Lentil Sloppy Joes are the meatless sloppy joe recipe everyone can agree upon! Made in the crockpot, this recipe for vegan sloppy joes comes together with ease!
Looking for more lentil recipes? You will love Instant Pot Lentil Soup, Easy Lentil Tacos, and Lentil Meatballs.
![Vegan Sloppy Joes Vegan Sloppy Joe on bun next to slow cooker](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Lenitl-Sloppy-Joes.jpg)
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.
He ate 3!!! That is what we call success at our house!
Made with a base of lentils, that are hearty and filling, and a rich and tangy sloppy joe sauce, these crockpot lentil sloppy joes are incredibly delicious and simple to make.
How to Make Crockpot Lentil Sloppy Joes
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Combine the lentils, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings in the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
- Serve Lentil Sloppy Joes on whole wheat buns, gluten-free buns, or ditch the bun and serve the mixture over an Instant Pot Sweet Potato or Instant Pot Baked Potato.
![Easy Vegan Sloppy Joes Ingredients for Vegan Sloppy Joes in Slow Cooker](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Slow-Cooker-Vegetarian-Sloppy-Joes.jpg)
Stove Top Directions
- 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 and simmer the lentils for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
- Once the lentils are cooked, add the tomato sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, and red wine vinegar. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring often for the flavors to develop.
More Plant-Based Favorite Recipes
Be sure to browse all my Cheap & Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes, or check out a few of our favorites below.
- Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili
- Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Vegetarian Fajitas
- Easy Butternut Squash Curry
- Vegetarian Tikka Masala
![Lentil Sloppy Joe on whole wheat bun on white plate](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Healthy-Meatless-Sloppy-Joes-360x360.jpg)
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.
Kate
Love it!! How do we feel about freezing though, has anyone tried?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Kate! I have frozen the sloppy joe mixture many times. Simply let cool, package in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and reheat as desired. Love it for a quick meal.
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.
Kate
I love how flexible this recipe is, I’ve made it several times. Instead of vinegar, I have used barbecue sauce and taken out the honey. One time I didn’t have bell pepper and I used carrots. This last time I didn’t have tomato sauce, just more tomato paste and I just added water to the ounces that I was missing. I really enjoy it!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing, Kate! I love hearing you enjoy this recipe and your modifications/subs! I am all for using what you have on hand.
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