Sloppy Joes

These Sloppy Joes are easy to make with simple ingredients like lentils, tomato paste, ketchup, bell pepper, onions and better than any childhood favorite that you’ve ever tried. A 10 minute meal that everyone will make again and again in no time.

I keep coming back to making my own version of family friendly meals. 

Think of all time favorites like this Alfredo Sauce, the Pizza Spaghetti, or Cauliflower Wings. 

Recently, I have been on the hunt for best Sloppy Joes recipe. Some turned out to be bland, some are too sweet. I finally found after testing the only one you will need and will always come back to.

Here is what you can expect from my vegan Sloppy Joes

These are foolproof. Incredibly easy to make in around 10 minutes with step by step pictures, so you can always expect a fantastic result.

Sweet and savory: made with tomato paste and ketchup, without any extra adding sugar. I personally do not like this very sweet. In my recipe you get the right balance between savory and sweet which makes all the difference.

All about flavor: I think this is the key to amazing Sloppy Joes. I find that mustard, chili flakes and cumin are really flavor boasters that are needed.

What’s in this Sloppy Joe sauce

• Tomato paste
• Tomato ketchup
• Mustard

What you need for this Sloppy Joes recipe

• Lentils
• Onions
• Garlic
• Bell pepper
• Olive oil
• Chili flakes
• Cumin

How to make Sloppy Joes

In a casserole or pan, heat olive oil. Add diced garlic, onions, and bell pepper. Fry everything for around 2 minutes until fragrant.

Now also add the lentils, as well as mustard, tomato paste, tomato ketchup, chili flakes, and cumin. Mix well and finally season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Let the filling simmer for 4 minutes on medium heat. Serve on plates, in bowls, or simply smash it on your favorite buns, yum.

Leftovers will keep fresh for around 4 days.

Freezing: make sure to cool Sloppy Joes completely, and to use freezer bags. It will last for 6 months.

Serving suggestions

Always toast the buns. Make this extra step always. You can do it in your skillet, use vegetable oil, and place buns with the open side down. Toast for around 2 minutes.

For the buns, choose your favorite. I like soft buns, after toasting. They for me provide the right texture in combination with sloppy joe mixture.

Other lentil recipes you need to try

• Lentil Curry
• Dal Makhani
• Mujadara

If you try these Sloppy Joes, let me know with a tag on Instagram or Facebook. 

Cheers, Florian.