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mushroom lentil sloppy joes piled onto soft toasted brioche buns

Mushroom Lentil Sloppy Joes

These mushroom lentil sloppy joes are rich, saucy, and full of flavor. The mushrooms add a hearty bite, and the lentils make the filling thick and comforting. It’s an easy plant-based dinner that feels cozy and homemade.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Produce
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 3 cups finely chopped mushrooms cremini or button
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
Pantry
  • 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils or canned lentils, drained
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • ½ cup water or vegetable broth
For Serving
  • 4 toasted burger buns
Optional: barbecue sauce, red pepper flakes

Method
 

Cook the vegetables
  1. Heat a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until they soften.
Add garlic
  1. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add mushrooms
  1. Add the chopped mushrooms. Let them cook until they release their moisture and turn darker. Don’t rush this step. It adds flavor.
  2. Mix in tomato paste and spices
  3. Stir in the tomato paste. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Add liquids
  1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, maple syrup, soy sauce, vegan Worcestershire, and broth or water. Mix well.
Add lentils
  1. Add the cooked or canned lentils. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Thicken the sauce
  1. Cook for 8–10 minutes or until the mixture thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assemble
  1. Spoon the filling onto toasted buns. Eat warm.

Notes

If the mixture gets too thick, add a splash of water. If it feels too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes. Toasting the buns makes a big difference, so don’t skip it. Leftovers taste even better the next day.