Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Best, classic, quick, easy instant pot sloppy joes recipe, homemade with simple ingredients ready in 30 minutes. Can be made on stovetop too!

With this sandwich, you will find tender and juicy ground beef that is coated in a very balanced sweet, spicy and savory sauce. It's the ultimate comfort food that makes an easy weeknight meal. Everyone always asks for seconds and kids love it. It is similar to my Loose Meat Sandwich (Tavern Sandwich) in which you can also use this BBQ Shredded Beef (One Pot).

Jump to:

• Key ingredients
• Variations
• How to make sloppy joes in instant pot?
• What to serve with best sloppy joe recipe?
• Recipe FAQs
• Storage
• More One Pot Ground Beef Meals
• Recipe

Key ingredients

• Oil- Used for sauteing the meat.
• Ground beef- The higher the quality, the better the dish will be.
• Butter- Make sure it is unsalted for best results.
• Vegetables- Including green peppers, celery, garlic and onions.
• Ketchup- An easy way to get that tomato base.
• Tomato paste- Not to be confused with the thinner tomato sauce.
• Beef broth- You can buy already made or use water mixed with a paste or cube.
• Brown sugar- This adds a subtle sweetness to the meal.
• Spices and seasonings- Including chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Worcestershire sauce- Brings in a nice classic flavor.
• Yellow mustard- A little bit goes a long way in this recipe.

Variations

• Try different toppings- Take these sandwiches to a whole new level by topping them off with pickles, cheese, mustard, mayonnaise, bbq sauce, coleslaw, onion rings, thinly sliced onions, crispy bacon slices, jalapenos or sour cream.
• Adjust amount of seasonings– This is entirely a personal preference. Add more or less of whatever you like/dislike.
• Start with frozen beef- You can do this but obviously you won't be able to brown the beef. Once your release the pressure, you will also have to to chop up the meat with a wooden spatula to give it that "ground beef" look rather than a large chunky appearance.
• Garnish options- Chopped green onions, parsley, cilantro or green chilies.
• Philly cheesesteak sloppy- Mix in some cream cheese for a different, creamier version.
• Vegan version- Replace ground beef with lentils of your choice. You won't need to cook them as long, especially if you are using canned.

How to make sloppy joes in instant pot?

1. Heat oil- And brown the meat.
2. Add in and saute- Onion, garlic, celery and green peppers.
3. Mix in- Tomato paste, ketchup, herbs, spices and seasonings.
4. Cover and cook- Then simmer uncovered to thicken.

What to serve with best sloppy joe recipe?

Typically, it's just served on hamburger buns but you can also use sandwich bread or gourmet buns. A few side dishes that work great alongside this include french fries, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, chips, onion rings, Easy Green Salad (One Bowl) or potato salad and even Oil and Vinegar Coleslaw (One Bowl).

Roasted vegetables are always a classic side dish as well. Here are some of my family’s favorites: Oven Roasted Carrots (One Pan), Oven Roasted Cauliflower (One Pan), Oven Roasted Green Beans (One Pan),Oven Roasted Broccoli (One Pan), Oven Roasted Asparagus (One Pan).

Tips and Techniques

• Drain fat- Because this prevents the meal from becoming too oily and greasy.
• Brown beef- This is very important because it enhances the flavor and also helps with the overall texture.
• What meat to use? You can use ground beef, ground pork, ground chicken or use ground turkey for a healthy alternative.
• Use low sodium ingredients– To prevent the meal from becoming too salty. This is especially in regards to butter and broth.
• To thicken sauce- Cook uncovered on the "Saute" setting until liquid is reduced to your desired consistency. I don't recommend adding a cornstarch slurry because that alters the flavor and makes it taste "chalky."

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Make ahead- This is a great meal to make earlier and then serve on a busier night later. Just save in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also use as a freezer meal by following the directions below.
• Refrigerate- Place in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freeze- Allow them to cool down completely, then place them in a freezer bag or a tight sealed ziploc bag. Lay it flat in the freezer so that it doesn’t take up too much space. This can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
• Reheat- Reheat in the microwave or over the stovetop.

More One Pot Ground Beef Meals

• Vegetable Beef Soup (One Pot)
• Chili Mac (One Pot)
• Easy Chili Recipe (One Pot)
• One Pot Lasagna Soup
• Pasta Fagioli or Pasta E Fagioli (One Pot)

Recipe

Happy cooking everyone!