Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe with Cooked or Canned Lentils (2024)

This Canned Lentil Sloppy Joes recipe is a delicious and hearty vegetarian take on classic sloppy joes! Loaded with fresh veggies, herbs, and spices, these delicious lentil sandwiches are smothered in a sweet tomato sauce.

This is one great plant-base dinner recipe the whole family will love!

These canned lentil Sloppy Joes are the best easy weeknight meal, we had them a few nights in a row and even after a few days they still got a 10/10! I used to have traditional Sloppy Joes (with ground meat) all the time growing up, but never bothered to make them much as an adult. The cans of “sauce” were loaded with preservatives and ingredients I couldn’t pronounce, so I had to make a vegan version.

These homemade sauce for these Lentil Sloppy Joes are just a few pantry ingredients mixed together! All you have to do is add in a few vegetables, canned or tinned lentils, and add a few pantry staple spices and tomatoes to make a delicious sauce. Everything is easy and it seriously tastes SO good.

These Canned Lentil Sloppy Joes Are:

• Bright
• Tangy
• Loaded with Vegetables
• Flavorful
• Fall-Apart Delicious
• Messy as all Heck
• An Easy Weeknight Meal Ready in Under 30 Minutes!

Inexpensive and Affordable Sloppy Joes Recipes For Everyone

I love how inexpensive lentil sloppy joes are to make! This recipe uses a lot of ingredients you would have in your dry pantry or cupboards – most of which you probably have on hand. Keeping a well-stocked pantry makes it easy to come up with delicious meals using a few staples you can rotate.

What’s In This Canned Vegan Sloppy Joes Recipe:

• Red Onion, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper
• Canned Lentils– lentils are fairly easy to make on their own, but usingcanned lentilsare even easier! By ‘canned’ I mean anyprepared cooked lentils: in a can, pouch, tin… whatever! Just open them, drain, and mix with the sauce for a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Olive Oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar,which gives this dinnera little extra tangwhich is really fantastic! I love usingapple cider vinegarwith the mother which has a great flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: I only use nosalt added crushed tomatoes,these boxed tomatoesare really great to stock up on! You could also use tomato paste.
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Brown sugar
• Chili Powder:for a really nice flavor in this dip –the chili powderisn’t spicy but will give you a rich and bright flavor.
• Onion Powder:adds a delicious and savory flavor to this dish as well, andthe onion powderpairs nicely with the onion in the mix as well.
• Black Pepper
• Hamburger Buns – you can use regular or whole-grain buns.

What Type of Lentils To Use?

• I like using green lentils (also called French lentils) or brown lentils for my recipe. Both of them are firm and have a similar texture to ground beef. A great plant-based protein.
• Black lentils are also a great option.
• ​You can use red lentils, however they have a softer texture.

More Great Topping Ideas

Pickled Onions – we love making spicy pickled onions, and this easy lentil sandwich is a great way to use them up.

​Pickles – you can add dill pickle to this easy sandwich too.

Lettuce and Tomato – for classic sandwich vibes.

One Pot Homemade Meatless Sloppy Joes For the Win!

This easy vegan recipe is the perfect idea for your next lunch or dinner! I love a goodOne Pot Meal,especially during these fall months when I don’t want a lot of burners going at once. Cooking everything in one pot is one of my favorite ways to get a meal on the table fast! And one pot sloppy Joe filling makes cleaning up a breeze.

The stove does all the work for you, so you can focus on other kitchen prep while the food cooks. One Pot meals are awesome for breakfast, lunch, or dinner –check out my link hereto see other one pot meals that are ready in no time!

How Do I Make These Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes?

1. In a large pan, add the olive oil and onions, and sauté for5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and bell pepper and sauté for 4 more minutes until the green pepper begins to soften.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar.
3. Open can of lentils, drain, and rinse under cool water.
4. Add the lentils to the tomato mixture and stir well to combine. Cover and sauté on low what for 15 minutes until peppers are soft. Taste, and add salt and pepper if needed.
5. Toast buns, and add a generous scoop of sloppy joe mixture to the bins. Top with fresh chopped onion, hot sauce, and enjoy!
6. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

More Lentil Dinner Recipes Your Family Will Love

Lentil Bolognese with Mushrooms Recipe

French Carrot Lentil Soup Recipe

Pumpkin Lentil Chili Recipe

Coconut Curry Lentils

Butternut Squash Lentil Dahl Recipe

If you loved this recipe, please feel free to share on Facebook or with your family & friends. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, YouTube & TikTok too – I’d love to connect with you there.

And let’s keep in touch – subscribe to my monthly newsletter to get free recipe inspiration.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn from qualifying purchases from affiliate programs, at no additional cost to you. Please read ourprivacy policyfor more information.

About the Author: Kelly Jensen