Unsloppy Joes Easy Vegetarian Sloppy Joes

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with these Unsloppy Joes, a quick and easy vegetarian twist on classic sloppy joes! Packed with hearty lentils and sautéed vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and carrot, this recipe delivers bold, smoky flavors in every bite thanks to a savory sauce infused with smoked paprika, chili powder, and a touch of maple syrup. Ready in just 30 minutes, these meat-free sandwiches are perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a wholesome plant-based meal. Serve on toasted whole wheat buns with optional toppings like pickles, shredded lettuce, or vegan cheese for a customizable, satisfying dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply craving a healthier comfort food option, these Unsloppy Joes are sure to become a new favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cooked green or brown lentils
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 medium Green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 medium Carrot, finely grated
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian-friendly)
• 1 tablespoon Maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 Whole wheat burger buns
• 0 Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, or vegan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and grated carrot to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and mix well with the vegetables.

Step 5

In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a sauce.

Step 6

Pour the sauce into the skillet with the lentils and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 7

Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.

Step 8

Toast the whole wheat burger buns lightly, if desired, for added texture.

Step 9

Spoon the lentil mixture onto the bottom halves of the burger buns. Add optional toppings like pickles, shredded lettuce, or vegan cheese if preferred, and place the top halves of the buns on.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy your easy Unsloppy Vegetarian Sloppy Joes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1525.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1669.2

Total Fat 29.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3218.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 278.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 66.4g	0%
Total Sugars 68.4g
Protein 79.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 631.9mg	0%
Iron 29.1mg	0%
Potassium 3329.8mg	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: 15.6%

Protein: 18.7%

Carbs: 65.7%