Ingredients

The following ingredients have 8 Servings
  • 3/4 cup dry brown lentils ($0.34)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.13)
  • 1 clove garlic ($0.08)
  • 1 Vidalia onion ($0.53)
  • 1 green bell pepper ($0.50)
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef ($4.57)
  • 1 15oz. can tomato sauce ($0.69)
  • 3 oz. tomato paste ($0.29)
  • 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar ($0.09)
  • 3 Tbsp brown sugar ($0.12)
  • 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard (optional) ($0.04)
  • 1/2 tsp salt ($0.02)
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder ($0.05)
  • 8 hamburger buns ($2.29)

Instruction

  • Before cooking the lentils, sort through them to remove any stones or debris. Bring a large sauce pot of water to a boil over high heat, then add the lentils. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes*. Test the lentils to make sure they are tender and then drain in a colander. Set the cooked lentils aside until you are ready to add them to the sloppy joes. The lentils can be simmering while you make the rest of the sloppy joes.
  • Mince the garlic and finely dice the onion. Add both to a large skillet along with the olive oil and sauté over medium heat until they begin to soften (3-5 minutes).
  • While the onion and garlic are cooking, finely dice the bell pepper. Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté a few minutes more.
  • Add the ground beef and continue to cook until the beef is fully browned (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, cider vinegar, brown sugar, dijon, chili powder, and salt. Stir well and let simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  • Stir in the cooked lentils and heat through. Taste and adjust the salt, if needed. Serve warm on a bun!