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    Home » Instant Pot

    Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes Instant Pot (Saucepan Option)

    Published: Apr 4, 2019 by Richa 53 Comments

    Jump to Recipe   Print Recipe

    Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes! 1 Pot, 30 min, freezer friendly tangy flavorful sloppy lentils. Serve in sandwiches with slaw or over tater tots or baked potato. Vegan Glutenfree Soyfree Nutfree Oilfree Recipe Jump to Recipe

    Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes! 1 Pot, 30 min, freezer friendly tangy flavorful sloppy lentils. Serve in sandwiches with slaw or over tater tots or baked potato. #Vegan #Vegansloppyjoes #lentilsloppyjoes #Glutenfree #oilfree #Soyfree #Nutfree #Recipe #VeganRicha VeganRicha.com

    Lentil Sloppy Joes are a quick meal filled with protein and tons of flavor. They pair well with various condiments. Serve these with some pickled onion, slaw or other toppings. Serve them in wraps or sandwiches or over baked potato, baked fries or potato salad. Make a bowl with some veggies, dip and toasted bread!

    Lentils come in various colors and have different cook times. They also vary in flavor. I use green lentils for these vegan sloppy joes as they are more hardy and don’t get mushy easily. They are cooked with onion,pepper, carrots, celery, seasonings such as taco, chili or bbq, and tomato. The result is this hearty flavorful saucy sloppy joes. You can vary the flavor with other herbs and blends, add more or less tomato to preference. Lets make these! As always, saucepan option is in the notes.

    Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes in Instant Pot


    More Lentil Recipes to try

    • Lentil Bolognese
    • Keema Lentils
    • Sprouted Lentil Avocado Toast
    • Lentil Mushroom Stew with mashed potatoes
    • Lentil Soup
    • Lentil Wellington

    Step by Step Photos

    Onion pepper celery carrots in Instant Pot pressure cooker for our Vegan Lentil Sloppy joes Uncooked Lentils and veggies in Instant Pot pressure cooker for our Vegan Lentil Sloppy joes Our Vegan Lentil Sloppy joes in an Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

    Notes on Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

    • These sloppy lentils are freezer friendly and meal prep friendly. Refrigerate for upto 4 days and freeze for upto a month.
    • Serve these in various formats with various accompaniments such as onion, jalapeno, coleslaw, creamy toppings. In sandwiches or wraps, or over baked potatoes or fries!
    • If using brown lentils, pressure cook for 10 mins

    Burn Errors: Some Instant Pots can tend to give you burn errors for thick and tomato based dishes. Try the following for a successful result.

    • Make sure to mix everything really well to pick up any stuck bits before closing the lid.
    • Some tomato sauces can be too thick, use a mix of fresh or diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
    • Add a bit more broth if you generally do run into burn errors in your pot.
    • Let the veggie + tomato mixture cool for 5 mins before closing the lid. Some pots heat a bit more saute and that tends to increase the chances of ingredients scorching at the bottom under pressure.

    Our Vegan Lentil Sloppy joes serves in a sandwich with onions

    Print Recipe
    5 from 23 votes

    Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

    Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes! 1 Pot, 30 min, freezer friendly tangy flavorful sloppy lentils. Serve in sandwiches with slaw or over tater tots or baked potato. Vegan Glutenfree Soyfree Nutfree Recipe
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time25 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Gluten-free, Vegan
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 172kcal
    Author: Vegan Richa

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup (59.15 ml) broth , or use 1 tsp oil to saute
    • 1/2 (0.5) onion chopped
    • 3 cloves of garlic chopped
    • 1/2 (0.5) bell pepper chopped
    • 1/2 cup (50.5 g) chopped celery
    • 1/2 cup (64 g) chopped carrots
    • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) smoked paprika
    • 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) black pepper
    • 1 tbsp chili powder blend or taco seasoning or bbq seasoning
    • 1 cup (245 g) finely chopped tomato or tomato sauce
    • 1/4 cup (65.5 g) tomato paste
    • 1-2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce optional, (or use soy sauce/tamari, or coconut aminos for soyfree),
    • 2 tsp lemon juice
    • 3/4 cup (135 g) dried green lentils , picked for stones and washed if needed
    • 1 1/4 cup (295.74 ml) water or broth
    • 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) salt
    • 1 tsp sugar

    Instructions

    • Add 2 tbsp broth in the Instant Pot on saute. Add the onion, garlic, pepper, celery, carrots and a good pinch of salt. Cook for 3 mins. Deglaze with more broth mid-way.  (See saucepan instructions in Notes below).
    • Add the spices, tomato, tomato paste, vegan Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice and mix in. Add salt, sugar, lentils, broth, and mix in. Mix well to pick up any stuck bits 
    • Close the lid and pressure cook at bean/chili setting for 22 mins or at manual/pressure cook for 16 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Taste and adjust salt, flavor. (The sauce keeps thickening on cooling even if it looks slightly liquidy when opened. If you used extra broth, wait for a few mins to see if its thickening enough and then you might have to saute for a few mins to reduce. )
    • Serve in buns or bread with coleslaw or onion or crunchy greens.  or in wraps or over baked potato. 
      These sloppy lentils are freezer friendly and meal prep friendly. Refrigerate for upto 4 days and freeze for upto a month. 

    Notes

    Saucepan: Rinse the lentils and combine with 2 cups of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat slightly to medium low, partially cover, and cook for 20 to 25 mins or until al dente. Drain any excess liquid.
    Follow steps 1 and 2 over medium heat in a saucepan. Add only a 1/4 cup broth. Add the cooked lentils and mix well. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook for 6 to 7 mins to thicken and develop flavor. Taste and adjust. 
     
    Flavor variations:
    Add 1/2 tsp mustard
    Add smoked paprika
    Add 1/4 cup bbq sauce
     
    Nutrition is for 1 Serve of lentils. Bread not included

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 172 Calories from Fat 1
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 0.1g0%
    Sodium 434mg19%
    Potassium 760mg22%
    Carbohydrates 32g11%
    Fiber 13g54%
    Sugar 7g8%
    Protein 10g20%
    Vitamin A 4485IU90%
    Vitamin C 33.2mg40%
    Calcium 53mg5%
    Iron 3.6mg20%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

     

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    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you Love the Recipe, Please consider rating it using stars in comments! It helps readers and helps more people find the recipe online! I love hearing from you all! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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    1. Laura

      September 30, 2022 at 5:21 am

      5 stars
      These came out great! I added a healthy squirt of yellow mustard and a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end, which gave it the right amount of acidity I was looking for.

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        October 02, 2022 at 5:29 pm

        Glad that you enjoyed them.

        Reply
    2. Kelly

      May 17, 2022 at 8:02 am

      Yet another one of your recipes that was a big hit! I used brown lentils since that’s what I had on hand and used the suggestion to cook for 10 minutes instead. I also added 1/4 cup of bbq sauce at the end and served on a bulkie roll with lettuce and onion. Yum! Can’t wait for my copy of the new vegan instant pot cookbook 🙂

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        May 18, 2022 at 9:56 am

        perfect! enjoy the book 📚 =)

        Reply
    3. Anna

      April 26, 2022 at 6:09 am

      5 stars
      This is truly amazing! Me and my husband love the taste and texture. I serve it over home-baked soda bread with vegan mozzarella cheese on top. I nearly swallowed my tongue). Great vegan version of sloopy Joe.

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        April 26, 2022 at 8:29 am

        wow!

        Reply
    4. Deb Spear

      June 11, 2021 at 4:36 am

      5 stars
      We loved this recipe. It is great in bread or as a salad topping. Very taco salad like. I made a double recipe and four adults ate it over three days. I highly recommend it. Very easy in the instant pot.

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        June 11, 2021 at 3:08 pm

        wow! double recipe – excellent

        Reply
    5. Laura J

      April 14, 2021 at 12:28 pm

      5 stars
      This is officially my new favorite sloppy joe recipe. So easy and delicious. One batch is great for 2 people but I wanted more (since I had to share) so I just doubled the recipe and there is just enough room in my instant pot. I eat it plain or add avocado and fresh onion, and have tried it over brown rice too. Thank you for this amazing recipe! 🙂

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        April 17, 2021 at 1:50 pm

        yum 🥑🥑🥑v

        Reply
    6. Tanja Tudhope

      January 26, 2021 at 6:04 am

      Hi. I’m wondering about this recipe if you use french beluga lentils?

      Reply
      • Richa

        January 26, 2021 at 11:10 am

        Yes

        Reply
    7. Jackie

      September 05, 2020 at 8:50 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is awesome! I was looking for a lentil recipe that my husband would eat too. This was perfect

      Reply
    8. Nicole

      August 11, 2020 at 5:24 am

      5 stars
      Delicious! This will be a dish I make often.

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        August 12, 2020 at 8:44 pm

        awesome!!

        Reply
      • Nicole

        August 26, 2020 at 4:13 am

        5 stars
        I’ve already made it for the third time in a couple of weeks!

        Reply
    9. Andrea Tersigni

      August 01, 2020 at 5:19 am

      5 stars
      Oh my!! As suggested, I added mustard, a nice spicy dijon. It added another layer of flavor to your already delicious combination. Thanks for sneaking in added veggies. Carrots and celery are not extras I would think of including in Sloppy Joe’s. I have your cookbooks and enjoy your site. Many many thanks!!! PS: this recipe is perfect to eat by itself with no starch or toppings ~~

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        August 01, 2020 at 11:59 am

        thank you so much. wow, that’s great. I’m so happy that you found my site and are enjoying my books!! dijon is an amazing ingredient

        Reply
    10. Alex

      July 29, 2020 at 7:45 am

      The “1 tbsp chili powder blend or taco seasoning or bbq seasoning” you call for… what’s “chili powder blend”? Is that just what’s labelled “chili powder” in the store?

      Reply
      • Richa

        July 29, 2020 at 11:29 am

        Depends on your country and the store. Chili powder in the us is a blend of chili, cumin, oregano etc. Indian stores label pure chili powder (ground cayenne) as chili powder. Using 1 tbsp pure cayenne will be disastrous. Hence I mention that it should be a blend

        Reply
    11. Sonya

      June 04, 2020 at 9:12 pm

      5 stars
      My husband and i loved this recipe! Thank you!!!

      Reply
      • Vegan Richa Support

        June 05, 2020 at 11:44 am

        I’m so glad you both enjoyed this!

        Reply
    12. Karen

      May 26, 2020 at 11:02 pm

      Cook time is not 25 minutes. If using the instapot add time to get to pressure + cooking + time for natural release. Please amend the recipe time to be more honest. Otherwise dish was good.

      Reply
      • Richa

        May 27, 2020 at 10:31 am

        Thanks I’ve been adding it to the newer recipes, earlier the widget didn’t have the option for customizable times other than prep and cook. Eventually the older recipes will be updated as well

        Reply
    13. SJ

      February 01, 2020 at 5:37 pm

      5 stars
      My 9 y/o son has a very sensitive palate for heat and thought this was too spicy but still liked it, so I will halve the black pepper next time and just add some extra to my portion. Otherwise this is a hit!

      Reply
    14. Hannah

      November 28, 2019 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      This was great! Thanks for the recipe 🙂 I used red lentils instead of green, so I pressure cooked for 5 minutes only. Will make again!

      Reply
      • Richa

        November 28, 2019 at 10:34 pm

        awesome!

        Reply
    15. Tyler

      November 04, 2019 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      This is an almost weekly recipe in our household it is so good! I love that it’s packed with veggies and it’s so easy for busy weeknights or days I just don’t feel like cooking.

      Reply
      • Richa

        November 11, 2019 at 9:32 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply
    16. Sheri

      May 25, 2019 at 6:46 pm

      5 stars
      My teenage daughter, a vegetarian who hates vegetables, loved it!

      I cooked the lentils for 15 minutes and allowed natural release. I like the lentils to be a little softer for this recipes.

      Reply
      • Richa

        May 25, 2019 at 6:49 pm

        awesome!

        Reply
    17. Darlene

      May 01, 2019 at 5:45 am

      5 stars
      Made this last night for our dinner; was delicious, hearty & so full of flavors! I made a double batch & leftovers went into freezer 🙂

      I love the fact that you vary your recipes, by that I mean you will include sweet treats, main dish meals & on…always something to look forward to in visiting your site!

      Reply
      • Richa

        May 01, 2019 at 10:26 am

        Thanks Darlene!

        Reply
    18. TERRI Dutch

      April 29, 2019 at 11:08 am

      5 stars
      I made this over the weekend. My husband says it’s a keeper 🙂 SO good. We thought we’d have left overs but we ate it all. I will be making it again for sure.

      Reply
      • Richa

        April 29, 2019 at 11:50 am

        yay!

        Reply
    19. Deb

      April 26, 2019 at 7:19 am

      I would like to make this recipe in a crock pot. Do you have any advice for me?

      Reply
      • Richa

        April 26, 2019 at 9:44 am

        probably cook the times you would for green lentils. 4-5 hour high or 8 hours low

        Reply
    20. Punam

      April 10, 2019 at 10:17 pm

      I made this a few days ago. I followed the directions exactly as its written and it came out perfect. I used a mini Instapot. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Richa

        April 10, 2019 at 11:42 pm

        awesome! thanks

        Reply
    21. Meridith

      April 07, 2019 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for suggesting serving over potatoes – I made this yesterday and can’t wait to have it for dinner this evening!

      Reply
      • Richa

        April 07, 2019 at 11:56 am

        awesome! thanks!

        Reply
    22. Steph

      April 07, 2019 at 1:16 am

      5 stars
      Easy to make, plus so tasty.
      It made enough for me to freeze some for a quick meal for one.
      I did the stovetop version and used only 1 teaspoon of Mexican spice mix as I prefer a milder meal. Delicious!

      Reply
    23. Susan Sparkes

      April 05, 2019 at 12:59 am

      Hi Richa – how would brown lentils affect the cooking time? I have these already as I use them for the upside down Lentil Shepherd’s Pie recipe on Sundays.

      Reply
      • Richa

        April 05, 2019 at 10:05 am

        Pressure cook for 10-11 mins on manaul/pressure cook

        Reply
        • Tam

          November 10, 2020 at 9:56 am

          Hi can I confirm do I cook brown lentils first then add and cook the whole lot again or if using brown lentils cook the whole thing from raw 10 to 11 mims

          Reply
          • Vegan Richa Support

            November 12, 2020 at 9:27 am

            for the brown lentils, yes raw & Pressure cook for 10-11 mins on manaul/pressure cook

            Reply
    24. Rachel

      April 04, 2019 at 10:48 pm

      I don’t have instant pot. How can I make this recipe?

      Reply
      • Richa

        April 04, 2019 at 10:56 pm

        See Saucepan instructions right below the recipes under Notes:

        Reply
        • SS

          January 05, 2022 at 9:57 am

          Can I use red lentils instead? If so what would the cool time be in the instant pot?

          Thanks!

          Reply
          • Richa

            January 05, 2022 at 9:58 am

            3 minutes

            Reply
    25. Maura Parolini

      April 04, 2019 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      Ricetta favolosa! Fabulous recipe! 🙂

      Reply
    26. Nancy

      April 04, 2019 at 6:55 pm

      I can’t wait to try this! So basic and comforting. Sloppy Joes were a childhood fave. Haven’t had them in years and definitely not since going vegan. My mouth is literally watering just thinking about that first bite. Thanks Richa!

      Reply
      • Richa

        April 04, 2019 at 7:50 pm

        thanks!

        Reply

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