Dinner can be ready in just 15 minutes with these ridiculously simple vegan sloppy joes. Made with lentils, peppers, onions and a handful of pantry staples, this meal is fast, satisfying and flavorful.
Vegan Sloppy Joes — dinner at its quickest
There are lots of great 30-minute dinners out there, but when time is tight you need something even faster. These vegan sloppy joes come together in about 15 minutes and can be on the table in as little as 10 if you use a couple of shortcuts.
They’re simple, hearty, and full of flavor — lentils provide a meaty texture while peppers and onions add brightness. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want an easy, satisfying meal.
What makes this recipe so simple?
- Canned lentils: Using precooked, canned lentils means you can stir them in and finish the dish quickly. If you prefer dried lentils, cook them ahead of time.
- Minimal prep: A small onion and a bell pepper are all you need to chop. Short on time? Frozen diced peppers and onions work well and save effort.
- Fast cooking: Once the aromatics are cooked, everything simmers for about 5–10 minutes — long enough for the flavors to meld but short enough to get dinner ready fast.
What you need to make these vegan sloppy joes
- For a fully vegan version, use a vegan Worcestershire sauce (brands vary).
- Use frozen diced peppers and onions to skip chopping when you’re in a hurry.
- Either maple syrup or brown sugar works for a touch of sweetness — use whichever you have on hand.
- I typically use no-salt-added tomato paste and sauce; adjust salt to taste if yours already contains salt.
The basic process is straightforward:
- Heat the peppers and onions in olive oil until softened.
- Add the remaining sauce ingredients and stir to combine.
- Stir in the lentils and simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken, then serve.
Any questions? Check the video included in the recipe card for a quick walkthrough.
Notes
- If the mixture looks too thin, add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste and simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- I love the depth Worcestershire sauce adds; you can increase it by a tablespoon if you want a stronger savory note.
These sloppy joes are classic on a bun, but they’re also excellent stuffed into baked sweet potatoes for a hearty twist. They’re flexible and pair well with chips, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
More simple dinner ideas
- Easy Baked Pasta with Spinach
- Simple Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili
- Protein Baked Mac and Cheese
- 20 Minute Black Bean Salsa Soup
- Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
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15 Minute Vegan Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 2 cans pre-cooked lentils (15 oz), rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced small
- 1 bell pepper, diced small (red or green)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use a vegan version for a fully vegan recipe)
- 1 tsp maple or brown sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, more or less to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook garlic, diced onion, and diced pepper until the onion becomes translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, maple or brown sugar (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils and bring the mixture to a low boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve on buns, stuffed into baked potatoes or sweet potatoes, or enjoy any way you prefer. Refrigerate leftovers.
Video
Notes
- Add another tablespoon of tomato paste or simmer a little longer if the mixture is too thin.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question?
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