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close up on two vegan sloppy joes served in hamburger buns.
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4.88 stars (54 ratings)

Vegan Sloppy Joes

These easy Vegan Sloppy Joes put a plant-based spin on a childhood classic! Ready in less than 30 minutes, both kids and adults can’t get enough of this meaty and comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 262kcal
Author: Nora Taylor

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces vegan ground beef I used Beyond
  • 1 small onion diced small
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 15 ounce can lentils drained and rinsed*
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 15 ounce canned tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 6 buns
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In  a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegan beef and cook until brown, using a wooden spoon to break it up into small chunks.
  • Add the diced onion and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes, until the onion is translucent. Now add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Add the lentils, chili powder, smoked paprika, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and maple syrup. Stir everything together well to combine. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Lower the heat if it's boiling too much.
  • Taste; add salt as desired, as well as hot sauce if you want it spicy, or more maple syrup for a sweeter sloppy joe mixture.
  • Serve on buns immediately.

Notes

  1. All lentils - If using all lentils, use either 3 cans, drained and rinsed, or cook 1 cup of green lentils, drain and add after you saute the onion and garlic.
  2. Other plant based meats - You can use TVP that has been soaked, soy curls chopped small, or any other plant based meat you like. A mixture of mushrooms, walnuts and lentils is good as well!
  3. Leftovers will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. This also freezes very well.
  4. Nutritional information does not include buns or rolls, since they vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 6 servings | Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 839mg | Potassium: 744mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1066IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 6mg