Ruffled Apron Blog

Smoky Lentil Sloppy Joe’s (Instant Pot!)

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I love a sloppy joe.

Which is weird because it’s not something that my mom made for us growing up, my husband doesn’t like them, but for some reason I just really enjoy them! Maybe it’s a curiosity thing? I don’t know but either way, today I am bringing you some non-traditional sloppy joe’s for Meatless Monday!

close up shot of sloppy joe's made from lentils

Do you like lentils? I love them but honestly, rarely cook with them because I just don’t think about it. Lentils for me are those things that I buy and keep in my pantry and then throw away a year later because the bag is still sitting there in the depths of my pantry, pushed all the way to the back, only to be found when Andrew forces me to clean out/reorganize the pantry.

Speaking of Andrew, he claims doesn’t care for sloppy joe’s or lentils (honestly, he has never tried lentils- eyeroll) so it’s not something that I make often. But I decided to change that and maybe one day I will convince him to try them!

head on shot of a lentil sandwich

A few weeks ago my mom called asking me to walk her through how to use her new instant pot. She was trying a recipe for turkey lentil chili and as I walked her through the steps I kept thinking how delicious that sounded. The lentil chili kept running through my mind and I had to make my own version of it. What I ended up with was this perfect meatless meal that I proudly piled high atop my avocado toast for a perfect sloppy joe!

sloppy joe sandwich made from lentils

What is great about this recipe, is while it makes an incredibly easy and delicious sandwich you could also totally eat this in soup form. Pile it up in a bowl and top with all your favorite chili fixin’s and your family will never know it’s the same dish!

side view of a vegetarian sandwich made from lentils

 

DON’T FORGET TO SHARE A PHOTO ON INSTAGRAM AND TAG ME @RUFFLED.APRON IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE!

NOTHING MAKES ME HAPPIER THAN SEEING WHAT YOU CREATE IN THE KITCHEN!

Print

Spicy Lentil Sloppy Joe's

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup green lentils
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 14 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups water
  • 8 kaiser rolls

optional toppings include:

  • red onion, scallions, aoili, greens, fresh herbs, pickled veggies

Instructions

  1. Set instant pot to "Saute"  Once the screen says "Hot" add olive oil, onion, carrot, bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic and saute for about 5-6 minutes or until veggies start to soften. 

  2. Add lentils and all the spices and continue to saute 1-2 minutes or until spices are fragrant.  Then add tomato paste and saute about 2 more minutes, stirring frequently so nothing sticks or burns. Add tomatoes and water and stir to combine.

  3. Put instant pot lid on in sealing position and then press "Manual" and set cook time for 15 minutes.  Once the instant pot comes to pressure, the timer will start counting down.  

  4. Once the timer is complete, allow the instant pot to naturally release pressure - this will take about 15-20 minutes.  After about 20 minutes, turn lid to venting to ensure all pressure has released.  Remove the lid and stir.   

  5. Serve on toasted buns with your favorite condiments.  I love this with smashed avocado and a squeeze of lime juice!