Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Instant Pot Sloppy Joes –Tired of cooking? Ready to break out your InstaPot and get a satisfying meal on the table in a fraction of the time it would take from traditional methods? These Instant Pot Sloppy Joes will have you drooling. They are easy to make, kid-friendly, and so delicious!

I’m sure many of you are wondering what in the world an Instant Pot is. The Instant Pot is a revolutionary new appliance made for cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and sautéing all sorts of food. This post will be about one specific recipe that can be done in under 30 minutes using this amazing device- Sloppy Joes!

This recipe will show you how to make these yummy sandwiches using your favorite ground beef with onions and green peppers cooked right into the meat, so there’s no need to add them later on, as most recipes call for. It’ll also teach you how to use your Instant Pot to not burn while cooking. At last, we’ll put everything together and enjoy our meal without any need to turn on the stove!

If you have been looking for some great Instant Pot Recipes, some of my favorite recipes are INSTANT POT CRANBERRY SAUCE, INSTANT POT BBQ RIBS, INSTANT POT HOT DOGS, and INSTANT POT SALSA CHICKEN.

What Are Sloppy Joes?

I’ve always loved the smell of Sloppy Joes. It reminds me of my childhood when I would come home from school to find Mom making dinner. And now that I’m all grown up, I still love it! What are sloppy joes?

Simply put, they’re meat, onions, and peppers with tomato sauce cooked together in a skillet (traditionally) until they’re thick and saucy. The filling is then spooned into buns or bread rolls and served with pickles on the side. Our favorite way to make them is by using ground beef (we like to add taco seasoning for some extra flavor), but you can also make this dish with ground turkey or chicken! This recipe makes about 8 servings, so there’s plenty leftover for lunch!

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

• Olive Oil
• Onions
• Green Bell Pepper
• Ground Beef
• Minced Garlic
• Light Brown Sugar
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Mustard
• Ground Paprika
• Ketchup
• Water
• Optional To Serve: Hamburger Buns, Coleslaw, Pickles, Scallions, etc.

How To Make Sloppy Joes In Pressure Cooker

Add the ground beef and diced onions to the Instant Pot Bowl, and brown the meat by pressing the Instant Pot’s saute button. Saute until the meat is fully cooked.

Once the meat is fully browned, add the ketchup, BBQ sauce, and Ancho Chili Powder. Mix well, then add your lid, and set the manual high pressure for 10 minutes. When the time is up, do a quick release.

Serve on top of a roll, and add some dill pickle slices in between the sandwich.

Pro Tips For Easy Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Making Sloppy Joes in the Instant Pot can be a quick and flavorful way to enjoy this classic comfort food. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Sauté the Aromatics: Before adding the ground meat, sauté the onions and garlic in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. This step helps enhance their flavor and adds depth to the dish.
• Brown the Meat: Once the onions and garlic are fragrant and translucent, add the ground meat and brown it well. Breaking up the meat with a spoon or spatula helps ensure it cooks evenly and develops rich flavors.
• Drain Excess Fat: Drain any excess fat or grease after browning the meat. This step helps reduce the overall oiliness of the final dish and prevents it from becoming too greasy.
• Add Flavorful Seasonings: Add the seasoning ingredients, such as tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and spices, to the Instant Pot. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding a splash of vinegar or hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Use the Manual/Pressure Cook Setting: Set the Instant Pot to the Manual/Pressure Cook setting and cook the Sloppy Joe mixture for the recommended time, usually around 5-8 minutes under pressure. Be mindful of the natural release or quick release instructions specified in the recipe.
• Natural Pressure Release vs. Quick Release: Sloppy Joe filling benefits from a natural pressure release (NPR) for a few minutes before performing a quick release (QR) to release any remaining pressure. This helps the flavors meld together and prevents the sauce from spilling through the pressure release valve.
• Simmer if Needed: If the Sloppy Joe mixture appears too runny or thin after pressure cooking, use the sauté function to simmer it for a few extra minutes. This helps reduce the excess liquid and thickens the sauce.
• Toast the Buns: For added texture and flavor, lightly toast the buns before serving the Sloppy Joes. This helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy and adds a nice crunch.
• Serve with Toppings: Sloppy Joes are often enjoyed with various toppings like shredded cheese, pickles, onions, or coleslaw. Customize your Sloppy Joes with your favorite toppings for added flavor and texture.
• Let it Rest: Allow the Sloppy Joe mixture to rest briefly after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to handle when assembling the sandwiches.

By following these pro tips, you can easily create delicious and flavorful Instant Pot Sloppy Joes. Enjoy the saucy, savory goodness served on toasted buns for a satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions Making Easy Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

How long does it take to make Sloppy Joes in the Instant Pot?

The cooking time for Instant Pot Sloppy Joes can vary depending on the recipe and the specific Instant Pot model. Generally, it takes 5-8 minutes under pressure, plus additional time for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and the natural or quick release.

Can I use frozen ground meat for Instant Pot Sloppy Joes?

It’s recommended to thaw the ground meat before using it in the Instant Pot. Cooking frozen ground meat in the Instant Pot may result in uneven cooking and longer cooking times.

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

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in Sloppy Joes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as these meats may cook faster than ground beef.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

You can typically double the recipe for Instant Pot Sloppy Joes, but be mindful of the maximum capacity of your Instant Pot. Ensure you don’t exceed the maximum fill line and adjust the cooking time accordingly to accommodate the larger quantity of ingredients.

Can I make Sloppy Joes ahead of time and reheat them in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the Instant Pot using the sauté function until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Can I use a different type of bun for serving?

Yes, you can use different types of buns or bread for serving Sloppy Joes, such as hamburger buns, sandwich rolls, or even tortillas. Choose a type of bread that you prefer, or that complements the flavors of the Sloppy Joe filling.

Can I freeze leftover Sloppy Joes?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Sloppy Joe filling. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw the filling in the refrigerator before reheating.

How long can I store leftover Sloppy Joes in the refrigerator?

Leftover Sloppy Joes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure proper storage in airtight containers or covered dishes to maintain freshness.

Can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the Sloppy Joe sauce?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the Sloppy Joe sauce to your taste. Add more brown sugar or spices like chili powder or hot sauce to enhance the flavor according to your preferences.

Can I make Sloppy Joe’s vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Various vegetarian or vegan Sloppy Joe recipes are available that use ingredients like lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitutes. Look for specific recipes that cater to your dietary preferences.

Do you have to brown the meat first?

No, the Instant Pot will fully cook your meat. There is no need to add your meat to a skillet and cook it first.

Can I Use frozen ground beef?

Absolutely, as you saute the meat, it will thaw, and you will still get the great taste of the sloppy joes.

I advise waiting until the ground beef is almost fully browned before adding the onions and then sauteing the onions for a couple of minutes. Otherwise, the onions will burn.

Why did I get a BURN message?

The Burn message on the Instant Pot only means that something has settled at the bottom and has stuck to the bowl.

When you mix everything to add the sauce and spices, make sure to really mix the ground beef and onions; this way, if there is a piece of meat or onion stuck to the bottom, it will come off as you mix.

How to serve sloppy joes

Today, since I made a BBQ sloppy joe, I added pickles, but you do not need to do that. There are so many ways to add a special touch. Some of my favorites are:

• Sliced Cheese
• Jalapenos
• Onions
• Coleslaw
• Bacon Bits or Whole Bacon Slices
• Pepper Rings

Storing/Freezing

This is a great meal to prep ahead of time; I usually let it cool to room temperature and then place it into an airtight container. Then when I want a sloppy joe sandwich, I reheat the meat.

If you want to freeze the sloppy joe meat, just let it cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Then place it into the freezer. It will last about 2 to 3 months.

To use frozen: I usually place the frozen sloppy joes from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before using them. Then reheat and make your sloppy joe sandwiches.

Some Great Side Dishes for Instant Pot Sloppy Joes:

• INSTANT POT CORN ON THE COB
• AIR FRYER CORN ON THE COB
• HOMEMADE CHICK-FIL-A COPYCAT COLESLAW RECIPE
• AIR FRYER SPICY FRENCH FRIES