Irresistibly Easy Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes: A Hearty Vegan Meal for Everyone
Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this incredible Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes recipe! It’s a deliciously satisfying vegan sloppy joe that’s so flavorful, it will impress not only vegetarians but also the most dedicated meat-eaters in your family. Thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, this dish comes together quickly and easily, making it the perfect healthy meal for busy evenings. Prepare yourself for a hearty, savory, and slightly sweet experience that might just become your new family favorite. This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.
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Lentil Sloppy Joes in the Instant Pot: A Vegan Twist on a Classic
Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to incorporate more meatless options into my cooking and sharing them here on the blog. When pondering what classic comfort food to “veganize,” my family’s beloved Sloppy Joes immediately came to mind. It felt like a fun and exciting challenge to create a plant-based version that could rival the traditional recipe, and honestly, it surpassed all expectations.
The first time I made these Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes, I was genuinely thrilled with the outcome. My husband, who typically prefers meat-and-potato dishes, was practically standing over the Instant Pot, spooning the flavorful mixture directly into his mouth even before dinner was officially served. That’s a true testament to how incredibly delicious and satisfying this vegan recipe is!
While my traditional sloppy joes recipe has been a long-standing favorite on the blog, I’m confident that this new vegan lentil version will quickly earn its place in your recipe rotation. It offers the same comforting, saucy goodness with a healthy, plant-based twist, all made effortless by the Instant Pot.
Lentils are an amazing ingredient for plant-based cooking. They’re packed with protein and fiber, making them incredibly filling and nutritious. When cooked in the Instant Pot, they absorb all the rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavors of the sloppy joe sauce, resulting in a texture that is surprisingly “meaty” and satisfying. This recipe truly proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Sloppy Joe Recipe
There are countless reasons why these Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes deserve a spot in your weekly meal plan:
- Quick & Easy: The Instant Pot slashes cooking time significantly. From sautéing to pressure cooking, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in under 30 minutes, including the time it takes for the pot to come to pressure.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Made with wholesome ingredients like lentils and plenty of vegetables, this recipe is naturally rich in plant-based protein and fiber. It’s a fantastic way to boost your nutrient intake.
- Vegan & Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is inherently vegan, using only plant-based ingredients. For those following a gluten-free diet, simply ensure your Worcestershire sauce (if using) or buns are certified gluten-free.
- Family-Friendly: The classic sweet and savory flavor profile of sloppy joes appeals to all ages. It’s a great way to introduce more plant-based meals to kids without them even realizing it’s healthy!
- Budget-Friendly: Lentils are an incredibly economical source of protein, making this a cost-effective meal option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The robust blend of spices, tangy tomato base, and hint of sweetness creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor that mirrors traditional sloppy joes, but with a unique lentil twist.
- Meal Prep Powerhouse: It stores wonderfully in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Lentil Sloppy Joes
This easy lentil sloppy joe recipe boasts a sweet and tangy sauce that comes together beautifully with a handful of pantry staples. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some handy substitution ideas:
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Essential for sautéing our aromatic vegetables. While I often reach for avocado oil due to its high smoke point, any neutral cooking oil you have on hand will work perfectly.
- One Cup Uncooked Lentils: The star of our show! I highly recommend using green lentils or brown lentils for this recipe. They maintain their shape and provide a satisfying, hearty texture reminiscent of ground meat. Red lentils, while delicious in other dishes, tend to become a bit too mushy for sloppy joes.
- Carrots: These finely chopped carrots are a must. They add a natural, subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the tangy tomato base, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
- Yellow Onion: The foundation of many great savory dishes. Yellow onion is my personal favorite for its mild sweetness, but feel free to substitute with red onion if you prefer a sharper flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter note that complements the other flavors. While you can use any color of bell pepper, green bell pepper delivers that classic sloppy joe vegetable blend we love.
- Garlic: Three cloves provide a robust garlic punch, but if you’re a garlic enthusiast like me, don’t hesitate to increase the amount! In a pinch, a teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted.
- Tomato Sauce: Just a small can of plain tomato sauce is needed to contribute to the rich, savory base. Opt for low sodium if you can find it to better control the seasoning.
- Tomato Paste: A crucial ingredient for thickening the sauce and intensifying the deep tomato flavor. One small can goes a long long way in creating that luscious, clingy sloppy joe texture.
- Veggie Broth: This provides the liquid for pressure cooking and infuses the lentils with even more flavor. If you’re not strictly vegan, you could swap in chicken broth. In an emergency, 1 ¾ cups of water can be used, though broth offers more flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Just a small amount of maple syrup is added at the end to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and add a touch of classic sloppy joe sweetness. If you’re completely avoiding sugar, you can omit it, but it truly rounds out the flavors. Adding it last allows for perfect sweetness control.
- Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, and Smoked Paprika: This blend forms my absolute favorite sloppy joe spice combination. Chili powder brings warmth, cumin adds earthy depth, salt enhances everything, and smoked paprika introduces a wonderful smoky note.
- Optional – Gluten-Free Vegan Worcestershire Sauce or Gluten-Free Soy Sauce/Coconut Aminos: If you happen to have any of these on hand, they add an extra layer of umami and complex flavor to the dish. Just a tablespoon or two can make a noticeable difference.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes
Making lentils in a pressure cooker has become my go-to method ever since mastering my Instant Pot Lentil Soup. This quick and easy lentil sloppy joe recipe cooks in just 12 minutes under pressure, plus the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure – typically another 10-15 minutes, depending on your model and amount of liquid.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by setting your Instant Pot or any brand of pressure cooker to the “Sauté” function. Once the display reads “Hot” (this usually takes a few minutes), add 2 teaspoons of olive or avocado oil. Immediately add your chopped yellow onion, carrots, and green bell pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant. This step is crucial for building a strong flavor base for your sloppy joes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Turn off the “Sauté” function. Add the well-rinsed dry lentils to the pot. Then, pour in the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, and tomato paste. Give everything a good stir to ensure the tomato paste is fully incorporated and there are no dry spots. Now, sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, salt, and smoked paprika. Stir once more until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. If using, add the Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos at this stage.
- Pressure Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid onto your Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed. Make sure the steam release knob is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cooking time to 12 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time to build pressure before the actual cooking time begins.
- Quick Release & Finish: Once the 12-minute cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. To do this, cautiously turn the steam release knob from “Sealing” to “Venting.” Stand clear of the steam as it vents rapidly. After all the steam has been released and the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup to taste, adjusting the sweetness to your preference. Let the lentil mixture sit uncovered for a few minutes; it will thicken slightly as it cools. Finally, taste and adjust any seasonings as needed – you might want a little more salt, a pinch more chili powder, or an extra dash of maple syrup.
Expert Tips for the Best Lentil Sloppy Joes
To ensure your Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes are absolutely perfect every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Serving Suggestions: These vegetarian sloppy joes are incredibly versatile. My absolute favorite way to serve them is over fluffy baked sweet potatoes – the natural sweetness of the potato pairs beautifully with the savory, tangy lentils. For a classic feel, serve them on gluten-free buns or whole wheat hamburger buns if you don’t require gluten-free. Get creative by serving them in crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option, over a bed of brown rice or quinoa, or even as a topping for nachos!
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover lentil sloppy joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if it seems too thick. You can also microwave individual portions.
- Fantastic for Meal Prep: This recipe is a meal prep dream! Make a large batch on a busy weekend, divide it into single-serving containers, and you’ll have healthy, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners for the entire week.
- Freezing for Future Meals: For longer storage, this sloppy joe mixture freezes exceptionally well. I love freezing portions in my Souper Cubes for perfectly portioned meals. It will last in the freezer for 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop with a bit of added liquid.
- Lentil Variety Matters: As mentioned in the ingredients, green or brown lentils are preferred for their ability to hold shape and texture. Avoid red lentils for this specific recipe as they tend to break down too much.
- Adjusting Sweetness and Spice: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings at the end. If you prefer a sweeter sloppy joe, add a little more maple syrup. For more heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be stirred in.
- Complementary Recipes: If you enjoy the hearty, plant-based goodness of this recipe, you might also love this lentil pumpkin curry from the Fit Mitten Kitchen for another delicious and wholesome meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying these delicious Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes:
Can I make this Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joe recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! This recipe adapts beautifully to a slow cooker. Simply add all the ingredients (except the maple syrup, which you’ll stir in at the end) into your crock pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. While sautéing the vegetables first in a separate pan can add a deeper layer of flavor, it’s not strictly necessary if you’re short on time – the flavors will still meld wonderfully in the slow cooker.
Is this sloppy joes recipe also gluten-free?
Yes, it is! The core ingredients of this lentil sloppy joe recipe are naturally gluten-free. If you choose to add Worcestershire sauce, just be sure to select a brand that is certified gluten-free, as some traditional versions may contain gluten. And, of course, serve it on gluten-free buns or over a baked sweet potato to keep the entire meal gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop if I don’t have an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Here’s how: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the vegetables (onion, carrots, bell pepper, garlic) in oil until softened. Add the rinsed lentils, tomato sauce, tomato paste, vegetable broth, spices, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 25-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if needed. Once lentils are cooked, stir in maple syrup, taste, and adjust seasonings.
What kind of lentils are best for this recipe?
For the best texture that mimics traditional sloppy joes, green or brown lentils are ideal. They hold their shape well after cooking, providing a satisfying bite. Red lentils are generally softer and tend to break down into a mushier consistency, which isn’t typically desired for a sloppy joe filling.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sloppy joes are very forgiving. You could finely dice mushrooms for an extra “meaty” texture, or add finely chopped zucchini or spinach during the sautéing phase. Just remember that adding more vegetables might require a slight adjustment to the liquid, but generally, the recipe is flexible.
Is this recipe good for kids?
Yes, kids typically love sloppy joes, and this lentil version is no exception! The sweet and tangy flavor profile is very kid-friendly. If your children are sensitive to spice, you can start with the lower end of the chili powder range (1 teaspoon) and adjust to their preference. Serving it on a bun or with familiar sides can make it even more appealing.
How do I count this Vegan Sloppy Joe recipe for the 4 Week Gut Protocol? What about the 21 Day Fix?
This is a perfect recipe for various healthy eating plans, including the 4 Week Gut Protocol, thanks to its use of lentils (a RED B list protein!). But truly, this dish is delicious and nutritious no matter what plan you’re following!
- For the 4 Week Gut Protocol + Vegan Plan for the 21 Day Fix: When divided into 4 servings, each 1 ¼ cup serving counts as 1 ½ GREEN, 1 RED B, and ½ tsp. (If serving over ½ cup sweet potato, add 1 YELLOW B).
- For the 21 Day Fix (Standard Plan): When divided into 6 servings, each ¾ cup serving counts as 1 YELLOW, 1 GREEN, and ⅓ tsp. (If serving over ½ cup sweet potato, add 1 YELLOW).
- WW (Weight Watchers): This recipe is approximately 2 points per serving (calculated for 6 servings, using 1 Tbsp maple syrup and 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce).
**Note: Recipe nutrition facts include added sweet potatoes and are calculated with the recipe divided into 6 servings unless otherwise specified.
Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive or avocado oil
- 1 cup dry lentils rinsed well
- 3 carrots chopped
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1 large bell pepper chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can tomato sauce 10-14 oz
- 6 oz tomato paste 1 can
- 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1-2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pinch smoked paprika
- 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce or gluten free soy sauce/coconut aminos
- 3 Baked sweet potatoes for serving optional
Instructions
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Set Instant Pot to saute and add 2 tsp of of oil once the display reads HOT. Add in onion, carrots and bell peppers. Stir together until fragrant. Add in garlic and stir one more minute.
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Add lentils, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well. Add in spices and salt. Place lid on the Instant Pot, be sure the knob is set to sealing and set to manual/ pressure cook on high for 12 minutes.
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After cook time, do a quick release. After all the steam is released, stir in maple syrup. Let lentil mixture sit for a few minutes, then taste and adjust seasonings.
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Serve over your favorite gluten free bread or my fave – over Baked Sweet Potatoes.
Slow Cooker
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Add everything into your crock pot and cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you have the ability to saute the veggies first, do it, but if you can’t, it’s ok!
Video
Notes
21 Day Fix: 6 servings, 3/4 cup each – 1 YELLOW, 1 GREEN, 1/3 TSP (per serving) [Add 1 YELLOW if serving over 1/2 c. sweet potato]
WW: 2 points (per serving) [Calculated info 6 servings, using 1 Tbsp maple syrup and 1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce]
**Recipe nutrition facts include added sweet potatoes and is calculated with recipe divided into 6 servings.
Nutrition