30-Minute Easy Gluten Free Lentil Sloppy Joes
Plant-based comfort food that delivers all the hearty satisfaction of classic sloppy joes without the meat. Green lentils simmer in a tangy tomato sauce with aromatic spices, creating a protein-rich filling that's naturally gluten-free when served on appropriate buns. The combination of Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and coconut sugar provides the perfect sweet-savory balance that makes this dish appealing to both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Quick enough for weeknight dinners yet satisfying enough for casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 red or green bell pepper, seeded, deveined, and diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 14 ounce jar Eden Foods Organic Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 14 ounce cans Eden Organic Green Lentils, rinsed and drainedcooked quinoa1:1vegangluten-free
different texture
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- kosher or fine sea salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 gluten-free hamburger buns, toasted
- pickle slices, for serving(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
- 2
Add onion and bell pepper, cook until softened, about 4 minutes
- 3
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds
- 4
Stir in crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, lentils, coconut sugar, chili powder, onion powder, and cumin
- 5
Lower heat, cover pan, and simmer for 15 minutes
- 6
Season to taste with salt and pepper
- 7
Serve on toasted buns with pickles if desired
Tips
Rinse canned lentils thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve texture
Toast buns lightly to prevent them from becoming soggy from the lentil mixture
Let mixture simmer uncovered for last few minutes if too watery
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 4 days in covered container
Make filling 1-2 days ahead, reheat gently before serving
Serve immediately while hot on toasted buns
Common Mistakes
Don't skip rinsing lentils to avoid excess sodium
Keep heat at medium to avoid burning garlic
Substitutions
Vegan Options
different texture
Gluten-Free Swaps
FAQ
Can I use red lentils instead of green?
Red lentils will break down more during cooking, creating a mushier texture, but work fine if you prefer that consistency.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding splash of water if needed.
Can I freeze the lentil mixture?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.