Quick Sloppy Jills with Bold Lentil Chili

March 13, 2026

These Quick Sloppy Jills are a faster take on an Esselstyn classic. By starting with Plant Strong Bold Lentil Chili, you get a hearty lentil filling with rich flavor and almost no prep. Sautéed mushrooms add extra texture, BBQ sauce brings a familiar sloppy joe sweetness, and fresh kale finishes each sandwich with a bright crunch. It’s a satisfying plant-based dinner that comes together in minutes.

If you do not have access to Plant Strong products, you can find the original version of this recipe here: Classic Lentil Sloppy Jills.

Quick Sloppy Jills with Bold Lentil Chili

Sloppy Jills have long been a favorite in the Plant Strong kitchen. The original recipe builds a rich lentil filling from scratch, but this shortcut version makes it even easier to get the same comforting flavors on the table.

By starting with Plant Strong Bold Lentil Chili, you already have a hearty lentil base packed with savory spices. A quick sauté of mushrooms adds extra texture, while BBQ sauce brings that classic sloppy joe sweetness. Piled onto soft burger buns and topped with fresh kale, these Quick Sloppy Jills deliver the same satisfying comfort in a fraction of the time.

If you’d like to make the lentil filling from scratch, you can find our classic Sloppy Jills recipe here.

Author: Plant Strong Team
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 5
Category: Dinner

Ingredients

2 boxes Plant Strong Bold Lentil Chili
8 oz white mushrooms, sliced (optional)
¼–½ cup BBQ sauce
1 cup chopped kale
4 burger buns

Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.
Add the Spiced Lentil Chili and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is heated through.
Spoon the lentil mixture onto burger buns.
Top with chopped kale and serve immediately.