Lentil Sloppy Joes (Vegan) from the Pantry

Need more unfussy vegetarian meals? You will certainly love my Crispy Tofu Rice Bowls, this CREAMY Unfussy Alfredo Sauce, or even my High Protein Edamame Salad!

Why you’ll love these meatless Sloppy Joes

If you grew up loving familiar sloppy joes, buckle up because we’re giving them the vegan glow-up they truly deserve! These Lentil Sloppy Joes have all the saucy, messy, sweet-tangy goodness you remember—simply with a veggie-packed twist that somehow makes them feel both nostalgic and a little virtuous. And bonus, it’s a fully vegan recipe!

Why you’ll love this method:

• High-protein vegetarian dinner thanks to the lentils.
• Family-friendly — even picky eaters love the sweet-savory sauce.
• Budget-friendly and pantry-friendly.
• Make-ahead & freezer-friendly — dependable for meal prep.
• One-pan, straightforward cleanup + truly fast because the recipe uses pre-cooked lentils.

Sloppy Joe Ingredients

The simple ingredients for this straightforward vegetarian sloppy joe recipe are listed fully down in the recipe card but let’s briefly go over the pantry staples needed including a few substitutions you can make as desired!

• Cooked lentils – Instead of ground beef, we’re using kitchen-made cooked lentils or a can of lentils (drained). Brown lentils or green lentils hold their shape dependable for these sloppy joes!
• Tomato sauce – Makes the base thick and saucy.
• Tomato paste – Deepens the flavor and makes everything extra rich.
• Ketchup – Familiar sloppy joe sweetness. I’ve also tried this with bbq sauce and it was savory!
• Mustard – Yellow or Dijon both work.
• Soy sauce or tamari – Adds depth and umami.
• Smoked paprika + chili powder – Smoky, warm spices that round out the flavor.
• Onion, bell pepper, garlic – The veggie base for texture and flavor. I used a red bell pepper but genuinely any color works well.
• Optional toppings – Vegan cheese, pickled onions, shredded lettuce, avocado, red onions etc.

How to make these Vegan Sloppy Joes

Only a reminder that you can find the FULL written sloppy lentils recipe down in the recipe card, but I want to quickly go over how to make them with visuals for you:)

1. In olive oil over medium-high heat, saute the onion and bell pepper in a large skillet until softened slightly.

1. Add in the tomato paste and spices and continue to cook, mixing so that the veggies get covered in the tomato paste.

1. Add the cooked lentils, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine and simmer.

1. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto toasted buns. Add toppings if desired and ENJOY!

Expert Tips

• Use canned OR cooked lentils — only make sure to drain canned lentils well.
• Don’t overcook after adding the lentils. Since they’re already cooked, you’re simply warming them through.
• If the mixture gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
• Toast the buns — it makes the texture way better.
• Want it sweeter? Add an extra teaspoon of ketchup, maple syrup, or brown sugar.
• Make it spicy with chipotle chili powder or diced jalapeño.

Frequently Asked Questions