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Vegetarian Lentil Sloppy Joes

A tasty and simple way to prepare lentils that will appeal to both vegetarians and meat-eaters!

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword lentils, sandwiches, sloppy joes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author Lillian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry lentils, cooked according to package Note 1
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • ½ large yellow onion, peeled and finely diced
  • 1 large bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely diced any color
  • 2-3 large garlic coves, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can small diced tomatoes, juices and all
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon mustard, any flavor
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic or onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon table salt add more to taste

For Serving

  • 4 hamburger buns
  • mayonnaise
  • finely sliced lettuce or cabbage
  • cheese
  • pickles
  • fries and/or tater tots

Instructions

  1. Cook 1 cup dry lentils per package directions. Reserve the cooked lentils until the very end of cooking. See Note 1 for more information.

  2. In a large saucepan, cook the oil, onion, and bell pepper on medium-high heat. You want the onions and peppers to sweat and begin to break down. This will take 4-5 minutes. Now it is time to add the garlic. Cook for another minute. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the rest of the ingredients (except the lentils). Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring often. You should have a dark red colored sauce that is very fragrant. Taste test the sauce and add a bit more sugar, acidity, and seasonings if desired.

  3. Add the cooked lentils (about 2¼ cups total) to the sauce and cook until heated through. Serve the lentil sloppy joes while still hot/warm, add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

  4. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: 1 cup dried lentils  cooks into roughly 2 and 1/4 cups cooked lentils.

I use my Crockpot multi cooker to pressure cook my lentils. It cooks them quickly and evenly. Here is my recipe for 15 minute pressure cooker lentils. I cook lentils often and store them in the freezer for future meals, see the linked post for more information.