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.
Seante
What can I substitute for the soy sauce and vinegar? I noticed it’s not a large amount so do you think it will taste similar if left out?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Seanate. You need the vinegar for a bit of acidity and tang that sloppy joes are known for. You can use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white vinegar. I would not recommend omitting. As for the soy sauce, you can simply add in a bit more salt, keeping in mind that the soy sauce does add a rich, deep flavor.
Ali
Can celery and carrots be added to this or do you think I would make it too watery? Thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
I would saute them first Ali, and then it should work great!
Jen
Can this be doubled and done in one slow cooker still? Would the time to cook be the same? I need to make a meal for 15.
Kristen Chidsey
Yes, Jen. This recipe can be doubled, it may need 30 minutes longer but that is it.
Rachel
Could I sub honey for the maple syrup?
Kristen Chidsey
Yes absolutely Rachel!
Rachel
Thanks! I can’t wait to try this tomorrow!
MT
Very good and very easy! Made a couple of substitutions though to avoid going to the store. Used sorghum syrup instead of maple, and canned crushed tomatoes instead of tomato sauce.
Kristen Chidsey
Thank you for sharing your modifications and I am happy to hear you enjoyed