These hearty Slow Cooker Vegan Sloppy Joes are perfect for a meatless meal your whole family will enjoy! Lentils are slowly simmered with stock, tomatoes, and spices to create a Vegetarian Sloppy Joe that is even a winner with die-hard meat-eaters.
When I told my husband Vegan Sloppy Joes were on the Menu, he was not excited.
He loves my traditional Sloppy Joe recipe, but he was a bit hesitant to try out a Vegetarian Sloppy Joe.
Friends, he ate 3!!! That is what we call success at our house!
These Vegetarian Sloppy Joes start with a base of lentils. Lentils work as a great plant-based substitute for meat, as they mimic a ground beef texture, have a decent amount of protein, and are quite filling.
When simmered with tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and the right blend of seasonings, lentils create a vegan-friendly sloppy joe that is rich, hearty, and a bit tangy.
This is a simple, plant-based dinner that is affordable, filling, and delicious!
How to Make Vegan Sloppy Joes
- Mix together all ingredients in a large slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
Stove Top Lentil Sloppy Joes
If you would like to make lentil sloppy joes on the stove, it is best to cook the lentil first, according to package directions to assure that the lentils are cooked through as they don't soften as well on the stove when using tomato products.
Stove Top Lentils:
- In a large saucepan, saute onions and peppers in 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil.
- Add in lentils and 3 cups vegetable stock or water.
- Cook lentils according to package directions.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add in remaining ingredients to a saucepan and simmer for 10-15 minutes for flavors to develop.
Notes on Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
- Serve these Vegetarian Sloppy Joes on whole wheat buns, gluten-free buns, or over a baked sweet potato or potato.
- Feel free to top these sloppy joes with cheese if you are not vegan.
- Green and brown lentils are best for these Vegetarian Sloppy Joes, as they retain more texture and chew.
More Vegan Main Courses
Slow Cooker Vegan Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils green or brown
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 small red pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients in a slow cooker.
- Set to cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
- Stir and serve on buns or as desired.
Equipment Needed
Notes
- If you need these Vegan Sloppy Joes to be gluten-free, serve over baked potatoes or use gluten-free buns.
- For a zing of flavor, add use ½ cup beer and 1 ½ cups of stock, instead of 2 cups of stock.
N @ Clean Eating Recipes Blog
Fantastic idea for easy dinner! I, too, have those "crazy afternoons" and this looks like a great vegan choice for the family. Who can say no to sloppy Joe, right?
Kristen Chidsey
No one can say no 🙂
Emily Marie
I will definitely be giving these sloppy joes a try! I am looking for new way to cook with lentils because they are something my doctor has encouraged me to eat but I never seem to cook them right. These look amazing though so hopefully this can be a new go-to!
Kristen Chidsey
You must try this! It is about the best way to eat lentils out there (and add a bit of cheese to help too...)
Tiffani
We are a sloppy-joe eating family & it has always become our go-to meal on busy nights. I'd never had thought of using lentils instead of meat. I love lentils & I bet my family will too when I try this recipe. Looks delicious! Great post! 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Tiffani. Lentils are not only good for you but good for the budget!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
I am so loving the sound of these sloppy joes! I love lentils but never thought to use them in a sloppy joe recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
I know it sounds CRAZY, but it works beautifully!
Karen Patten
These look delicious!!! I think it's so funny that your husband is your pickiest eater! I love Sloppy Joes but haven't had them since I was a kid! This is just what I need to get a Sloppy Joe again!
Kristen Chidsey
They are delicious! You will be so happy to revisit this childhood classic.
Kare @ Kitchen Treaty
See, now if my carnivorous guy needed to be convinced, the beer is what would do it for him. 😉 Loving the looks of these. I mean, so. seriously. easy. Added to my must-try list!
Kristen Chidsey
Kare, you must try it!! And beer is always helpful in convincing stubborn men 😉
Allison
I LOVE lentils. They're so versatile, delicious, and good for you! My husband is also super picky (although he would strongly disagree, haha) so sometimes I have to "disguise" the healthy alternatives I use in our food. Great recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
I totally understand Allison. I hope this recipe is a winner with you husband as well!
LaShawn
Your husband sounds like mine! He is always skeptical about what's in my food! I am always looking for great ideas for meatless monday! thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
I hope you love this meatless Monday option!
Leigh Powell Hines
I really like this idea. I like lentils. I am always looking for new crockpot ideas, too. Thanks for sharing. This looks divine.
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Leigh! This is a winner for you!
Alli
Your husband sounds like mine. He has been know to ask me if there was meat in it before taking a bite. 🙂 I would LOVE these vegan sloppy joes.
Kristen Chidsey
Ha! Yep, mine does too at time 🙂