Lentil Sloppy Joes
A hearty twist on a classic favorite, Lentil Sloppy Joes bring a nutritious flair to your dinner table. These sandwiches combine the rich, gooey goodness of traditional sloppy joes with the health benefits of lentils, making them perfect for both meat lovers and those seeking a plant-based option.
This recipe is not just about convenience; it also seamlessly blends flavors and textures, creating a satisfying meal that can easily please a crowd. Lentils, packed with protein and fiber, serve as the base for this dish, while aromatic vegetables and savory seasonings amp up the taste. The use of whole-wheat buns adds an extra layer of nutrition, making this dish not only comforting but also a bit wholesome.
Why make this recipe
Lentil Sloppy Joes strike a superb balance between hearty and health-conscious. Regular sloppy joes often rely heavily on ground beef, which can be high in saturated fat and calories. By substituting part of the meat with nutrient-dense lentils, you reduce the fat content while boosting the protein and fiber profile of your meal. The earthy quality of lentils harmonizes beautifully with the bold flavors of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, creating a filling meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Additionally, this recipe is customizable, allowing you to adjust seasonings and toppings to suit your individual preferences. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, feed a family, or simply enjoy a weeknight dinner, Lentil Sloppy Joes are an ideal choice.
How to make Lentil Sloppy Joes
Making Lentil Sloppy Joes is a straightforward process that can be done in less than an hour. Start by sautéeing the aromatic vegetables in a little vegetable oil until softened. This step lays the foundation for a deeply flavored mixture. After the veggies have softened, add garlic and lentils, followed by water and seasonings. The lentils will cook until they are tender, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the vegetables and spice, creating a satisfying texture that mimics traditional sloppy joes.
Next, focus on the meat component. Cooking the ground beef in a separate skillet allows you to achieve that ideal brown texture, crucial for a meaty filling. After browning the meat, combine it with the lentil mixture, adding additional ketchup and Worcestershire sauce to heighten the overall flavor profile. This fusion of lentils and beef results in a unique and tasty filling for your sandwich. Finally, pile the mixture high on toasted whole-wheat buns, topped with cheese and your favorite condiments, to complete this delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper (red or green), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 8 ounces ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- Sliced pickles and/or pickled jalapeño peppers, for topping (optional)
Directions
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and 2 tablespoons of ketchup. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
- Add lentils, oregano, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the lentils are tender and the water is absorbed (35–40 minutes). Add up to 1 more cup of water if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, breaking it up, until it starts to brown (about 2 minutes).
- Add Worcestershire sauce and the remaining 6 tablespoons of ketchup. Stir until well combined.
- Add the cooked lentil mixture and 1 cup of water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are very soft and the mixture thickens (about 8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
- Fill the buns with cheese and the lentil-beef mixture. Top with pickles and/or pickled jalapeños, then serve.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
How to serve Lentil Sloppy Joes
Lentil Sloppy Joes are best enjoyed hot, straight off the stove. When serving, you can choose to layer them with sliced cheddar cheese for that ideal melty texture. The combination of warm, seasoned lentils and gooey cheese creates a mouth-watering experience. Feel free to add toppings like sliced pickles or jalapeños to add a crunch and a kick of heat. These sandwiches are delightful on their own, but pairing them with a side of crispy baked fries or a light green salad can round out the meal beautifully.
How to store Lentil Sloppy Joes
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing Lentil Sloppy Joes is easy. Allow the lentil and beef mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly, the filling can last for about three to four days in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply reheat the mixture on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. For the best results, toast new hamburger buns for each serving to retain that delightful crunch and warmth. If you prefer to freeze the filling, it can be stored in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Tips to make Lentil Sloppy Joes
For a spicier version of Lentil Sloppy Joes, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or some hot sauce during the cooking process. This will give your sandwich an exciting kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Also, you can experiment with other legumes such as black beans or chickpeas if you’re feeling adventurous. Lastly, make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process, as this will ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. Using fresh herbs as a garnish can also brighten the dish and enhance its visual appeal.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make Lentil Sloppy Joes vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and double the amount of lentils or add other plant-based proteins like mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
Q: How can I make the filling spicier?
A: You can add chopped jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mixture for an added kick.
Q: Can I use other beans instead of lentils?
A: Absolutely! Black beans or kidney beans can be used as a substitute for lentils, creating a different flavor profile while still keeping the essence of a sloppy joe.
Lentil Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Vegetable Base
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper (red or green), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup, divided Use part for cooking and save some for serving.
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper Season to taste.
Meat Component
- 8 ounces ground beef Can be substituted with plant-based proteins.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For Assembly
- 6 whole-wheat hamburger buns toasted
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- Sliced pickles and/or pickled jalapeño peppers, for topping Optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and 2 tablespoons of ketchup. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
- Add lentils, oregano, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the lentils are tender and the water is absorbed (35–40 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and cook, breaking it up, until it starts to brown (about 2 minutes).
- Add Worcestershire sauce and the remaining 6 tablespoons of ketchup. Stir until well combined.
- Add the cooked lentil mixture and 1 cup of water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are very soft and the mixture thickens (about 8 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
Assembly
- Fill the buns with cheese and the lentil-beef mixture.
- Top with pickles and/or pickled jalapeños, then serve.
