Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Better flavor than canned sloppy joe sauce
Packed with plant-based protein
Easy and budget-friendly meal
Perfect for family dinners
Great for meal prep
Rich, sweet, and tangy homemade sauce
Freezer-friendly
Ready in under an hour

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
2 carrots, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked brown lentils
8 ounces mushrooms, finely chopped

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire-style vegan sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

6 hamburger buns
Sliced pickles (optional)
Coleslaw (optional)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrots.
Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the mushrooms and cook until their moisture evaporates, about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the cooked lentils.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, maple syrup, Worcestershire-style sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the sauce into the skillet.
Stir well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
Toast the hamburger buns if preferred.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns.
Top with pickles or coleslaw if desired.
Serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Walnut Sloppy Joes: Add finely chopped walnuts for extra texture.
Black Bean Sloppy Joes: Replace some of the lentils with black beans.
Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
BBQ Sloppy Joes: Replace part of the tomato sauce with barbecue sauce.
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes: Add diced roasted sweet potatoes.
Gluten-Free Version: Serve on gluten-free buns.
Sloppy Joe Bowls: Serve over rice, baked potatoes, or quinoa.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze the cooled filling in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if needed.

FAQs

What makes these better than Manwich?

The homemade sauce provides fresher flavor, better texture, and customizable ingredients without relying on canned products.

Can I use canned lentils?

Yes. Drain and rinse them before using.

Are these Vegan Sloppy Joes high in protein?

Yes. Lentils provide a substantial amount of plant-based protein and fiber.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. The filling often tastes even better the next day.

What can I use instead of lentils?

Black beans, walnuts, textured vegetable protein, or crumbled tofu are great alternatives.

Can I freeze the filling?

Yes. It freezes exceptionally well and reheats easily.

What toppings work best?

Pickles, coleslaw, sliced onions, avocado, and vegan cheese are all delicious choices.

How can I make the filling thicker?

Simmer it longer to reduce excess liquid.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes. The sweet and tangy flavor is usually a hit with children.

What side dishes pair well with Vegan Sloppy Joes?

French fries, sweet potato wedges, coleslaw, potato salad, and roasted vegetables are excellent options.

Conclusion

Better Than Manwich Vegan Sloppy Joes deliver everything you love about the classic sandwich with a wholesome, plant-based twist. Featuring hearty lentils, vegetables, and a rich homemade sauce, this recipe is flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, these Vegan Sloppy Joes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Better Than Manwich Vegan Sloppy Joes

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Better Than Manwich Vegan Sloppy Joes are hearty, flavorful sandwiches made with lentils, vegetables, and a rich homemade sauce. Packed with plant-based protein and sweet-savory flavor, they’re a satisfying and wholesome alternative to canned sloppy joe mixes.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrots and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until their moisture evaporates.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the cooked lentils.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, maple syrup, vegan Worcestershire-style sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
Toast the hamburger buns if preferred.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns.
Top with pickles or coleslaw if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Add chopped walnuts for extra texture and richness.
Replace some of the lentils with black beans for a variation.
For a spicier version, add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
Serve over rice, quinoa, or baked potatoes instead of buns for a bowl-style meal.
Store the filling in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze the cooled filling for up to 3 months and reheat with a splash of water if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 360 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 690 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 57 g
Fiber: 11 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg