Tasty Meat-free Sloppy Joes

Dinner, Kids, Snacking
Beginner

These tasty meat-free sloppy joes are comforting and 100% plant-based. Guaranteed crowd-pleaser for even the fussiest of eaters. This recipe works with both our Pea Protein Mince and our Value Soya Mince. It’s packed with hearty lentils for extra protein and fibre – and makes a saucy filling that is rich, savoury and perfectly spiced with smoked paprika and cumin. It’s high in plant protein, packed with fibre, and completely vegan — making it a nourishing option for family dinners, casual eating or easy meal prep. Best served on soft rolls and topped with herbs for a pop of freshness.

Serves: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Sloppy Joe Filling

1 pack Fry’s Pea Protein Mince or Soya Mince
1 tsp (5 ml) olive oil
1 (120 g) onion, finely chopped
1 Tbsp (15 ml) garlic, finely chopped
2 Tbsp (30 ml) cold water
2 Tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
1 (4 g) chilli, finely chopped (optional)
1 Tbsp (15 ml) sugar
1 x 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
½ C (125 ml) cocktail tomatoes, halved
1 Tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) ground cumin
2 tsp (10 ml) smoked paprika
½ C (125 ml) warm water or vegetable stock
1 x 400 g tin lentils, drained
Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve

8 hamburger rolls, sliced in half
1½ (180 g) red onion, finely chopped
¼ C (60 ml / 12 g) coriander leaves, finely chopped
Handful of micro herbs

Method

Sloppy Joe Filling

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes.
Add the mince and fry for 2 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, chilli, sugar, tinned tomatoes, cocktail tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, and warm water/veggie stock.
Simmer 12–15 minutes until thickened.
Stir in lentils and season to taste.

To Serve

Assemble Sloppy Joes by adding the mince mixture onto the bottom half of each roll.
Sprinkle with chopped red onion, coriander, and micro herbs.
Top with the other half of the roll and serve.
Optional: works well in wraps or with nachos. Add extra chilli or a tablespoon of miso/marmite for more umami.

What is a good plant-based alternative to traditional mince?

Plant-based mince alternatives made from legumes, soy or pea protein are excellent substitutes for traditional mince. Products like Fry’s Pea Protein Mince or Soya Mince are high in protein, rich in fibre and designed to absorb flavour well, making them ideal for saucy dishes such as Sloppy Joes, Bolognese or tacos.

Are lentils good to use in plant-based meat dishes?

Yes — lentils are a fantastic addition to plant-based meals. They add texture, fibre and slow-release energy, while boosting the overall protein content of a dish. When combined with plant-based mince, lentils help create a more filling, nutritionally balanced meal.

Can Sloppy Joes be made vegan without losing flavour?

Absolutely. Vegan Sloppy Joes rely on umami-rich ingredients like tomato paste, smoked spices, balsamic vinegar and well-seasoned plant-based mince to deliver depth and richness. With the right balance of seasoning and simmering time, plant-based versions can be just as bold and satisfying as traditional Sloppy Joes.