I’ve been a vegetarian for a few years now and one of the things that I really miss is Sloppy Joe.
I know, I know… You’d think I would miss steak or bacon or something really meaty. And I did, at the beginning. But now that it has been so long, I only want those comfort foods that I adored as a child. Like the messy, tomatoey goodness of a Sloppy Joe!
I have tried to make Sloppy Joe in the past with a can or jar of Sloppy Joe mix and fake meat crumbles, but I don’t like to eat a lot of soy or preservatives, so I don’t make them very often. Plus, it just not quite as good as the real deal.
Until I discovered lentil Sloppy Joes! Throw it all in a crock pot and this just makes my day! Oh, and did I mention it’s super easy?!
It’s healthy, hearty and so versatile. My husband concluded that it would be good as a pizza sauce, so we will be trying that with some of the leftovers from this batch.
When I made this, I planned on freezing half right away because recipes usually make way too much food for two people before we are sick of eating it. But it didn’t even make it to the freezer! We ate it all (minus a small amount for pizza) in just two days!
I like to serve on a toasted bun with melted cheese and pickles! YUM!
Crock Pot Lentil Sloppy Joe
Ingredients:
1 cup dried brown or green lentils
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
28 oz can diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 yellow onion, chopped fine
1 green pepper, chopped
3 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1 1/2 tcp smoked paprika
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
dash of black pepper
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Enjoy!
I am definitely making this! I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 13, and I used to LOVE Sloppy Joe’s as a kid. This looks so good.
Awesome! Isn’t it funny what you miss when you become veggie? Do you post any recipes on your blog?
I was just looking for a lentil recipe!!!! Thanks this is perfect!!
That’s great! I’m going to try the lentil mix on other things as well. It seems so versatile! Keep checking back for those recipes!