Saucy Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils | High-Protein Plant-Based Sandwich

This saucy vegan sloppy joe is hearty, smoky, and packed with bold flavor — the ultimate plant-based version of a comfort food classic.

Saucy Vegan Sloppy Joes with Lentils | High-Protein Plant-Based Sandwich

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 small Onion, diced

2 Bell Pepper, diced

1-2 minced Garlic

2 cup cooked Green or Brown Lentils

2 cup Textured Vegetable Protein (rehydrated in hot broth)

1 cup Ketchup

1 cup Tomato Sauce

1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce

1 tsp Tomato Paste

1 tsp Salt (to taste)

1 tsp Smoked Paprika

1/2 tsp Garlic Powder

1/2 tsp Chili Powder

1/2 tsp Black Pepper

1 Tablespoon Yellow Mustard

Splash of Water or Broth as needed

Burger Buns

There’s something so satisfying about a good sloppy joe — that messy, saucy, two-hand sandwich energy just hits differently. In this plant-based version, I use a mix of hearty lentils and finely chopped plant protein crumbles that soak up all the smoky-sweet sauce and give you that classic texture we grew up loving. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and honestly better than the original.

This recipe comes together quickly in one pan and uses simple pantry staples you probably already have. I love that it’s naturally high in protein, super affordable, and makes enough to feed the whole family — or stock your fridge with leftovers for a few days. It’s one of those “set it and forget it” meals that becomes a regular part of your weekly rotation.

Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or just craving a classic with a healthy twist, this sloppy joe will hit all the right notes. Serve it on a toasted bun, add pickles if you’re feeling wild, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy — it’s part of the fun.

Instructions

Sauté the onion and bell pepper in olive oil until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the TVP to the pan and season with paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, black pepper and salt to taste. Cook for about 3 minutes to bloom the spices and absorb the flavors.

Mix in the lentils, ketchup, mustard, tomato paste and soy sauce. Stir it all together until thick and saucy.

Let it simmer and soak up that flavor.

Serve on toasted burger buns with a side of fries, chips or a salad.

Tip: If your TVP is large chunks pulse in a food processor until it resembles ground meat.