Vegan Cheeseburger Lentil Sloppy Joes

Some recipes feel like a hug and a high-five at the same time. This Vegan Cheeseburger Lentil Sloppy Joe on Toasted Sourdough is exactly that — a bold, comforting mashup that brings together the juicy, savory soul of a classic cheeseburger with the hearty, satisfying texture of a sloppy joe, all piled high on a slice of golden, crisp sourdough and finished with a luscious, silky vegan cheese sauce. It is plant-based comfort food at its most unapologetic, and it comes together in just 50 minutes from start to finish.

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The magic of this dish lies in its layers. The lentil sloppy joe base simmers low and slow, soaking up crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, maple syrup, and a hit of yellow mustard until thick, glossy, and irresistible. Meanwhile, the vegan cheese sauce — born in a blender and finished in a saucepan — turns silky and golden, ready to cascade over every bite. Toast the sourdough until it crackles at the edges, pile on the filling, drizzle generously with cheese sauce, and crown it all with thin rings of red onion and briny dill pickle slices. Every component earns its place.

Ingredients

• Lentil Sloppy Joe Base
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups cooked brown or green lentils (about 1/2 cup dry)
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Vegan Cheese Sauce
• ½ cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes and drained (or sub ½ cup sunflower seeds for nut-free)
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric (for color)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for extra thickness)
• Assembly
• 4 large slices sourdough bread
• Vegan butter or olive oil, for toasting
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• 1 dill pickle, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lentil Sloppy Joe Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Stir in cooked lentils, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, maple syrup, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste.

2. Make the Vegan Cheese Sauce

In a blender, combine soaked cashews, plant milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, salt, and cornstarch (if using). Blend until completely smooth. Pour mixture into a small saucepan and heat over medium, whisking constantly, until thickened and melty, 3–5 minutes. Add a splash more milk if too thick.

3. Toast the Sourdough

Brush both sides of each sourdough slice with vegan butter or olive oil. Toast in a skillet over medium heat or under a broiler until golden and crisp on both sides.

4. Assemble

Place each toasted sourdough slice on a plate. Spoon a generous portion of the lentil sloppy joe mixture over each slice. Drizzle with warm vegan cheese sauce. Top with sliced red onion, pickles, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Achte darauf, die Cashews wirklich vollständig einzuweichen — mindestens 20 Minuten in heißem Wasser — damit die Käsesauce am Ende absolut cremig und klümpchenfrei wird. Beim Simmervorgang der Linsen-Basis lohnt es sich, gelegentlich umzurühren und die Hitze so zu regulieren, dass die Masse eindickt, ohne am Boden anzubrennen. Für die Sourdough-Scheiben gilt: Je goldener und knuspriger, desto besser hält das Brot der herzhaften Füllung stand, ohne durchzuweichen.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine glutenfreie Variante einfach glutenfreies Brot verwenden. Wer eine nussfreie Version bevorzugt, ersetzt die Cashews in der Käsesauce durch Sonnenblumenkerne und prüft alle verpackten Zutaten auf mögliche Allergene. Für zusätzliche Umami-Tiefe können sautierte Champignons oder geriebene Karotten in die Linsenbasis eingerührt werden. Wer es schärfer mag, gibt Sriracha, scharfe Sauce oder gewürfelte Jalapeños dazu.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Sloppy Joes schmecken am besten direkt nach dem Zusammenstellen, solange das Sourdough noch knusprig ist. Serviere sie mit einem einfachen grünen Salat oder eingelegtem Gemüse als Beilage. Als Getränk empfiehlt sich ein kühles helles Bier oder Sprudelwasser mit einem Spritzer Zitrone, um die Fülle des Gerichts schön zu ergänzen.

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Whether you are cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a solo weeknight dinner, these Vegan Cheeseburger Lentil Sloppy Joes on Toasted Sourdough deliver everything you want from comfort food — bold flavor, satisfying texture, and that irresistible combination of crispy, saucy, and creamy in every single bite. At 410 calories per serving and packed with plant-based protein, this is a dish you can feel as good about making as you do eating. Add it to your regular rotation and do not be surprised if it becomes a household favorite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What lentils work best for this dish?

Brown or green lentils hold their shape well and provide a hearty texture perfect for the savory base.

→ How can I make the cheese sauce nut-free?

Substitute soaked sunflower seeds for cashews to maintain creaminess without nuts.

→ Can I prepare the lentil mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the lentil base can be cooked in advance and reheated gently before assembling.

→ What are good garnish options for extra flavor?

Thinly sliced red onions, dill pickles, fresh parsley, or chives add brightness and texture.

→ Is gluten-free bread suitable for this meal?

Gluten-free bread can be used to toast for those avoiding gluten while keeping the dish accessible.