Lentil Sloppy Joes

Recipe courtesy of Spend with Pennies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 39 minutes
Total Time: 54 minutes
Serves 8

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 green bell pepper finely chopped
1 small onion finely diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cups water
1 cup broth beef or vegetable broth
1 cup brown lentils
1 cup tomato sauce
¼ cup ketchup
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce if desired)
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. yellow mustard
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
8 hamburger buns

Instructions

1. Cook green pepper and onion in olive oil until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, water, broth and lentils.
2. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook 25 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients (except buns) and simmer an additional 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
3. Spoon lentil mixture over hamburger buns and serve.

Notes

Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker increasing broth to 2 cups. Cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.  To thicken, cook on high uncovered an additional 30 minutes if needed.

Canned Lentils: To replace dry lentils, drain canned lentils well and skip the boiling (and the broth). You will need 2 cups of canned lentils (or pre-cooked lentils).

Variations: Add 1/2 lb. of ground beef and half the lentils along with half the liquid. For extra flavor, spread garlic butter over the hamburger buns and lightly toast under the broiler.

Nutrition

Calories: 266 | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 632mg | Potassium: 531mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 464IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 4mg