This recipe for lentil Sloppy Joes includes instructions for both Instant Pot lentil Sloppy Joes and slow cooker lentil Sloppy Joes. Both recipes have the same comforting flavor as regular Sloppy Joes, but with healthy lentils instead of meat.
This recipe for lentil Sloppy Joes has all the comforting, homemade flavor of regular Sloppy Joes (like tomato, onion, mild spices and seasonings, bell pepper and a pinch of sweetness) but it uses protein-rich lentil beans instead of ground meat.
You can serve these flavorful lentils on a bun, like traditional Sloppy Joes, or serve the lentils in bowl over grains like Instant Pot brown rice or Instant Pot quinoa. Either way, make sure to serve either miso coleslaw or crunchy purple slaw on the side!
If you'd like to learn more about lentils, read How to Cook Black Lentils or How to Cook Red Lentils.
Lentil lovers will also love my Instant Pot lentil soup with sausage and Crock Pot vegetarian lentil soup.
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Recipe Ingredients
For a full list of ingredients, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Lentils: Brown or green lentils work best for this recipe because they hold their shape well but also have a soft, creamy texture.
Bell pepper: You can use any color of bell pepper that you like. You also have the option of adding frozen, chopped bell peppers which will have a softer texture and meld into the lentils more.
Spices: The spices used in this recipe are chili powder, smoked paprika, regular paprika, garlic powder and onion powder.
Brown sugar: Sugar adds the hint of sweetness that is essential to the flavor of Sloppy Joes. You can use pure maple syrup instead of sugar if you like.
Lentil Sloppy Joes Slow Cooker Instructions
My favorite way to cook these healthy Sloppy Joes is in a slow cooker. I love the texture and consistency of the lentils.
Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker. (see the recipe card at the end of the post for ingredient amounts)
Step 2: Cook on low 6 to 8 hours, depending on the texture you want.
Recipe Tip
Most Crock Pot recipes suggest sautéing onion before adding it to a slow cooker. This is because slow cookers don't always fully cook onion. Even after 6 hours it can be a little bit crunchy and pungent. Sautéing onion first softens the texture, which helps it meld into the dish better, and it also makes the flavor richer and sweeter. The problem is that sautéing ingredients before they go into a slow cooker is inconvenient. Am I right?
A simple solution is to microwave chopped onion with a drizzle of oil until it's soft ( 2 to 4 minutes) before adding it to the slow cooker. This step achieves nearly the same results as sautéing and is quicker and easier.
Lentil Sloppy Joes Instant Pot Instructions
An Instant Pot helps get dinner on the table faster. The lentils turn out great, but the texture is a bit thicker. However, you can always add more liquid after the lentils cook for a "sloppier" Sloppy Joe.
Step 1: Saute onion and garlic in the Instant Pot. Then, add all of the other ingredients. (See the recipe card at the end of the post for ingredient amounts)
Step 2: Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the texture you want.
How to Serve Lentil Sloppy Joes + Side Dishes
You can serve these flavorful lentils on a bun, like traditional Sloppy Joes or serve the lentils in a bowl and eat your Sloppy Joe lentils with a spoon!
Either way, these Sloppy Joes pair well with popular side dishes like corn on the cob, sliced watermelon, fruit salad, French fries or roasted potatoes and coleslaw.
If you're serving the lentils on a bun, take a few extra steps to make sure the Sloppy Joes are extra-flavorful.
- Toast the hamburger buns under the broiler with butter or pop them into the toaster.
- Consider melting cheese over the lentils (use either the microwave or ideally, oven broiler)
- Add a layer of crunchy slaw or plain cabbage in the sandwich. Try either creamy miso coleslaw or crunchy purple slaw.
- Serve pickles and potato chips or French fries on the side.
If you want to skip the bun, try one of these servings suggestions.
- Serve the lentils in bowl over Instant Pot brown rice or Instant Pot quinoa.
- Spoon the lentils over creamy polenta with a dollop of sour cream.
- Add Instant Pot sweet potatoes to your bowl or serve the lentils with miso butter sweet potatoes.
- Add a spoonful of coleslaw, pickled red onions or sauerkraut.
FAQ About This Recipe
Absolutely! In fact, I think the Sloppy Joes taste even better the next day or even three days later. This recipe makes 8 servings, so it's very possible you'll have leftovers.
Yes, and this recipe makes a big batch so you're likely to have leftovers.
I often freeze some of the lentils for another dinner later in the month. Even better, freeze small portions for lunch.
You can use a Ziploc freezer bag or any freezer-safe container. To defrost, leave in the fridge overnight or gently microwave.
Brown or green lentils work best for this recipe because they hold their shape well but also have a soft texture.
Red lentils break apart and become really soft, so they're better for red lentil soup or curries.
Black lentils hold their shape best and have a slightly firmer texture, which isn't quite right for Sloppy Joes. Instead, try a black lentil salad.
They certainly can be! Just make sure to use vegan Worcestershire sauce, like the brand Annie's. You can also use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce, but it doesn't have quite the same flavor.
More Lentil Recipes
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Lentil Sloppy Joe Recipe (Instant Pot and Slow Cooker)
This recipe for lentil Sloppy Joes includes instructions for both Instant Pot lentil Sloppy Joes and slow cooker lentil Sloppy Joes. Both recipes have the same comforting flavor as regular Sloppy Joes, but with healthy lentils instead of meat.
You can serve these flavorful lentils on a bun, like traditional Sloppy Joes, or serve the lentils in a bowl and eat your lentils with a spoon! Check out the above section "How to Serve Lentil Sloppy Joes" for serving and side dish suggestions.
Total Instant Pot Cooking Time: 10 minutes to reach pressure + 10 minutes to cook + 10 minute natural release = 30 minutes
Total Crock Pot Cooking Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Instant Pot
- Method: Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (canola, sunflower or olive oil)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or red onion)
- 2 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pound green or brown lentils (about 2 or 2 ⅓ cups of dry lentils)
- 2 cups frozen sliced bell peppers OR 1 fresh bell pepper, chopped
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ¼ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- WATER - the amount changes for the slow cooker and Instant Pot
- Slow Cooker = add 3 ½ cups water
- Instant Pot = add 4 cups water
Instructions
Instant Pot:
- Press the Saute button. Add the oil to the Instant Pot.
- Saute the onion until lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients: garlic, lentils, bell pepper, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, spices, mustard, maple syrup/brown sugar, salt and water. Mix well.
- Cook on high pressure. The time varies, depending on the texture you want.
10 minutes for tender but still slightly firm lentils
12 minutes softer lentils - When the cooking time is complete, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally (or at least for 10 minutes).
- Stir the lentils and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt if needed. If you like a sweeter flavor, add more maple syrup or brown sugar. If you want a looser texture, slowly add hot water to loosen up the consistency.
Slow Cooker:
Some slow cooker recipes require sautéing the onion before adding it to the Crock Pot. This is because slow cookers don't always fully cook onion. You can saute the onion if you like, but I find that simply microwaving the onion achieves nearly the same results and is quicker and easier.
So, either saute the onion in oil for 5 to 7 minutes on the stovetop (to soften and lightly brown) OR combine the onion with a drizzle of oil in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 to 4 minutes, stopping to stir once or twice, until the onion is soft. Don’t microwave too long or the onion will dry out.
- In the slow cooker, combine the onion with all of the remaining ingredients: garlic, lentils, bell pepper, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, spices, mustard, maple syrup/brown sugar, salt and water.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The lentils are done after 6 hours, but will be a little more firm than if cooked for 8 hours.
- When done, stir the lentils and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt if needed. If you like a sweeter flavor, add more maple syrup or brown sugar.
- The lentils might be a little bit watery right when you open the slow cooker, but the longer they sit before serving the thicker the mixture will be.
Notes
Vegan Worcestershire sauce, like Annie's brand, can be found at some grocery stores. You can also use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce, but it doesn't have quite the same flavor.
This recipe was tested in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
Jenny
This healthier plant-based version of sloppy Joe's is really satisfying and yummy!
Nicole Hed
If I double the recipe should I double the water?
Jenny Meier
I haven't tried doubling the recipe, so I can't give a definite answer but I think I would double the water. You want to make sure the lentils fully cook and don't burn or dry out. If it ends up too watery, you can always gently simmer the finished dish to thicken it up.
Marianne Dirksen
this sounds so delicious, but I wonder have you tried to use red lentils?
Jenny Meier
Red lentils tend to get really soft and fall apart when they're cooked for very long, so I don't think they'd work as well.