If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and nostalgic dinner that your whole family will request on repeat, this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe is your new weeknight hero. Packed with savory, sweet, and tangy flavor in every bite, these saucy sandwiches are made right in your pressure cooker—no stovetop juggling required. 🍔✨
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy in the Instant Pot
✅ No-Fuss, One-Pot Cleanup
✅ Kid-Friendly & Freezer-Friendly
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep or Feeding a Crowd
✅ Customizable with Turkey, Veggies, or Low-Carb Options
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the ultimate Instant Pot Sloppy Joes, gather the following pantry and fridge staples:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (85/15 or 90/10) | 2 lbs (900g) |
| Onion (yellow), finely chopped | 1 large (1.5 cups) |
| Green Bell Pepper, chopped | 1 medium (1 cup) |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Low-Sodium Beef Broth | 1 cup (240ml) |
| Ketchup | 1 ½ cups (360ml) |
| Light Brown Sugar | ¼ cup (50g) |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 2 tbsp (30ml) |
| Yellow Mustard | 2 tbsp (30ml) |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tbsp (15ml) |
| Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
| Smoked Paprika (optional) | ½ tsp |
| Kosher Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black Pepper | ½ tsp |
| Cornstarch + Water (optional, for thickening) | 2 tbsp each |
| Hamburger Buns | 8–10 |
| Optional Toppings | Cheese, pickles, onions, jalapeños |
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Beef
- Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté > More (High).
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Break it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Drain excess grease using a spoon or tilt method.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add chopped onion and green pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Add minced garlic, stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in beef broth and use your spoon to scrape the bottom to release any browned bits (avoids “burn” warning).
4. Add the Sauce Ingredients
- Turn off Sauté. Add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, vinegar, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Pressure Cook
- Secure lid and set valve to Sealing.
- Select Pressure Cook > High > 8 minutes.
- After cooking, allow Natural Release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining steam.
6. Thicken (Optional)
- Turn on Sauté again. Stir in cornstarch slurry (2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water). Simmer 2–3 mins until thick.
7. Taste & Serve
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Spoon onto toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
🍽️ How to Serve Sloppy Joes
Looking to elevate your Sloppy Joe night? Here are creative ideas:
- Classic: Toasted brioche bun + cheddar + pickles
- Loaded Baked Potato: Use russets or sweet potatoes
- Nacho Style: Layered on tortilla chips with melted cheese
- Grilled Cheese Style: Add to grilled cheese sandwiches
- Lettuce Wraps: Low-carb and crunchy!
- Over Rice or Quinoa: For a gluten-free dinner bowl
- Slider Buns: Great for parties or lunchboxes
🧠 Pro Tips
🔸 Umami Booster: Add 1 tsp of Dijon or soy sauce for richer depth.
🔸 Hidden Veggies: Finely chopped carrots or mushrooms blend in seamlessly.
🔸 Less Sweet? Reduce brown sugar and add extra vinegar or mustard.
🔸 Spicy Twist: Stir in hot sauce, cayenne, or diced jalapeños.
🔸 Grease-Free Trick: Use a meat chopper to keep beef crumbly and uniform.
🧊 Meal Prep & Freezer Friendly
- Make Ahead: Store cooked mixture in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion cooled filling into zip bags. Lay flat and freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw overnight and reheat on stove or microwave with splash of broth.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Leaner meats work great. Add 1 tbsp oil when browning to avoid dryness.
Q: Sauce too runny?
Use the optional cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven and simmer sauce uncovered for 25–30 minutes after browning.
Q: Best buns for sloppy joes?
Brioche, potato buns, or sesame seed buns work well. Lightly toasting helps prevent sogginess.
🧾 Printable Recipe Card
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
| Servings | 8 |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 min |
| Cook Time | 8 min |
| Total Time | ~1 hour |
Ingredients:
(See full ingredient list above)
Instructions:
- Sauté and brown the beef in the Instant Pot.
- Add onion, bell pepper, garlic. Cook until soft.
- Deglaze with broth.
- Add sauce ingredients and mix.
- Pressure cook 8 min, natural release 10 min.
- Thicken if desired with cornstarch slurry.
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Calories (approx.): 350–450 per serving (without bun)
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