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!
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.
- 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
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
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Buns for serving
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients (except buns) in slow cooker. Set to high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
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 1/2 cup beer and 1 1/2 cups of stock, instead of 2 cups of stock.
Could I sub honey for the maple syrup?
Yes absolutely Rachel!
Thanks! I can’t wait to try this tomorrow!
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?
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.