There’s something deeply comforting about a good sloppy joe, and this vegan sloppy joes version hits every nostalgic note—minus the meat.

I made this for a casual dinner night, and even the non-vegans at the table were going in for seconds.

It’s rich, smoky, and just sweet enough, with plant-based goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Saucy and satisfying – bold BBQ-style flavor with every bite.

Hearty but wholesome – made with lentils and vegan ground for protein-packed comfort food.

Quick weeknight win – ready in under 30 minutes.

Totally vegan – dairy-free, egg-free, and no animal products at all.

Customizable – easy to adjust spice and sweetness to your taste.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Vegan ground beef – I use Beyond, but any plant-based ground will do.

Lentils – add texture and protein while soaking up all the flavor.

Tomato sauce + ketchup – classic combo that builds the rich, tangy base.

Maple syrup – for that subtle, smoky-sweet finish.

Vegan Worcestershire sauce – brings the umami punch (make sure it’s anchovy-free!).

Yellow mustard – adds brightness and balances the sweetness.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Drain and rinse your lentils well to avoid extra liquid in the pan.

Adjust the sweetness with maple syrup and tang with mustard as you go.

Let the mixture simmer a few minutes after combining—it really helps the flavors come together.

Toast the buns for a little crunch—it makes all the difference.

Leftovers are amazing the next day—this mixture stores and reheats beautifully.

How to Make Vegan Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the vegan beef

In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the vegan ground until browned.

Break it up as it cooks using a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Add aromatics

Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the flavor

Add lentils, chili powder, smoked paprika, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, vegan Worcestershire, and maple syrup. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Simmer and taste

Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring often.

Taste and adjust seasoning—add salt, hot sauce, or more maple syrup if needed.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Pile the mixture onto buns and serve hot!

What to Serve It With

These vegan sloppy joes pair wonderfully with classic sides like:

Sweet potato fries

Coleslaw or vinegar slaw

Roasted corn on the cob

A light green salad

Pickles or spicy chips

Variations / Substitutions

Swap lentils for black beans or chickpeas.

Add chopped mushrooms for extra umami.

Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky twist.

Make it gluten-free with GF buns or lettuce wraps.

Add diced bell peppers or carrots for extra veg.

Storage & Leftovers

Let the filling cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

The flavors deepen overnight—it’s even better the next day!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of lentil?

Brown or green lentils work best here—they hold their shape.

Avoid red lentils as they’ll get too mushy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your vegan Worcestershire and buns are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. The flavors improve with time, making this great for meal prep.

What if I don’t have vegan Worcestershire sauce?

Use soy sauce with a splash of vinegar for a quick substitute.

Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in a container for up to 2 months.

How do I make this spicier?

Add hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or diced jalapeños to taste.

Do I need to use both ketchup and tomato sauce?

Yes—the combo gives a nice balance of tangy and savory.

But you can adjust depending on your taste.

Final Thoughts

These vegan sloppy joes are everything I want in a comfort meal—satisfying, nostalgic, and surprisingly healthy.

They’re perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something saucy and bold.

Even better? No one misses the meat.

The Boat Shed Kitchen