Make Rich and Filling Lentil Sloppy Joes at home

Having lentil sloppy joes is a delicious, affordable supper. On top of a hamburger bun, tender lentils are smothered in a zesty homemade sloppy joe sauce.

They’re simple to create and mostly pantry staples that you probably already have!

Foods from the pantry

You probably already have the majority of the ingredients for Lentil sloppy joes, so there’s no need to make a special trip to the store!

This conventional sloppy joe recipe’s tastes are all present in this meatless main dish, but lentils are used in place of ground beef. With a few easy substitutions, this dish may be made vegetarian, but meat eaters still adore it.

The dish comes together quickly and has a spicy, tasty sauce that makes it substantial and hearty thanks to the lentils.

Ingredients

LENTILS Although this recipe asks for dry brown lentils, any type of lentil will work. Despite the tiny textural variations, they are all perfectly functional.

If using canned lentils, take care to drain them thoroughly and omit the boiling (as well as the broth).

Cans versus Dry Keep in mind that 1 cup of dried lentils equals around 2 cups of canned or cooked lentils when substituting canned lentils for dried lentils.

SAUCE This tart sauce mixes several seasonings that you probably already have in your refrigerator.

Alternatives: Dijon or brown mustard can be substituted for prepared mustard if you’re running out. Lacking ketchup? Tomato sauce works well as a substitute.

BUNS Serve on dinner rolls, hamburger buns, or even slices of bread if you have any on hand. Additionally delicious over-cooked spaghetti or brown rice!

How to Make Lentil Sloppy Joes

Due to their smaller size and softer texture, lentils cook more quickly than dry beans. Always rinse, then remove any small stones or other debris that may have fallen into the bag.

1. Stir-fry peppers and onions until they are tender (per the recipe below)
2. Once the lentils are soft, add the broth and lentils.
3. Add the sauce ingredients and stir, then boil for a few minutes until thickened.

Serve right away after scooping into hamburger buns and adding sliced onions, tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.

Simple Alterations

• Add Meat: Cut the broth and lentils in half, then add 1/2 pound of cooked ground beef.
• No need to cook the lentils in advance; simply combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and increase the broth to 2 cups. Cook for 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low. Cook for 30 minutes on high, removing the cover as needed, to thicken.
• Seasonings: Increase the amount of chili powder or taco spice in the lentil mixture.

Serve Along…

• Add cheese on top of the fried sweet potato fries or potatoes.
• Serve with spaghetti or rice.
• Serve over bread, in buns, or rolls.

Include a crisp side salad, traditional coleslaw, or a rich carrot salad!

Sloppy Joes with lentils

This vegetarian dish is simple to prepare and inexpensive.

Ingredients for Lentil Sloppy Joes

• A tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 green bell pepper finely chopped
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cups water
• 1 cup broth beef or vegetable broth
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce if desired)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 8 hamburger buns

Instructions for Lentil Sloppy Joes

1. Green pepper and onion should be cooked in olive oil for 4 minutes or until tender. Lentils, broth, water, and garlic are added.
2. After bringing to a boil, lower heat to a simmer. For 25 minutes, cook covered. Other ingredients (apart from buns) should be stirred in and simmered for a further 10-15 minutes, or until thickened.
3. Serve the lentil mixture with the hamburger buns.

Notes

Simmering Version: In the slow cooker, combine all the ingredients while adding 2 cups of broth. Cook for 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low. Cook on high, uncovered, for a further 30 minutes, if necessary, to thicken.

Dry lentils can be substituted with canned ones by thoroughly draining them before boiling (and the broth). 2 cups of canned lentils are required (or pre-cooked lentils).

Add 1/2 lb. of ground beef, half the lentils, and half the liquid as variations.
Spread garlic butter on the hamburger buns and toast them under the broiler to add more flavor.

Nutrition information

Serving: 1sloppy joe | Calories: 266 | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 632mg | Potassium: 531mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 464IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 4mg