Vegan Sloppy Joes: Smoky and Saucy- A Comfort Food Classic!
Y’all, I don’t know about you, but growing up, Sloppy Joes were a staple in my house. Something about that saucy, messy sandwich just felt fun—especially as a kid when the messier the meal, the better. I still remember those nights when my family would gather around the table, the smell of simmering tomato sauce filling the kitchen, and my mom warning us not to get sauce all over our clothes (spoiler: we always did).
But when I transitioned to a plant-based lifestyle, I realized Sloppy Joes didn’t have to be a thing of the past. I wanted that same nostalgic, comforting meal but without the processed meat or questionable ingredients in canned sloppy joe sauce. And after a little experimenting, this vegan version was born.
This recipe has all the messy goodness you remember but in a way that’s healthier, budget-friendly, and packed with plant-based protein. It’s one of those meals that even meat-eaters love, and I guarantee that once y’all try it, you won’t miss the original!
And the best part? You can whip it up in just 5 simple steps, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
1. It’s Ready in 30 Minutes
Some comfort foods take hours, but this one? Just 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for weeknights, quick lunches, or meal prep.
2. It’s High in Plant-Based Protein
Lentils are a protein powerhouse, making these Sloppy Joes just as hearty as the original. Plus, they’re packed with fiber, keeping you full and satisfied.
3. It’s Budget-Friendly
Eating plant-based doesn’t have to be expensive! Lentils are one of the most affordable protein sources, and everything else in this recipe is likely already in your pantry.
4. It’s Kid-Approved
Sloppy Joes are a fun and nostalgic meal that kids (and adults) love. The sweet and smoky sauce makes it a hit with even the pickiest eaters!
5. It’s Meal Prep Friendly
Make a big batch and store leftovers for later. The flavors get even better the next day, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
How to Make Vegan Sloppy Joes in 5 Easy Steps
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked lentils (brown or green)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or water for oil-free)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 10 whole wheat or gluten-free burger buns
- Optional toppings: Pickles, coleslaw
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Onion & Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add the Spices & Tomato Paste
Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Lentils
Stir in the cooked lentils until fully coated in the sauce. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of broth.
Step 5: Assemble & Serve
Toast the buns if desired, then scoop the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun. Top with pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch and enjoy!
Making It Your Own
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you like your Vegan Sloppy Joes a little sweet, extra smoky, or with a kick of heat, here are a few ways to customize it:
Want a deeper flavor? Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a little bit of Dijon mustard.
Like it spicy? Add some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Need a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free buns and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Prefer an oil-free version? Sauté your onions and garlic in vegetable broth instead of oil.
Final Thoughts
Sloppy Joes aren’t just food—they’re a feeling. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and just plain fun to eat. And with this plant-based version, you can still enjoy all that deliciousness in a way that’s healthier and kinder to your body.
Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a messy, satisfying bite, these Vegan Sloppy Joes are sure to be a hit.
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! And if y’all have any classic dishes you’d love to see made plant-based, drop them in the comments—I love a good challenge!
Save this recipe & share it with a friend who needs a good plant-based meal!
#veganrecipes #plantbasedmeals #thedestinedkitchen
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked lentils brown or green
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or water for oil-free
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 10 whole wheat or gluten-free burger buns
- Optional toppings: Pickles coleslaw
Instructions
- Sauté the Veggies – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Build the Flavor – Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let it cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce – Pour in the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, soy sauce, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Lentils – Stir in the cooked lentils until well coated. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of broth.
- Assemble & Serve – Toast the buns if desired, then scoop the sloppy joe mixture onto each bun. Top with pickles or coleslaw for extra crunch and enjoy!
Notes
Tips & Variations
Make it protein-packed – Swap half the lentils for finely chopped mushrooms or crumbled tempeh.
Spice it up – Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Oil-Free Option – Sauté the veggies in water or broth instead of oil.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free buns and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Would y’all give this a try? Let me know what recipes you’d love to see made plant-based next! 
#veganrecipes #plantbasedmeals #thedestinedkitchen
Check out our Series on How to Ease into Being a Vegetarian for more tips on transitioning to plant-based eating.
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