Craving a hearty, messy, and absolutely delicious sandwich that doesn't compromise on flavor? Look no further! Our Meatless Sloppy Joes are about to revolutionize your plant-based meal game. Packed with protein-rich lentils and bursting with tangy, savory goodness, this recipe will make you forget all about traditional meat-based versions. Whether you're a committed vegetarian, trying to eat more plant-based meals, or just looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner option, these sloppy joes are guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can lentils, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Drain and rinse the can of lentils under cold water. Set aside.
- Dice the onion and bell pepper into small pieces. Mince the garlic cloves. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process smoother.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the drained lentils, followed by the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer on medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together.
- While the lentil mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns if desired. You can do this in a toaster, oven, or on a skillet until they are golden brown.
- Once the lentil mixture is heated through and thickened to your liking, remove it from heat.
- To serve, spoon the lentil mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Enjoy your delicious meatless sloppy joes with a side of your choice, such as fries or a salad!
Tips
- Drain and rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any excess liquid and ensure a perfect texture.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - letting the onions and peppers caramelize will add depth to your flavor profile.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to enhance the "meaty" flavor.
- If the mixture seems too dry, add a little vegetable broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Experiment with toppings like pickles, vegan cheese, or a dollop of vegan sour cream to customize your sloppy joe experience.
- Make sure to simmer the mixture long enough to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken.
- Toasting the buns is a game-changer - it adds a delightful crunch and prevents the bread from getting soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
