Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
Sink your teeth into these irresistible Vegetarian Sloppy Joes, a hearty plant-based twist on the classic comfort food! Packed with protein-rich lentils and colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and onions, this recipe delivers bold, smoky flavor thanks to a savory blend of tomato sauce, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Sweet and tangy notes from brown sugar, mustard, and soy sauce elevate the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser even for meat lovers. Ready in just 30 minutes, these sloppy joes make an easy weeknight dinner and can be topped with sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw for a customizable finish. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone seeking a satisfying, flavor-packed sandwich bursting with wholesome ingredients!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked green or brown lentils
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pieces hamburger buns
- to taste optional toppings (e.g., sliced pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and carrot to the pan. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Stir in the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and vegetable broth.
Add the brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
Spoon the lentil mixture onto hamburger bun halves and top with optional toppings such as sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1637 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.4 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 5051 mg | 220% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 242.0 g | 88% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 111.4 g | 398% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.1 g | ||
| Protein | 117.2 g | 234% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 432 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 28.1 mg | 156% | |
| Potassium | 4208 mg | 90% | |
*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.
