If you ever crave a hearty, flavorful, and downright comforting meal that comes together in a snap, this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe is exactly what you need. With its rich, tangy tomato base, hints of smoky BBQ, and a touch of sweetness balanced by sharp Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, these Sloppy Joes are the ultimate family pleaser. Plus, making them in the Instant Pot means you get tender, juicy beef infused with bold flavors without any fuss, turning an everyday dinner into something special and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe lies in its straightforward, well-balanced ingredient list. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s building flavor, adding depth, or creating the perfect texture to give you that classic sloppy joe experience.
- 1½ lb ground beef: Choose fresh, lean ground beef for a juicy yet not greasy base.
- 3 garlic cloves minced: Adds a punch of aromatic depth, perfectly complementing the beef.
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy foundation that keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce: Brings a smoky sweetness that elevates the classic sloppy joe into something irresistible.
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle kick and slight tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami richness, enhancing every bite with complex flavor.
- 1 Tbsp cider vinegar: Provides acidity that brightens and keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar: Sweetens and rounds out the sauce for that perfect sweet-savory harmony.
- 1 tsp chili powder: A mild spice that warms the dish without overpowering it.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds subtle onion flavor for depth without the texture of raw onion.
- 1 Tbsp corn starch: Used to thicken the sauce, giving it that glossy, clingy consistency.
- 1 Tbsp hot water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch for smooth thickening.
How to Make Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Brown the beef and garlic
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function to warm it up. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it browns. Right after the beef is nearly cooked through, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant. This quick sauté locks in flavor from the very start. Once done, turn off the Instant Pot and carefully drain any excess fat to keep the sandwich filling delicious but not greasy.
Step 2: Add the tomato sauce and deglaze
With the Instant Pot still warm, pour in that vibrant tomato sauce, then use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those wonderful browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and will infuse the sauce, making each sloppy joe sandwich taste rich and satisfying.
Step 3: Mix in the sauces and spices
Next, stir in the BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, and onion powder. This tasty blend forms the heart and soul of the sauce, balancing sweet, tangy, smoky, and spicy notes perfectly. Give everything a good stir so the ingredients meld beautifully before cooking.
Step 4: Pressure cook
Seal the Instant Pot with its lid, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set it to cook on Manual or High Pressure for 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the beef even more and helps all those flavors intermingle nicely. Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to release the steam safely and open the lid.
Step 5: Thicken the sauce
Switch the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode. In a small bowl, combine the corn starch and hot water to create a slurry, then add it to the beef mixture. Stir constantly as the sauce thickens over the next 2 minutes until it reaches a rich, slightly glossy consistency that’s perfect for piling onto buns.
How to Serve Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your sloppy joes, a few simple garnishes can make all the difference. Try adding crisp pickle slices, shredded cheddar cheese, or thinly sliced red onions on top. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro can also add a lovely freshness that balances the richness of the meat.
Side Dishes
Classic sides for this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe include crispy fries, crunchy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. Some love pairing these savory sandwiches with baked beans or corn on the cob for a wholesome, satisfying meal. The key is to keep the sides complementary but not overwhelming.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving the sloppy joe filling over baked potatoes or using slider buns for fun, bite-sized portions perfect for parties. You can also spoon the mixture over toasted English muffins or even use it as a taco filling with shredded lettuce and avocado for a creative twist that still highlights the rich flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sloppy joe filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers longer, the cooked beef mixture freezes beautifully. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed sloppy joe filling in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This makes it easy to whip up sloppy joes anytime with no extra effort.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe for a leaner option. Just be mindful it cooks a bit faster, so check for doneness and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook this sloppy joe mixture in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Just brown the beef and garlic first in a skillet, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook until thick and bubbly.
How spicy is this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe?
This recipe has a mild, balanced spice level thanks to chili powder. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. For kids or sensitive palates, you can omit or reduce the chili powder easily.
What kind of buns should I use?
Soft sandwich buns like hamburger buns or brioche buns work wonderfully with this recipe as they soak up the sauce without falling apart. You can toast the buns lightly for extra texture and flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Ensure your BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free (there are many brands available), and use gluten-free buns. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe is a total game-changer for busy nights or casual weekend meals. It’s simple, satisfying, and loaded with flavor, making it a go-to dish that your family and friends will ask for again and again. So grab your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy sloppy, saucy, absolutely delicious sandwiches that bring a big smile to everyone’s face!
Print
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe delivers a hearty, tangy, and flavorful sandwich filling made with ground beef simmered in a rich tomato and BBQ sauce mixture. Quick to prepare and cooked under high pressure, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that yields juicy, perfectly sauced sloppy joes in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Thickening Mixture
- 1 Tbsp corn starch
- 1 Tbsp hot water
Instructions
- Sauté the beef: Turn the Instant Pot on Sauté mode. Add the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Turn off the Instant Pot and carefully drain any excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce and deglaze: While the Instant Pot is still hot, pour in the tomato sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits, which adds extra flavor to the sauce.
- Combine sauces and seasoning: Stir in the BBQ sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, and onion powder until everything is well combined.
- Pressure cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, lock it, and set the valve to seal. Cook on Manual or High Pressure for 10 minutes. When cooking is complete, turn off the pot and perform a quick release of the steam.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the lid and set the pot to Sauté mode again. Mix the corn starch with hot water to create a slurry, then stir it into the pot. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat nicely.
Notes
- You can serve the sloppy joe mixture on toasted hamburger buns with your favorite toppings like pickles, cheese, or coleslaw.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce you use are gluten-free certified.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of sloppy joes.
