Vegetarian Sloppy Joes
These quick and satisfying Vegetarian Sloppy Joes come together in just 25 minutes and deliver all the hearty comfort of the classic version. Red lentils and cauliflower florets cook down into a rich, chunky filling that perfectly mimics the texture of ground beef. Simmered in a sweet and smoky tomato sauce, this meatless dinner is an easy, family-friendly favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Servings 4 Servings
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon red or white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Other Ingredients
- 4 Hamburger Buns
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup Red Lentils
- 3 cups Cauliflower floret pieces
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves/teaspoons garlic minced
- ½ Red Pepper
Instructions
Prep Steps
- COOK LENTILS. Add the vegetable broth and the lentils to a medium-sized pot and bring to a simmer, then turn to low heat, cover and cook for 10 min. (NOTE: if you used a larger lentil other than Red, you may need another 5 minutes to get them tender enough)
- PREP VEGGIES. While the lentils cook, dice the onion and red pepper. Mince the garlic. Cut (or pulse in a food processor) the cauliflower florets into small pieces (size of ground beef).
- MIX SAUCE. In a separate medium bowl, mix all of the sauce ingredients. Make sure the tomato paste is blended in.
Cooking Steps
- COOK FILLING. Preheat a large pan on Medium-High Heat. Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, and red pepper and cook 2-3 min until the onions are soft and translucent. Add in the cauliflower and cook for 2 min. Then add the sauce and bring to simmer, cooking for 5 min, stirring occasionally. Then finally stir in the cooked lentils. Cook for another 5 min. or so until the liquid is absorbed and it’s a thick mixture.
- Serve on the buns and enjoy!
