Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe

There are certain meals that just scream comfort, nostalgia, and pure, unadulterated family fun. For us, Sloppy Joes are right at the top of that list. I remember them from childhood picnics, messy summer dinners, and easy weeknight meals that always brought a smile. But let’s be honest, sometimes the traditional stovetop method felt like it took just a bit too long, especially on a busy evening. That all changed when I discovered the magic of making them in the Instant Pot. The first time I served these Instant Pot Sloppy Joes, the reaction was immediate – silence, followed by contented chewing, and then enthusiastic requests for seconds, even from my pickiest eater! The pressure cooker infuses the savory, sweet, and tangy flavors into the ground beef so deeply and quickly, it tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The meat becomes incredibly tender, and the sauce develops a richness that’s simply divine. It’s transformed a beloved classic into an even easier weeknight savior, perfect for hectic schedules without sacrificing that homemade taste we all crave. Cleanup is a breeze too, which is always a bonus in my book! This recipe has become a permanent fixture in our meal rotation, and I’m thrilled to share just how simple and satisfying it is to make. Get ready for messy hands, happy faces, and a dinner that disappears in record time!

Recipe Ingredients

To create the ultimate Instant Pot Sloppy Joes, gather the following ingredients. Precision in measurement helps achieve that perfect balance of flavors!

• Ground Beef: 2 lbs (900g) lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 recommended to minimize grease)
• Onion: 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1.5 tablespoons)
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium beef broth (or water, but broth adds flavor)
• Ketchup: 1 ½ cups (360ml) quality ketchup
• Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30ml) prepared yellow mustard
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) (or white vinegar)
• Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust to your heat preference)
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional, but adds a lovely smoky depth)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste after cooking)
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Cornstarch (Optional): 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry, for thickening if needed)
• Hamburger Buns: 8-10 good quality hamburger buns, for serving (potato buns, brioche, or whole wheat work well)
• Optional Toppings: Sliced cheese (cheddar, provolone), pickles (dill slices or bread & butter), extra chopped onion, pickled jalapeños.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for perfectly cooked, flavor-packed Instant Pot Sloppy Joes:

1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Turn your Instant Pot on by selecting the “Sauté” function. Adjust the heat level to “More” or “High” if your model allows. Allow the inner pot to heat up for a minute or two – it should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles instantly.
2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the hot inner pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. There should be no pink remaining.
3. Drain the Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully tilt the Instant Pot inner pot (you may want to remove it from the base using oven mitts if easier) and drain off as much excess grease as possible. You can use a spoon to hold back the meat while pouring the grease into a heatproof container (do not pour down the drain). Return the inner pot to the Instant Pot base if you removed it.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Continue to sauté, stirring frequently, for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the beef broth (or water). Use your wooden spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot thoroughly, ensuring any browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom are loosened. This step is crucial for building flavor and preventing the dreaded “Burn” notice.
7. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Turn off the “Sauté” function by pressing “Cancel.” Add the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper to the pot.
8. Stir Well: Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the ground beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce mixture. Ensure nothing is sticking firmly to the bottom.
9. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid onto the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s locked in place. Turn the steam release valve on the lid to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function (depending on your model). Set the cooking time to 8 minutes at High Pressure.
10. Natural Pressure Release (NPR): Once the 8-minute cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld further and the meat to stay tender. Do not touch the valve during this time.
11. Quick Release (QR): After the 10-minute natural release, carefully turn the steam release valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure quickly. Use a long-handled spoon or wear an oven mitt to protect your hand from the hot steam. The float valve (pin) will drop when all the pressure is released.
12. Check and Thicken (Optional): Carefully remove the lid, tilting it away from you to avoid steam. Give the Sloppy Joe mixture a good stir. It should be flavorful and relatively thick, but if you prefer a thicker consistency, you can thicken it now. Select the “Sauté” function again. In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering Sloppy Joe mixture while stirring constantly. Continue to simmer and stir for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Press “Cancel” to turn off the heat.
13. Taste and Adjust: Taste the Sloppy Joe mixture and adjust seasonings if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch more brown sugar or vinegar to reach your perfect flavor balance.
14. Serve: Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture generously onto hamburger buns. Add any desired toppings and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving (mixture only, excluding bun and toppings).

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used (lean meat percentage, type of ketchup, bun choice, etc.). For precise calculations, please use your preferred nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients)
• Sauté Time: 10-15 minutes (browning beef, sautéing vegetables)
• Pressure Build Time: 10-15 minutes (time for Instant Pot to reach pressure)
• Cook Time: 8 minutes (at high pressure)
• Natural Release Time: 10 minutes
• Thickening Time (Optional): 2-3 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes – 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve

Classic Sloppy Joes are fantastic on a bun, but don’t stop there! Here are some delicious ways to serve this Instant Pot masterpiece:

• Classic Style:
  • Spoon generously onto lightly toasted hamburger buns (potato buns, brioche, sesame seed, or whole wheat are great choices).
  • Top with a slice of sharp cheddar, provolone, or American cheese. Melt it slightly for extra gooeyness.
  • Add classic toppings like dill pickle slices, bread & butter pickles, or thinly sliced red onion.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes:
  • Split open fluffy baked potatoes (russet or sweet potatoes).
  • Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture over the top.
  • Add shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and maybe some chopped green onions.
• Sloppy Joe Nachos:
  • Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
  • Top with the Sloppy Joe mixture and plenty of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese.
  • Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and pickled jalapeños.
• Over Rice or Quinoa:
  • Serve the mixture over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a gluten-free bowl option.
• Inside Grilled Cheese:
  • Make a grilled cheese sandwich but add a layer of the Sloppy Joe mixture inside before grilling. Messy, but incredibly delicious!
• Lettuce Wraps:
  • For a low-carb option, spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce cups (butter lettuce or iceberg work well).
• Sloppy Joe Sliders:
  • Use small slider buns for a party-friendly appetizer or smaller portion size.
• With Fries or Tots:
  • Serve alongside classic french fries, sweet potato fries, or crispy tater tots for dipping.
• On Cornbread:
  • Spoon over slices or squares of warm cornbread.

Additional Tips

Elevate your Instant Pot Sloppy Joes game with these handy tips:

1. Veggie Power Boost

Don’t be afraid to sneak in extra vegetables! Finely chopped carrots, celery, or even mushrooms can be added along with the onion and bell pepper during the sauté step. They add extra nutrients, texture, and depth of flavor without significantly changing the classic taste. Ensure they are chopped finely so they cook down properly. Rinsed and drained lentils can also be added with the ground beef for extra fiber and bulk.

2. Spice it Up (or Down)

This recipe has a mild, family-friendly heat level. If you like things spicier, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a finely minced jalapeño (sautéed with the onions and peppers), or a dash of your favorite hot sauce along with the other sauce ingredients. Conversely, if you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit the chili powder. Always taste and adjust at the end.

3. Make it Ahead Magic

This Sloppy Joe mixture is fantastic for meal prep. You can make a full batch over the weekend and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat portions gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors often taste even better the next day!

4. Freezing for Future Feasts

Sloppy Joe mixture freezes beautifully! Allow the cooked mixture to cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers (label them with the date!). Squeeze out as much air as possible if using bags. Frozen Sloppy Joe mixture will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.

5. Lean Machine & Flavor Boosters

While 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef is recommended, you can use leaner ground beef (like 93/7) or even ground turkey or chicken. If using very lean meat, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning to prevent sticking and add a little richness. For extra umami depth, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard alongside the yellow mustard, or a splash of soy sauce or tamari along with the Worcestershire sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are great leaner alternatives. Follow the same instructions, browning the poultry thoroughly. Since poultry is leaner, you might not need to drain much (if any) fat. Ground turkey, in particular, takes on the sauce flavors wonderfully. The overall taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

2. My Sloppy Joe sauce seems too thin after pressure cooking. How can I fix it?

This can sometimes happen depending on the water content of your vegetables or the exact type of ketchup used. The easiest fix is the cornstarch slurry method described in step 12 of the instructions. Turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode. Whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the simmering mixture while stirring constantly. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes, and it should thicken up nicely. If it’s still not thick enough, you can repeat with a smaller amount of slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

3. Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you certainly can make classic Sloppy Joes on the stovetop. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven, drain the grease, then add the onions and peppers and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the beef broth (you might need slightly less, maybe ¾ cup), ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, vinegar, and seasonings. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly. If needed, you can simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to thicken further.

4. How long will leftover Instant Pot Sloppy Joes last?

Properly stored leftovers are key! Allow the Sloppy Joe mixture to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, follow the freezing tips mentioned above – it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.

5. What kind of buns are best for Sloppy Joes?

The “best” bun often comes down to personal preference, but you want something sturdy enough to hold the saucy mixture without falling apart immediately. Good choices include:

• Brioche Buns: Slightly sweet, soft, and rich, they complement the savory filling well.
• Potato Buns: Soft, slightly dense, and hold up well.
• Classic Sesame Seed Buns: A standard, reliable choice.
• Whole Wheat Buns: A heartier, healthier option.
• Slider Buns: Perfect for smaller portions or appetizers.
  Toasting the buns lightly before adding the filling helps prevent them from getting soggy too quickly.