Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes (Slow Cooker instructions included)
This lentil Sloppy Joes recipe has the same comforting, homemade taste as regular Sloppy Joes, but with healthy lentils instead of meat.
Whether made in the Instant Pot or slow cooker, these lentil Sloppy Joes are especially good served as leftovers the next day. For serving suggestions and side dishes that pair well with Sloppy Joes, read the blog post above.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 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 1/3 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 (see recipe notes below for vegan/vegetarian options)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- WATER - the amount changes for the slow cooker and Instant Pot
- Slow Cooker = add 3 1/2 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 garlic and saute 30 seconds, then turn off the Saute function.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients: 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 for tender lentils
15 minutes for very soft 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 and garlic before adding them to the crock pot. This is because slow cookers don't always fully cook onion, and sautéing also helps boost the flavor of onion and garlic. You can do this if you like, but I find that simply microwaving the onion and garlic achieves nearly the same results and is quicker and easier.
So, either saute the onion and garlic in oil for 5 to 7 minutes on the stovetop (to soften and lightly brown) OR combine the onion and garlic with 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 and garlic will dry out.
- In the slow cooker, combine the onion and garlic with all the remaining ingredients: 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.
