Description
A hearty and delicious plant-based take on a classic comfort food. This Healthy Lentil Sloppy Joes Recipe uses wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Whole wheat hamburger buns, for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, extra ketchup
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- 2. Stir in rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- 3. While lentils simmer, whisk together tomato sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
- 4. Drain excess liquid from cooked lentils if necessary, and discard the bay leaf. Pour the sauce mixture into the pot with the lentils and stir to combine.
- 5. Bring back to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, uncovered. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
- 6. Taste and season with salt as needed.
- 7. Serve hot on toasted whole wheat hamburger buns with desired toppings.
Notes
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a little extra liquid if needed, or in the microwave/oven until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: Approx. 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g