Delicious Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe
It’s always a pleasure to have a delicious and comforting meal waiting for us after a long day at work, school or just running errands. But sometimes, creating such a meal can be time-consuming and complicated. That’s why I am excited to introduce you to my Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe, a dish that is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Sloppy Joe’s are classic comfort food, making you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm embrace just with one bite. The Instant Pot version brings that same warmth and comfort but with added convenience and speed. Using an instant pot allows this dish to be cooked in a fraction of the time it usually takes to make on the stovetop.
With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, my recipe for Instant Pot Sloppy Joes is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s affordable and can easily be customized to your taste preferences.
Join me as we explore the world of flavor in this recipe together. Get ready for some seriously juicy Sloppy Joes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, fellow foodies, let me tell you about this incredible Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe. This dish is everything you want in a comfort food – it’s warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal that your whole family will love, then look no further.
First of all, the star of the show is the lean ground beef. We start by browning it on the sauté setting with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil. The result is tender, juicy meat that will melt in your mouth. But don’t worry if you prefer a plant-based protein, as you can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or lentils to make vegan sloppy joes.
The sauce is where the magic happens. It’s a combination of ketchup, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and brown sugar to give it that perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Add cayenne pepper for a mild kick or chili powder for an extra punch of flavor. Liquid smoke also helps to add depth to these Instant Pot Sloppy Joes.
But what I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make in just 30 minutes. You simply add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot and hit a button. Set it and forget it while you handle other important tasks like relaxing with a book or spending some quality time with your family.
Trust me; once you taste these Instant Pot Sloppy Joes, they will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. So go ahead and try this recipe tonight! You can thank me later.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you will need to make instant pot sloppy joes. These ingredients are easy to find and are guaranteed to give your dish an explosion of flavor.
Meat:
2 poundslean ground beef
Vegetables:
1onion, diced1green bell pepper, diced1red bell pepper, diced3garlic cloves, minced
Sauce:
1/2 cupketchup1/4 cupDijon mustard1/4 cupbrown sugar3 tbspWorcestershire sauce2 tbsplight soy sauce2 tbsptomato paste1 tbspliquid smoke
Spices and Seasonings:
2 tspchili powder1 tspfreshly ground black pepper1 1/2 tspkosher salt- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Liquid:
3/4 cupwater
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
2 tbsp, divided
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make Instant Pot Sloppy Joes together! Don’t get intimidated by the long ingredient list as most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First, turn your Instant Pot on to sauté setting. Add 2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil and let it heat up.
Next, brown 2 pounds of lean ground beef and 1 diced onion. Make sure you break up the meat while browning. This will take around 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Once the meat is fully cooked through, add 3 diced garlic cloves, 1 diced green bell pepper, 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 Tbsp tomato paste, 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tbsp light soy sauce, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, 3/4 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the pot.
Mix everything well with a spatula until all of the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Lock your Instant Pot lid into place, set the valve to “sealing”, and select manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
Once done cooking, use quick release to release pressure.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Turn Instant Pot off and select sauté setting again. Stir in 1-2 Tbsp of cornstarch while heating on sauté mode for a few minutes until desired consistency is achieved.
And that’s it! Your Instant Pot Sloppy Joe is ready to serve.
Pro Tips
- If you like your Sloppy Joes to be more tomato-based, add another 1/4 cup of ketchup or tomato sauce.
- For a vegan option, substitute the ground beef for lentils or ground turkey.
Now that you know how to make this amazing dish in the Instant Pot, go ahead and impress your family and friends with your culinary prowess!
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, the beauty of cooking is that you can always get creative with it! Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations to make this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe your own:
1. Ground Turkey: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to beef, ground turkey is a great option. Use 3-4 pounds of ground turkey in place of the beef.
2. Lentil Sloppy Joes: For a vegan version of this classic recipe, use lentils instead of ground beef. Cook 2 cups of dried lentils according to package instructions until tender, then follow the recipe as directed.
3. Spicier Sloppy Joes: If you like your food with a kick, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder to taste.
4. Bell Pepper Substitutions: Feel free to switch out the type or color of bell peppers used in the recipe. Red, yellow, or even orange bell peppers can be used in place of green peppers for a more colorful dish.
5. Worcestershire Sauce Alternatives: Use soy sauce or liquid aminos in place of the Worcestershire sauce for a vegetarian/vegan option.
6. Tomato Sauce Variations: Use tomato sauce and paste flavored with basil, oregano or garlic for added depth of flavor.
7. Sweetness level changes: Adjust sweetness by either adding more or reducing the amount of brown sugar added depending on your preference.
Experimentation is key when it comes to cooking and making substitutions in recipes. Just remember – there’s no perfect way to make any meal and it’s all about personal preference and taste!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve got your Instant Pot Sloppy Joes all made and ready to serve, let’s talk about some pairing options to take your meal to the next level! This dish is already quite hearty and flavorful on its own, so I recommend keeping the sides simple to balance out the flavors.
First off, an easy option for pairing could be some classic French fries or sweet potato fries. They’re a perfect combination with the savory nature of the Sloppy Joes, adding an extra layer of crunch that will satisfy your taste buds.
Another great option would be a side salad. You can pile on all your favorite vegetables and drizzle some balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the meatiness of the sandwich.
For something more substantial, I recommend some coleslaw, mac and cheese or cheesy garlic bread. These sides provide a richer dimension that complements the Sloppy Joes perfectly.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could also whip up some cornbread muffins or jalapeno poppers to add a spicy kick to your Sloppy Joe experience!
To achieve a full and satisfying meal, try pairing one or two sides from this list with your Instant Pot Sloppy Joes. You’ll definitely leave everyone at the table fully satisfied and content!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I am always on the lookout for recipes that can be made ahead of time and stored easily. The Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe is perfect for just that. Here are my tips for making ahead, storing, and reheating this delicious meal.
Make-Ahead: The beauty of the Instant Pot is that it can cook meals quickly and efficiently. You can make the Sloppy Joes up to 2 days in advance, let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend reheating it on the stovetop or microwave.
Storing: Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label and date your containers so you know how long they have been frozen.
Reheating: To reheat your Sloppy Joes on the stovetop, pour it into a skillet over medium heat and stir constantly until heated through. If you are reheating it from frozen, defrost it first in the refrigerator overnight or on defrost mode in the microwave. Alternatively, you can reheat it on low heat in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
To avoid drying out the meat when reheating, add a tablespoon of water or beef broth before heating. You may also add extras like diced tomatoes or fresh garnishes after reheating to freshen up your meal.
In conclusion, this recipe is great for busy families or individuals who like to plan their meals ahead of time. By following these simple steps you will be sure to have an easy and delicious meal ready at any time.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to create the perfect Instant Pot Sloppy Joes, follow these useful tips that will help you achieve the best results every time. First, make sure you brown the ground beef well by using the Sauté setting of your Instant pot. This process helps eliminate excess moisture and ensures perfect browning, as this will also impact the mixture’s texture later on in the recipe.
Additionally, try not to stir the meat too much once it’s added into the pot, doing so can cause overcrowding and stop meat from cooking evenly. If possible, use a large enough pan to avoid this issue as movement in this process can break up your newly formed crust which flavors the dish.
Another point to keep in mind when making your Sloppy Joes is to measure and use liquids accurately. Although you may be tempted to add more water or sauce when the mixture appears too thick, this can throw off ratios and ultimately dilute flavor. Adding a little bit at a time is going to give you control resulting in evenly blended consistency!
It is also crucial that you use lean ground beef with a minimum fat content of 85 percent for a healthier option and less grease during preparation. This is especially true if you are cooking for a larger group of people as it allows you to cook more at one time without having extra obstacles! You always have another option such as ground turkey or vegan lentil that makes for an equally satisfying meal!
Lastly, let your Sloppy Joes sit for about 10 minutes after they’re done cooking to allow flavors meld together and Lock in those juices by keeping Instant Pot sealed on High Pressure Setting for 10 minutes before opening it up! Add garnish like diced onions or mixed greens, maybe some fresh herbs; now your perfect Instant Pot Sloppy Joes is ready to serve! Enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With its juicy and flavorful lean ground beef, crunchy onions and bell peppers, and zesty tomato sauce, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying meal.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Plus, with its make-ahead and storing options, you can have a delicious meal ready when you need it.
So give this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe a try and experience the goodness of tender beef mixed with bold flavors. Trust me, once you’ve tasted these Sloppy Joes, there’s no going back to the boring old burgers. It’s an incredibly tasty dinner option that leaves everyone feeling happy and satisfied. Don’t wait any longer. Get your instant pot out and start cooking!
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell peppers or 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (not low sodium soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- kosher salt
- ground black pepper
- 2 -3 drops liquid smoke
- cayenne pepper, to taste
- 4 -8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Heat up your pressure cooker over medium high heat. Press Saute button and Adjust button once to Saute More function. Ensure your pot is as hot as it can be. Instant Pot wait until indicator says Hot.
- Season ground beef generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a tablespoon of olive oil in pressure cooker and coat bottom of pot. Add ground beef in pressure cooker. The ground beef will begin to release moisture. At the 5 minute mark, drain and discard the ground beef juice.
- Allow ground beef to brown. Stir occasionally until they are slightly crisped and browned, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add diced onion to browned beef and saute for 2 minutes. Add in diced bell pepper and minced garlic, then saute until fragrant (roughly a minute).
- Add a tablespoon of brown sugar, a tablespoon light soy sauce, a tablespoon worcestershire sauce, and a half cup water and then fully deglace bottom of pot by scrubbing all the flavorful brown bits with a wooden spoon. Mix the brown bits with the liquid mixture.
- Layer a tablespoon tomato paste, a teaspoon dijon mustard, and 3/4 cup ketchup on top. Do not mix. Close lid and pressure cook at high pressure for 5 minutes plus 10 minutes natural release. After 10 minutes, turn venting knob to venting position to release remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully.
- On a skillet, toast burger buns for a few minutes over medium heat.
- If the sloppy joe sauce is too runny, give it a quick stir and cook for another few minutes over medium heat (press saute button). Now is good time to add in the optional liquid smoke and cayenne pepper if desired. Taste and season with more kosher salt and black pepper if necessary.
- Construct the sloppy joes with toasted hamburger buns. Serve with tater tots or your favorite side dishes.