Snobby Joes

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with these flavorful and hearty Snobby Joes, a sophisticated twist on the classic sloppy joe. Made with tender, protein-packed green or brown lentils instead of ground meat, this vegetarian recipe is rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and smoky-savory flavor. A medley of sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic form the base, while tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a blend of spices create a bold, tangy sauce that perfectly coats the lentils. Quick to prepare in under an hour, these Sloppy Joes 2.0 are served on toasted buns, with optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or shredded cheese for a customizable finish. Ideal for meat-free Mondays, casual gatherings, or simply adding variety to your meal rotation, Snobby Joes are proof that comfort food can be elevated—and deliciously guilt-free.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup Dry green or brown lentils
• 3 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium Bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 cup Tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (use a vegetarian version if needed)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 6 Hamburger buns or rolls
• 0 Optional toppings: pickles, coleslaw, shredded cheese

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Step 2

While the lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir well to coat the vegetables. Cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the tomato flavor.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked lentils to the skillet. Stir until the lentils are evenly combined with the sauce.

Step 7

Simmer the mixture on low for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Toast the hamburger buns or rolls, if desired.

Step 9

Spoon a generous portion of the Snobby Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Add optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or shredded cheese if desired.

Step 10

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Snobby Joes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1538.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	509.2

Total Fat 6.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3486.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 90.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.4g	0%
Total Sugars 31.2g
Protein 25.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 181.5mg	0%
Iron 10.5mg	0%
Potassium 1662.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 11.7%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 69.0%