Simple, homemade vegan sloppy joes made with lentils and Beyond meat. This weeknight dinner classic is perfect on a cozy night in!
These vegan sloppy joes are a classic speedy sandwich that’s a childhood favourite of many. The filling is rich, satisfying and full of flavour.
It’s slow-simmered in a spicy homemade barbecue sauce for a more grown-up version. It’s hearty, messy and worth every savoury bite at the end of a long day.
Pro Tip!
Toast the buns before filling them.
There’s nothing worse than a sloppy joe with bread that's been utterly destroyed by the moisture of the filling.
To combat this, toast the insides of the buns to create a slightly liquid-repellent crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Filling:
- Beyond Meat Patty
- Cooked lentils - I used red lentils but brown or green ones can also work.
Barbecue Sauce:
- Onion
- Garlic
- Mustard powder
- Paprika
- Brown sugar
- Tomato paste
- Liquid aminos/soy sauce - This adds a great umami flavour to the ‘meat’, I put it in most things I make where there’s some sort of meat substitute involved.
- Liquid smoke (optional)
- Tomatoes
- Apple cider vinegar - A sweet vinegar is best here, so if you can’t get apple cider vinegar, try to find rice vinegar.
- Chipotle in adobo - Optional but highly recommended
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve:
- Hamburger buns (Try my Vegan Pretzel Buns recipe!)
- Pickles - Optional, but recommended.
How To Make Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils
(This is a quick step-by-step summary. Detailed measurements are in the recipe card at the end)
Toast the buns.
- Slice and toast the buns in the heated, dry skillet that will be used to cook the filling. Remove and set aside.
- Wipe out any breadcrumbs with a clean paper towel.
Make the sauce.
- Add the Beyond Meat to the hot pan with the onion and garlic. Cook until browned.
- Add the mustard powder, paprika and brown sugar.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients for the barbecue sauce then add the cooked lentils.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before removing from heat.
Assemble and eat!
- Add a generous helping of the sloppy joe sauce onto each burger bun.
- Add pickles then finish with the top buns.
- Enjoy!
Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker?
Yes it can! The slow cooker is your friend in the kitchen. Whether it’s a true slow cooker, or an instant pot with the ‘slow cooker’ function, it will be perfect for this recipe.
Slow cooker or Crock pot
- Brown the Beyond Meat with the onions and garlic in a separate pan.
- Add to the slow cooker with all the remaining ingredients.
- Cook on low for 15 minutes.
- Set to “Keep Warm” until ready to serve.
Instant Pot
- Brown the Beyond Meat with the onions and garlic on the “Saute” setting.
- Add the remaining ingredients.
- Saute on low for 10 minutes.
Suggestions for Sides
- Potato chips
- Potato wedges
- Mac and cheese
- Pasta salad
- Potato salad
- Coleslaw
Other Ways To Serve The Filling
The filling would work really well as a simple stew. It could be served with steamed rice or pasta.
Storing Leftovers
The sauce will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 5 days or freezer for up to three months.
How To Reheat
Add the frozen sauce to a microwave-safe container. Add a few tablespoons of water.
Microwave on high for 3-minute intervals, stirring in between each. Continue to heat in the microwave until piping hot.
Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop in a pot.
More Vegan Sandwich Recipes
- Vegan Meatball Sub
- BBQ Vegan Pulled “Pork” Sandwich with Mushroom
- Spicy Vegan Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- Vegan Tempeh Sandwich (BLT with Avocado)
- Vegan Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
- Rice Burger
Vegan Sloppy Joes (Lentils and Beyond Meat)
Equipment
Ingredients
BBQ Sauce
To Serve
Instructions
Toast the buns
Make the sauce
Assemble
Notes
Nutrition