Description
This Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe offers a quick and flavorful twist on the classic American comfort food. Ground beef is sautéed with aromatic vegetables and cooked under pressure with a savory, tangy sauce made from ketchup, tomato paste, and spices. Perfectly cooked in under 40 minutes, this dish delivers juicy, tender sloppy joe filling served on soft hamburger buns with pickles and red onion slices for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 6 hamburger buns
- Pickle slices, for serving
- Sliced red onion, for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Press the Sauté button on the Instant Pot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat. Add 2 pounds of ground beef and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook and brown the meat until fully cooked through. Drain excess liquid from the pot if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add ½ finely chopped onion, 1 finely chopped green bell pepper, and 2 cloves minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in ¾ cup low-sodium beef broth, ¾ cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealed. Press the Cancel button to stop sautéing, then press Pressure Cook or Manual and set the timer for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure: When cooking is complete, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure before opening.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir the meat mixture and let it sit in the pot for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and top with pickle slices and sliced red onions. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the pot.
- For extra tang, adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar to taste.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Serve with coleslaw or potato chips for a classic side.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat mixture.
