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    Home » Real Food » Vegan » Slow Cooker Vegan Sloppy Joes

    Slow Cooker Vegan Sloppy Joes

    By Kristen Chidsey | 43 Comments | Published January 4, 2019 | Updated May 9, 2019 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    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. #vegan #vegetarian #lentils

    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. 

    Vegan Sloppy Joe on bun next to slow cooker

    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!

    Vegan Sloppy Joes

    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, vegetables stock and the right blend of seasonings, lentils create a perfect Vegan Sloppy Joe.

    These Vegetarian Sloppy Joes are rich, hearty, and a bit tangy. This is a simple, plant-based meal that is affordable, filling, and delicious! These Vegan Sloppy Joes are even approved by picky kids!

    How to Make Vegan Sloppy Joes

    • Mix together all ingredients in large slow cooker.

    Ingredients for Vegan Sloppy Joes in 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 lentil are cooked through as they don't soften as well on the stove when using tomato products.

    Stove Top Lentils:

    • In large saucepan, saute onions and peppers in 1-2 teaspoons 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 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. I have made with red lentils for a softer sloppy joe. Do NOT use yellow lentils, as they will completely disintegrate.

    More Vegan Main Courses

    • Vegetarian Chili
    • Easy Lentil Tacos with Avocado Cream
    • Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili
    • Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup

    Vegan Sloppy Joe Recipe

    Lentil Sloppy Joe on whole wheat bun on white plate

    Slow Cooker Vegan Sloppy Joes

    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. 
    4.72 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
    Servings: 8 -10
    Calories: 139kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    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
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    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

    • 6-8 quart Slow Cooker

    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. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 8g | Sodium: 721mg | Potassium: 649mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 990IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 3mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

     

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Seante

      July 28, 2021 at 8:38 am

      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?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 29, 2021 at 7:29 am

        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.

        Reply
    2. Ali

      January 09, 2021 at 11:47 am

      Can celery and carrots be added to this or do you think I would make it too watery? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 09, 2021 at 1:09 pm

        I would saute them first Ali, and then it should work great!

        Reply
        • Jen

          June 06, 2021 at 3:34 pm

          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.

          Reply
          • Kristen Chidsey

            June 06, 2021 at 8:49 pm

            Yes, Jen. This recipe can be doubled, it may need 30 minutes longer but that is it.

            Reply
    3. Rachel

      January 06, 2020 at 12:29 pm

      Could I sub honey for the maple syrup?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 06, 2020 at 12:45 pm

        Yes absolutely Rachel!

        Reply
        • Rachel

          January 06, 2020 at 10:38 pm

          Thanks! I can’t wait to try this tomorrow!

          Reply
    4. Leah

      November 12, 2019 at 4:04 pm

      I see comments referring to beer in the recipe. Am I missing that? Can you sub the stock for beer?

      Also, is the calorie count for a 1-cup serving without bun?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 13, 2019 at 7:10 am

        Hi Leah! In the recipe notes it states, "For a zing of flavor, add use 1/2 cup beer and 1 1/2 cups of stock, instead of 2 cups of stock." Easy to miss 😉 And yes the calorie count is without the buns.

        Reply
    5. Shelley

      January 22, 2019 at 11:26 am

      Is it 8 oz of tomato sauce & 6 oz of tomato paste?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 22, 2019 at 11:58 am

        Yes that's correct Shelly😊

        Reply
    6. Shelley

      January 19, 2019 at 12:00 pm

      Can you use your instant pot?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 19, 2019 at 3:03 pm

        Hi Shelly! That is a great question and I have been meaning to try this recipe in the pressure cooker. Lentils need 10 minutes to cook on high pressure, but because this recipe is high in tomato products, it may get a burn notice if cooked directly in the inner pot. Definitely something to experiment with! I know for sure you can do pot in pot, but you may need to cut the recipe in half to fit inside an 8 cup oven safe dish. If you decide to try pot in pot, mix ingredients in oven safe dish and then pour in 1 cup water (or 1 1/2 cups if using 8 quart pressure cooker) in bottom of inner pot and then place trivet in pressure cooker. Cook on high for 10 minutes and do a natural release. Hope that helps!

        Reply
        • Sheila

          April 28, 2022 at 3:04 pm

          Have you tried this in an instant pot yet? I'm curious to know how it turned out.

          Reply
          • Kristen Chidsey

            April 29, 2022 at 6:57 am

            Hi Sheila! I have not tried this recipe in the Instant Pot, it would need a lot of extra liquid and the thick sauce may cause a burn notice. Personally, I don't think this is the best suited for cooking in the Instant pot. Sorry!

            Reply
    7. Chrissy

      June 14, 2017 at 10:56 am

      4 stars
      What would be a good replacement for the beer in the recipe? I don't have any handy.... broth? water? Thanks for the great recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 14, 2017 at 1:34 pm

        Thanks Chrissy! Apple Juice or cider would be the best substitute for sloppy joes and cut back on sugar by a bit. But you can use broth just as well. Water is fine, but won't impart as much flavor 🙂

        Reply
    8. Jennifer Stewart

      September 22, 2015 at 9:07 pm

      This is definitely one I'm going to try when I get a new slow-cooker! I love the idea of lentils and still get my protein! Plus it is very cost friendly! Fun too! Thanks for sharing with Saucy Saturdays!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 23, 2015 at 9:25 am

        Super cost friendly. I hope you love your new slow cooker!

        Reply
    9. Samantha

      September 15, 2015 at 6:04 pm

      I had no idea these were similar consistencies! These look delicious and I'm not a big sloppy joe fan but I may need to try these!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 15, 2015 at 7:27 pm

        You do need to try these! My bet is you will love them!

        Reply
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