Transform your weeknight dinners with this hearty, flavor-packed Sloppy Joe Lentils recipe, designed for the slow cooker or crock pot. Featuring protein-rich brown or green lentils simmered in a savory, tangy sauce made with tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and smoked paprika, this dish guarantees bold flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy schedules, it requires just 15 minutes of prep before the slow cooker works its magic, delivering tender lentils infused with vibrant spices. Serve this crowd-pleasing, vegan-friendly alternative to classic Sloppy Joes on toasted sandwich buns, or get creative by layering it over rice or adding toppings like coleslaw or pickles. Ideal for meal prepping or feeding a group, this recipe is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy plant-based comfort food.
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside.
In your slow cooker or crock pot, combine the lentils, water or vegetable broth, diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the Sloppy Joe sauce.
Pour the sauce into the slow cooker and stir to combine all the ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, until the lentils are tender and the flavors are well absorbed.
Once the cooking time is up, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the lentil Sloppy Joe mixture warm on toasted sandwich buns, bread, or over rice. Optionally, add toppings like shredded cheese, coleslaw, or pickles for extra flavor.
Enjoy your hearty and delicious Sloppy Joe Lentils!
Calories |
1943 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.1 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 7570 mg | 329% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 358.3 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.7 g | 138% | |
| Total Sugars | 73.2 g | ||
| Protein | 90.4 g | 181% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 562 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 26.4 mg | 147% | |
| Potassium | 2852 mg | 61% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.