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!

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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
• 0 to taste optional toppings (e.g., sliced pickles, shredded cheese, coleslaw)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and carrot to the pan. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and vegetable broth.

Step 5

Add the brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.

Step 8

Spoon the lentil mixture onto hamburger bun halves and top with optional toppings such as sliced pickles, shredded cheese, or coleslaw.

Step 9

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1639.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1616.8

Total Fat 59.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 10mg	0%
Sodium 4357.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 223.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 108.7g	0%
Total Sugars 42.3g
Protein 114.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 376.4mg	0%
Iron 26.4mg	0%
Potassium 3373.2mg	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: 28.3%

Protein: 24.3%

Carbs: 47.4%