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A hand reaches to top a hearty Sloppy Joe sandwich

Vegan Sloppy Joes (Made with Lentils or Tofu Crumble)

Looking for a hearty, messy, plant-based comfort food that’s both weeknight-friendly and deeply satisfying? These Vegan Sloppy Joes are just the thing.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan (for lentils)
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Tofu press or clean towel + heavy object (if using tofu)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Toaster or skillet (for buns)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils (about ¾ cup dry)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 3 cloves cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 burger buns, toasted

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Protein:
    If using lentils: Simmer ¾ cup dry lentils in water for 15–20 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
    If using tofu: Press tofu for at least 10 minutes, then crumble into small, uneven chunks.
    Close up view of lentils
  • Chop Aromatics:
    While lentils cook or tofu presses, dice the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
    Choped vegetables
  • Sauté the Base:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
    Olive oil in a saucepan
  • Add Sauce Ingredients:
    Stir in tomato paste, maple syrup, vinegar, soy sauce (or Worcestershire), and smoked paprika. Cook 2–3 minutes to let everything meld.
  • Combine and Simmer:
    For lentils: Fold in the cooked lentils and let simmer on low for 5 minutes.
    For tofu: Let the tofu continue to cook in the sauce for 5–7 minutes until fully coated and slightly thickened.
  • Toast Buns & Assemble:
    Toast buns while the mixture thickens. Spoon generous portions of the sloppy joe mixture onto buns. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Lentils: Don’t overcook or they’ll turn mushy. Al dente is best for a good sloppy texture.
  • Tofu: Crumbling by hand gives a better texture than using a knife. The more surface area, the better the browning.
  • Flavor boost: Add a dash of hot sauce or mustard for a punchy twist.
  • Make ahead: The filling keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheats beautifully.
  • Serving ideas: Top with pickles, shredded lettuce, or vegan coleslaw for crunch.
Keyword Lentil Recipe, Sloppy Joes, Tofu Recipe, Vegan