These Air Fryer Hand Pies take the classic sloppy joe and turn it into a mess-free, portable snack! Using a flaky pie crust, the savory ground beef and cheesy filling are easy to prepare and cook in the air fryer. Ready in just under 30 minutes, these hand pies are perfect for gatherings, road trips, or a quick snack on-the-go. Enjoy the delicious combination of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and sloppy joe sauce in every bite without the mess of a traditional sandwich. Whether you’re serving them at a party or craving a tasty treat, these hand pies are sure to please.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 store-bought pie crusts

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juicy filling)

• 1 cup canned sloppy joe sauce

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Ground Beef Filling:
   Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease. Add sloppy joe sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3-5 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature.

3. Assemble the Hand Pies:
   Roll out the pie crusts and use a round cookie cutter to cut circles of dough (approximately 4 inches in diameter).
   Place a tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of each circle, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
   Place another dough circle on top and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.

4. Air Fry the Hand Pies:
   Lightly spray the hand pies with cooking spray. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Cool and Serve:
   Remove from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, savory sloppy joe hand pies!

Nutrients (Approx. per serving — 1 pie)

• Calories: 165 kcal

• Protein: 11g

• Fat: 13g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g

• Trans Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 46mg

• Sodium: 43mg

• Potassium: 175mg

• Calcium: 12mg

• Iron: 1mg

Why Choose Seitan for Vegan Roasts?

Seitan, the primary base for this vegan roast, is a popular meat substitute made from wheat gluten. It has a dense, chewy texture that closely mimics the texture of meat, making it an excellent choice for vegan and plant-based roasts. The addition of vital wheat gluten to the dough allows the roast to take on a firm, meaty structure that slices beautifully and holds up well to baking. Seitan is high in protein and can easily absorb the flavors of any seasonings and marinades, making it a versatile base for many vegan meat dishes.

In this recipe, the seitan combines with the other ingredients to create a roast that is rich in flavor and has a satisfying bite. When cooked, the seitan becomes firm and golden brown on the outside, with a tender, meaty interior. This makes it an ideal alternative to traditional meat roasts, providing the same comforting texture and flavor without the need for animal products.

The Role of Cannellini Beans in the Roast

Cannellini beans are used in this vegan roast not only for their mild flavor but also for their ability to help bind the roast together and add moisture. These beans are soft, creamy, and full of plant-based protein, making them the perfect complement to the seitan. When blended into the dough, they create a smooth, slightly thickened mixture that helps give the roast a rich, satisfying texture.

Beyond their functional role, cannellini beans are also packed with nutrients, including fiber, iron, and folate. By incorporating beans into the roast, you’re not only enhancing the texture but also boosting the nutritional value of the dish. The beans also contribute to the overall flavor, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the savory components of the roast.

Button Mushrooms: Adding Earthy Depth and Umami

Mushrooms are a classic ingredient in plant-based cooking, known for their ability to provide a deep, savory, umami flavor. In this Easy Vegan Roast, finely chopped button mushrooms are added to the dough, giving the roast an extra layer of flavor and complexity. Mushrooms, particularly button mushrooms, have a mild yet earthy taste that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them.

In addition to their flavor, mushrooms are also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are particularly high in B-vitamins, which are essential for energy production and metabolism. The inclusion of mushrooms in this recipe ensures that the vegan roast is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients that contribute to a healthy and balanced meal.

Seasonings and Flavorings: Creating a Savory, Umami Taste

The seasonings in this Easy Vegan Roast are what truly elevate the dish and give it that classic roast flavor. Poultry seasoning, a blend of dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and sage, adds a comforting, savory element to the roast. Nutritional yeast contributes a cheesy, nutty flavor, which enhances the umami profile of the roast and helps create a rich, satisfying taste.

The addition of coconut aminos (or tamari) gives the roast a slightly sweet, salty flavor, similar to soy sauce, while the vegetable base helps deepen the overall savory profile. Garlic, one of the key aromatic ingredients in this recipe, adds a fragrant, robust flavor that enhances the other seasonings and brings the whole dish together.

This blend of seasonings creates a roast that is full of flavor and complexity, providing the perfect balance of savory, earthy, and slightly sweet notes. These seasonings are crucial for replicating the rich taste of a traditional meat roast while keeping the dish completely vegan.

The Perfect Texture: Kneading and Shaping the Roast

One of the most important steps in creating the perfect vegan roast is the kneading process. By kneading the dough for about five minutes, you help develop the gluten in the wheat gluten flour, which is essential for achieving a tender yet firm texture. This step ensures that the roast will hold its shape during baking while still remaining soft and moist on the inside.

The dough is then shaped into a loaf and wrapped tightly in foil to ensure that it retains moisture during the baking process. The foil helps trap steam inside, allowing the roast to cook evenly and become firm and golden without drying out. After baking, the roast is allowed to rest, which helps it finish cooking and achieve the perfect texture for slicing.

Optional Glaze: Adding a Sweet and Savory Finish

While the roast is delicious on its own, an optional glaze can be added to give it a caramelized, crispy exterior. Made with soy sauce, brown sugar, and oil, the glaze adds a sweet and savory finish that enhances the overall flavor of the roast. When broiled, the glaze creates a shiny, crispy coating that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.

This step is optional but highly recommended, as it adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that makes the roast even more indulgent. The glaze brings out the umami in the roast, while the sweetness from the brown sugar adds a delightful contrast to the savory ingredients.

Serving and Pairing: The Perfect Accompaniments

This Easy Vegan Roast is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides to create a complete, satisfying meal. Vegan mashed potatoes and gravy are classic accompaniments that pair beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of the roast. The creamy potatoes and savory gravy complement the tender roast, creating a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions.

For a lighter option, the roast can be served with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or steamed greens. These sides provide a nice contrast to the richness of the roast and add an extra burst of freshness to the meal. Whether you prefer traditional sides or something lighter, this roast can be adapted to suit any preference.

A Dish for All Occasions

The Easy Vegan Roast is an ideal main dish for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration, a special dinner with friends, or a simple weeknight meal. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a great option for both novice and experienced cooks alike. The roast can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.

The beautiful golden-brown exterior and the tender, flavorful interior make this vegan roast a showstopper at any table. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike, proving that plant-based meals can be just as satisfying and delicious as traditional meat dishes.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Satisfying Plant-Based Roast

The Easy Vegan Roast is a delicious, hearty, and satisfying alternative to traditional meat roasts. Made with seitan, cannellini beans, mushrooms, and a blend of savory seasonings, this roast is full of flavor and texture, making it a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion. The optional glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a crispy exterior, while the plant-based ingredients ensure that the roast is both healthy and delicious.

Whether served with mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted vegetables, or a light salad, this roast is versatile enough to suit any meal. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and guaranteed to be a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike. The Easy Vegan Roast is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful, plant-based main dish that will impress and satisfy every guest at the table.