• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
A Mind "Full" Mom
  • ingredient
    • Pasta
    • Beef
    • Poultry
    • Pork
    • Seafood
    • Vegetarian
    • soups
    • burgers
  • course
    • Beverages
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Main Courses
    • Sides
    • Salads
    • Snacks
    • Desserts
    • Condiments
  • method
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • Grilling
    • Instant Pot
    • Slow Cooker
    • Air Fryer
  • All Recipes
    • Main Courses
      • Beef Recipes
      • Chicken & Turkey
      • Pasta
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Soup, Stew, and Chili
      • Vegetarian
    • Breakfast
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Kid-Friendly
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Slow Cooker
    • Snacks
    • Pantry Staples
    • Allergy Friendly Recipes
      • Plant-Based
      • Gluten-Free
      • Dairy-Free
  • Instant Pot
  • 30-Minute Meals
  • Meet Kristen
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Instant Pot
  • 30-Minute Meals
  • All Recipes
  • Meet Kristen
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Slow Cooker Vegan Sloppy Joes

    Plant Based Recipes Main Courses Slow Cooker Recipes Vegetarian Recipes January 16, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 47 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    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!

    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.
    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 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

    • Vegetarian Lentil Chili
    • Lentil Tacos
    • Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili
    • Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
    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. 
    4.79 from 19 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 5 minutes 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!
    « Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce
    Instant Pot Soft Boiled Eggs »

    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

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. N @ Clean Eating Recipes Blog

      September 15, 2015 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      Fantastic idea for easy dinner! I, too, have those "crazy afternoons" and this looks like a great vegan choice for the family. Who can say no to sloppy Joe, right?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 15, 2015 at 7:27 pm

        No one can say no 🙂

        Reply
    2. Emily Marie

      September 14, 2015 at 7:40 pm

      I will definitely be giving these sloppy joes a try! I am looking for new way to cook with lentils because they are something my doctor has encouraged me to eat but I never seem to cook them right. These look amazing though so hopefully this can be a new go-to!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 14, 2015 at 8:17 pm

        You must try this! It is about the best way to eat lentils out there (and add a bit of cheese to help too...)

        Reply
    3. Tiffani

      September 14, 2015 at 6:17 pm

      We are a sloppy-joe eating family & it has always become our go-to meal on busy nights. I'd never had thought of using lentils instead of meat. I love lentils & I bet my family will too when I try this recipe. Looks delicious! Great post! 🙂

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 14, 2015 at 8:18 pm

        Thanks Tiffani. Lentils are not only good for you but good for the budget!

        Reply
    4. Shashi at RunninSrilankan

      September 14, 2015 at 11:56 am

      I am so loving the sound of these sloppy joes! I love lentils but never thought to use them in a sloppy joe recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 14, 2015 at 12:31 pm

        I know it sounds CRAZY, but it works beautifully!

        Reply
    5. Karen Patten

      September 14, 2015 at 9:55 am

      These look delicious!!! I think it's so funny that your husband is your pickiest eater! I love Sloppy Joes but haven't had them since I was a kid! This is just what I need to get a Sloppy Joe again!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 14, 2015 at 12:33 pm

        They are delicious! You will be so happy to revisit this childhood classic.

        Reply
    6. Kare @ Kitchen Treaty

      September 14, 2015 at 9:04 am

      See, now if my carnivorous guy needed to be convinced, the beer is what would do it for him. 😉 Loving the looks of these. I mean, so. seriously. easy. Added to my must-try list!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 14, 2015 at 12:34 pm

        Kare, you must try it!! And beer is always helpful in convincing stubborn men 😉

        Reply
    7. Allison

      September 14, 2015 at 8:58 am

      I LOVE lentils. They're so versatile, delicious, and good for you! My husband is also super picky (although he would strongly disagree, haha) so sometimes I have to "disguise" the healthy alternatives I use in our food. Great recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 14, 2015 at 12:35 pm

        I totally understand Allison. I hope this recipe is a winner with you husband as well!

        Reply
    8. LaShawn

      September 14, 2015 at 8:15 am

      Your husband sounds like mine! He is always skeptical about what's in my food! I am always looking for great ideas for meatless monday! thanks!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 14, 2015 at 12:36 pm

        I hope you love this meatless Monday option!

        Reply
    9. Leigh Powell Hines

      September 14, 2015 at 6:50 am

      I really like this idea. I like lentils. I am always looking for new crockpot ideas, too. Thanks for sharing. This looks divine.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 14, 2015 at 12:37 pm

        Thanks Leigh! This is a winner for you!

        Reply
    10. Alli

      September 14, 2015 at 6:43 am

      Your husband sounds like mine. He has been know to ask me if there was meat in it before taking a bite. 🙂 I would LOVE these vegan sloppy joes.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 14, 2015 at 12:37 pm

        Ha! Yep, mine does too at time 🙂

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Primary Sidebar

    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

    Meet Kristen

    Kristen Chidsey with apron on in front of vegetables in kitchen.

    Hi! I'm Kristen. It is my honor and passion to share easy, wholesome recipes with you to in turn share your loved ones. These tried and true recipes will help you make delicious, family-friendly meals without stress! Read more

    Instant Pot Favorites

    • Inner pot of instant pot filled dried beans
      Instant Pot Beans
    • Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs Sliced Open on cutting board
      Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
    • Instant Pot Pot Roast sliced up on white platter with carrots and potatoes.
      Instant Pot Pot Roast
    • Instant Pot Egg Bites
    • Whole seasoned chicken on trivet inside inner pot.
      Instant Pot Whole Chicken
    • jar of plain yogurt next to instant pot
      Instant Pot Yogurt
    • 4 chicken breasts cooked inside instant pot.
      Instant Pot Chicken Breast (Fresh or Frozen)
    • Bowl of Instant Pot Mexican Rice
      Instant Pot Spanish Rice

    Reader Favorites

    • Chicken and Rice Casserole plated on gray plate next to steamed broccoli.
      Creamy and Cheesy Chicken and Rice
    • Baked Beans in white casserole dish
      Old Fashioned Baked Beans
    • Assembled Burger on wooden cutting board
      The Best Burger Recipe
    • Taco Meat in skillet with wooden spoon
      The Best Taco Meat Recipe
    • Rotini Pasta Bake next to salad
      Easy Baked Rotini
    • Chili seasonings labled on wooden board
      Chili Seasoning Recipe
    • Bowl of Crispy potatoes next to air fryer.
      Air Fryer Potatoes
    • Bowl of slow cooker oatmeal topped with maple syrup and nuts
      Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

    Footer

    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

    Featured on:

    Websites AMind"Full"Mom has been featured on

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me

    DISCLAIMER: THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT. AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I GENUINELY LOVE ARE OFTEN INCORPORATED IN MY POSTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

    Copyright © 2020 · A MIND "FULL" MOM