Name: Healthy Sloppy Joes with Lentils
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1.5 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste; 4 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups water; 1 (14.5 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes; 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained; 2 tablespoons molasses, or more to taste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste; 6 medium hamburger buns, split

Reimagine a classic comfort food with this vibrant, plant-based twist! Lentils take center stage, simmered in a rich, savory sauce bursting with vegetables and warm spices. A hearty, wholesome, and utterly delicious alternative to traditional Sloppy Joes.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

8 hrs 30 mins

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, 7 to 9 minutes. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook and stir for 30 seconds. Mix in tomato paste, and cook another 60 seconds, stirring constantly.

02

Step

17 hrs 30 mins

Add water, diced tomatoes, and lentils, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until lentils are tender, but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes.

03

Step

10 hrs

Mix in molasses, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, and salt. Cook, uncovered, an additional 10 minutes, or until mixture has thickened slightly. Taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving on buns with desired toppings.

For a smoky depth, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
If you don't have molasses, brown sugar or maple syrup can be substituted.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Celery, zucchini, or mushrooms would be great additions.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño.

Howell Breitenberg

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 3.3/ 5 ( 3 Ratings)

Total Reviews: (3)

Alaina Franecki
Jun 23, 2025
I was skeptical about lentil Sloppy Joes, but these are fantastic! My kids loved them.
Vivian Rutherford
Jun 20, 2025
A healthy and delicious weeknight meal. I'll definitely be making these again!
Leann Steuber
Jun 19, 2025
Easy to follow recipe and so flavorful! I added some extra veggies and it turned out great.

Healthy Sloppy Joes with Lentils

Ingridients

Nutrition

Follow The Directions

01

02

03

Howell Breitenberg

Written by

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Pork Chile Verde

RECIPE REVIEWS

Alaina Franecki

Vivian Rutherford

Leann Steuber

LEAVE A REVIEW

LATEST RECIPES

Sloppy Joes

Neat Sloppy Joes

Homemade Sloppy Joes

Chef John's Sloppy Joes

Emily's Famous Sloppy Joes

SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW

POPULAR SEARCHS