The Ultimate Weeknight Sloppy Joe!
Get ready to fall in love with a childhood classic all over again! This Instant Pot Sloppy Joe recipe is the answer to your busy weeknight prayers. It ditches the canned sauce for a fresh, vibrant, and veggie-packed version that comes together in just 35 minutes. The result is a perfectly balanced, tangy, and savory meat sauce that’s begging to be piled high on a toasted bun. It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it’s guaranteed to be a new family favorite.
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 450g lean ground beef
• 1 cup / 240ml water
• 1 cup / 150g chopped tomatoes, fresh or canned
• 1 medium bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 4 tbsp / 60ml apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp / 15ml Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp / 5ml olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil, followed by the chopped onion and ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it is browned.
3. Turn off the Sauté function. Drain any excess fat if needed. Stir in the bell pepper, grated carrot, chopped tomatoes, water, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Secure the lid, set the steam valve to “Sealing,” and cook on the “Stew/Meat” setting for 10 minutes.
5. Once the timer finishes, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before performing a quick release to vent the remaining steam.
6. Carefully open the lid, stir the mixture, and serve hot on your favorite buns.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving (meat mixture only): Calories 180 | Total Fats 6g | Net Carbs: 3.5g | Protein 15g | Fiber: 8g
Pro Tips
• Toast Your Buns: For the best texture and to prevent sogginess, lightly butter and toast your hamburger buns in a pan or under the broiler before serving.
• Flavor Boost: For a deeper, smokier flavor, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder when you add the other seasonings.
• Thicken the Sauce: If your sauce is thinner than you’d like, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the pot on “Sauté” mode and simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
• Make it Cheesy: Top your Sloppy Joes with a slice of sharp cheddar or provolone cheese for an extra layer of gooey deliciousness.
FAQ
Q: How long does this Instant Pot sloppy joe recipe take to make
A: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, which includes 10 minutes of pressure cooking time, sautéing, and pressure release.
Q: How can I make the sloppy joe sauce thicker
A: If your sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the pot on the ‘Sauté’ setting and simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Q: What makes this sloppy joe recipe different from canned versions
A: This recipe ditches canned sauce for a fresh, vibrant, and veggie-packed version using ingredients like fresh bell pepper, red onion, and carrot for a more flavorful and balanced meal.
Q: Can I add cheese to these sloppy joes
A: Absolutely! For an extra layer of gooey deliciousness, the recipe suggests topping your sloppy joes with a slice of sharp cheddar or provolone cheese.
