---
title: "Meatless Friday: 15-Minute Lentil Sloppy Joes"
description: Elizabeth Varga's Lentil Sloppy Joes are a hearty plant-based, gluten-free version of the classic sandwich. Download our printable recipe card!
image: https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/20260605%20EVarga%201.png
---

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[MEATLESS FRIDAY](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/tag/meatless-friday)

# Meatless Friday: 15-Minute Lentil Sloppy Joes

Jun 5, 2026 5:59:59 AM  |  by [Elizabeth Varga](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/elizabeth-varga)

![featured image](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/20260605%20EVarga%201.png)

*Elizabeth Varga's Lentil Sloppy Joes are a hearty plant-based, gluten-free version of the classic sandwich. Download our printable recipe card!*

---

Lentil Sloppy Joes, affectionately known as 'sloppy lentils' are making it into my regular meal rotation. When I say 15-minute meal, I mean 15-minute meal!

The key to the 15-minute start-to-finish is canned lentils! Just like any other beans, you can find lentils in a can! They are soft and break down slightly in the sloppy joe to create that ground beef-like texture.

 

![20260605 EVarga 2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20260605%20EVarga%202.png?width=1080&height=1350&name=20260605%20EVarga%202.png)

 

## 15-Minute Lentil Sloppy Joes

Makes 6 servings

### Ingredients:

- 1 Medium Green Bell Pepper, small diced
- 1 Small Yellow Onion, small diced
- 3 15-Ounce Cans (5 ½ cups) Lentils, drained and rinsed
- ½ Cup Ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup or Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 Teaspoon [Liquid Smoke](https://amzn.to/45vsSsm)
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Pepper
- To serve: burger buns & pickles

### Directions:

- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and pepper and cook, stirring often, for 3-5 minutes until the veggies are soft.
- Add the lentils, ketchup, maple syrup, tomato paste, liquid smoke, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook 5 mintues, to blend the flavors.
- Serve burger-style on buns with pickles, slaw, or other desired toppings.

For nutrition information and ingredient substitutions, visit [AtElizabethsTable.com](https://atelizabethstable.com/lentil-sloppy-joes/).

 

[![Download printable recipe](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/275132/interactive-213110274230.png) ](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLKCqWLmVVtM3nREHTQBfZ8a%2BQDMDbXSBBLA4Y6cvsDeoX49XE0RPyzUB0fDi%2BefGpye1Ki12UiRlFCxZgLG6z5Novlr6TsmLB8EVkLVqtRF%2Bj%2FMzXe8dSpNs7fUCeuDOZnu3PBibKiBoPDoFdJq29YT%2Faai270Pk06fUL5Y11ojGb7yzKyGDaa1Ao0qWjrI3aLWTWtcXoc0jPgqaldtRFGN1%2FphLtEEGqQEfN1x5icSkc%3D&webInteractiveContentId=213110274230&portalId=275132)

[![See our full list of Meatless Friday recipes](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/275132/interactive-188493254954.png) ](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIFQhqEiKulTjLRJLeZ1X5FLo9XpJFYoL5cxQ6bu8H51lqr1wXz6O0g2Q32vkBqg0tTjBmLUfHQfxvxF1W8opgwUxMYZCtsAsbGvHV2QPiPN%2BPC%2FScNzikJUJWGhNiq8AVWKivBE2IXE4FRn2n4SIivL205C%2Bmep1HklSqkVF%2BRMHESbmxzzGcGIEujUd%2FpVSczbGuN3wbEPgRO&webInteractiveContentId=188493254954&portalId=275132)

 

![null](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20260605%20EVarga%203.png?width=1080&height=1350&name=20260605%20EVarga%203.png)

 

Did you try this recipe? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

---

Copyright 2026 Elizabeth Varga  
Images: copyright 2026 Elizabeth Varga, all rights reserved.

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#### About the Author

![Elizabeth Varga](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Elizabeth%20Varga%202024.jpg)

### [Elizabeth Varga](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/elizabeth-varga)

Elizabeth Varga is the founder of At Elizabeth’s Table, a plant-based recipe blog that explores the relationship between food and the Catholic faith. With a passion for healthy living, she is a full-time food blogger and food photographer. When not in the kitchen, Elizabeth enjoys drinking coffee, working out, listening to podcasts, and going on long walks. Follow along with her blog at [AtElizabethsTable.com](http://atelizabethstable.com/).

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