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Better Than Manwich Vegan Sloppy Joes

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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.

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • Sliced pickles (optional)
  • Coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrots and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until their moisture evaporates.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in the cooked lentils.
  6. 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.
  7. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir well to combine.
  8. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
  10. Toast the hamburger buns if preferred.
  11. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the buns.
  12. 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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/better-than-manwich-vegan-sloppy-joes/