together!
I will write a review once I make it ?
Iosune says
Hi Kristina! Thanks a lot. I really hope you enjoy it 😉
Ashleen Woods says
I am so excited to try this out! We've got just about all the ingredients, so this is going on the list for later this week! :d Yum!
Iosune says
Hi Ashleen! I hope you like it!!!