Easy Vegan Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes: The Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Food

Inspired by: @abillion

Craving a hearty, satisfying meal that brings together two all-time comfort food champions? Look no further! This Vegan Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe recipe is your answer to a golden, crusty, oozy, cheesy, and utterly delicious plant-based sandwich. It's the perfect dish for a weekend breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a fun family dinner.

Our abillion community has been raving about this incredible twist on a classic. As one user exclaimed, "😲😲😱😱😱🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤 that sounds sooooo gooooood... I'll try it!" Another enthusiastically shared, "Looks mouthwatering!! 🤤🤤🤤" This recipe truly impresses, with one user noting, "That looks v professional. 😍 very impressed. Big breakfasts start the day right." If you're wondering how to whip up a gourmet-level vegan sandwich that will make everyone drool, you've found your guide!

This recipe is designed for anyone looking for an easy vegan comfort food, a dairy-free sloppy joe sandwich, or a quick plant-based brunch idea. It answers questions like "How can I make a satisfying vegan grilled cheese?" or "What's a creative plant-based meal for the weekend?" Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes

For the Vegan Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional, for classic sloppy joe flavor)
• 8 oz (about 225g) plant-based meat alternative (such as vegan ground or crumbles)
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Grilled Cheese:

• 4 slices sturdy bread (sourdough or Texas toast works great)
• 4-6 slices vegan cheese (cheddar or mozzarella style recommended)
• 2-3 tbsp vegan butter, softened

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the plant-based meat alternative to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, dijon mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, and vegetable broth. Mix well. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Grilled Cheese: Spread softened vegan butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
5. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat.
6. Layer two slices of vegan cheese on top of each bread slice in the skillet.
7. Spoon a generous amount of the warm sloppy joe filling over one of the cheesy bread slices. Top with another slice or two of vegan cheese.
8. Place the remaining plain cheesy bread slice (butter-side up) on top of the sloppy joe and cheese. Gently press down.
9. Grill the Sandwiches: Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the vegan cheese is melted and gooey. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts through.
10. Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately.

Variations & Adaptations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sloppy joe filling for extra heat.
• Cheesy Variations: Experiment with different types of vegan cheese – a smoky cheddar, pepper jack, or even a creamy provolone alternative can change the flavor profile.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in finely shredded carrots or corn kernels into the sloppy joe mixture for added nutrition and texture.
• Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free bread to make this recipe compliant.

Tips & Hacks

• Even Browning: For the best grilled cheese, keep the heat on medium-low. This allows the bread to crisp up and turn golden without burning, giving the cheese ample time to melt thoroughly.
• Press It Down: Gently pressing the sandwich with a spatula while it cooks helps create that perfectly compact, flat, and crispy grilled cheese exterior.
• Batch Cooking: The vegan sloppy joe filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making quick assembly a breeze!
• Serving Suggestion: Serve alongside a crisp side salad, some sweet potato chips, or air fryer fries for a complete meal.

Ready to impress your taste buds? Give this irresistible Vegan Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joe recipe a try! We'd love to see your creations. Share your experience on abillion and tag us!

Related Reads

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• The Easiest Life-Changing Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Sauce - Perfect if you loved the cheesy goodness!
• Easy Homemade Vegan Cheesy Marmite Scrolls - For more savory, cheesy delights.
• Ultimate Vegan Breakfast: Flavor-Packed Tofu Chickpea Scramble Recipe - Another fantastic vegan breakfast idea.
• Easy Fall Vegan Pastrami Tofu Sandwich - Craving more delicious sandwiches?
• Quick & Easy Vegan French Toast - For a sweet breakfast alternative.