Red Lentil & Beef Sloppy Joes

Red lentils disguise themselves nicely in a chunky sloppy Joe mixture, absorbing all the flavourful juices in the pan. If you want to spice it up, add a pinch of dry red pepper flakes to the mixture as it cooks. This recipe is easily doubled if you want leftovers to freeze for another night.

Ingredients

  • canola or olive oil, for cooking
  • 1 onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 lb. (454 g) lean ground beef or bison
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 – 28 oz. (796 mL) can diced, whole or stewed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) dry red lentils
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) ketchup or half ketchup, half barbecue sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. (15 mL) Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 plain soft buns, cheese buns, or plain or cheese biscuits

Directions

  • In a large, heavy skillet set over medium-high heat, heat a drizzle of oil and sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes, until soft; add the beef and garlic and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as you cook, until the meat is no longer pink.
  • Add the tomatoes, lentils, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt and pepper and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the lentils are tender. Add a little more liquid or water if the mixture seems too dry.
  • Split buns or biscuits in half and ladle the mixture on top.
Servings: 
4 - 6

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