Loaded Vegan Sloppy Joes with Oven Fries

A hearty plant-based twist on a classic comfort-food favourite. Savoury lentils and vegetables are simmered in a rich, smoky tomato sauce, piled onto toasted buns and served with crispy oven-baked fries.

Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 50 minutes

Loaded Vegan Sloppy Joes with Oven Fries

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups cooked brown or green lentils

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes

  • ¼ cup ketchup

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp chili powder

  • ½ tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • 4 burger buns

Oven Fries

  • 4 medium russet potatoes

  • 1½ tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Nutrition Per Serving

Estimated Nutrition — Per Serving

1 sloppy joe + ¼ of the oven fries)

  • Calories: 610

  • Protein: 21 g

  • Carbohydrates: 105 g

  • Fat: 14 g

  • Fiber: 18 g

  • Sugar: 16 g

  • Sodium: 880 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the brands and specific ingredients used.

Instructions

Prepare the fries. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut potatoes into fries and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.

  • Bake. Spread fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

  • Start the filling. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and red pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.

  • Add the garlic and lentils. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the cooked lentils and stir well.

  • Make it saucy. Add crushed tomatoes, ketchup, tomato paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.

  • Simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and saucy.

  • Assemble. Lightly toast the burger buns. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto each bun and serve with the crispy oven fries.

Print Recipe

Chef Perry’s Kitchen Notes

Helpful tips, simple swaps and a little extra guidance from my kitchen to yours.

👨‍🍳 Chef Perry’s Tips

For crispier oven fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 15–20 minutes if you have time. Dry them very well before adding the oil and seasonings. Removing some of the surface starch helps them crisp up beautifully.

🔄 Easy Substitutions
No lentils: Use crumbled tempeh or your favourite plant-based ground.

  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free buns and tamari.

  • No bell pepper: Substitute finely diced carrot or mushrooms.

  • Want some heat: Add cayenne or your favourite hot sauce.

  • Extra toppings: Try pickles, sliced avocado or shredded cabbage

🎥 Cook With Chef Perry
Watch me make this recipe step-by-step.

Cooking video coming soon