Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
Try this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe.
Try this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (i used canola oil)
- 1 small yellow onion (finely diced)
- 2 stalks (finely diced)
- 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced or put through a garlic press)
- 1 1/2 pounds lean (93%) ground beef
- 2 tablespoons firmly packed light or dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons warm water (optional for thickening)
- 6 hamburger buns (split and lightly toasted)
- Carbohydrate 61.4869594474435 g
- Cholesterol 2.8 mg
- Fat 5.18525129292474 g
- Fiber 5.95929355324409 g
- Protein 11.966566451358 g
- Saturated Fat 1.05691525998642 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (533g)
- Sodium 2238.46770195027 mg
- Sugar 55.5276658941994 g
- Trans Fat 0.685426107102837 g
- Calories 324 calories
Step-by-step
- Select the sauté setting and adjust it to high. When it shimmers, add the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 3 minutes.
- Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
- Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, water, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Lock the lid into place and turn the valve to “sealing.” Select pressure cook (manual) and program for 10 minutes at high pressure.
- When the cook cycle completes, allow the pressure cooker to cool without venting steam for 5 minutes. It's fine if the keep warm setting turns on.
- After 5 minutes, turn the pressure release valve to “venting” to manually release the steam. When the pressure valve drops, carefully remove the lid. (Always remove the lid away from your face.)
- Stir the Sloppy Joe mixture. You can serve as is or you can thicken the sauce.
- To thicken, stir together the cornstarch and warm water in a small bowl until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the beef mixture.
- Set the pot to “sauté” (You might have to turn off your pressure cooker and turn it back on to do this.) Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture bubbles and thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Taste. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Spoon Sloppy Joe mixture on the bottom halves of the buns. Cover with the bun tops and serve immediately.
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
As a busy working mom, finding quick and easy weeknight dinners is always a top priority. There's nothing worse than coming home after a long day, tired and hungry, only to face a mountain of meal prep. That's why I've become completely reliant on my Instant Pot. It's a lifesaver, and this Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe is a perfect example of why. It’s a classic comfort food elevated to a new level of convenience. The rich, tangy flavor of the sloppy joes is perfectly balanced, and the Instant Pot ensures the meat is tender and the sauce is perfectly thickened, all without hours of slaving over a stovetop.
Honestly, I used to dread making sloppy joes. The constant stirring, the risk of burning the sauce, and the overall time commitment often left me feeling frustrated. But with the Instant Pot, it's a breeze! The set-it-and-forget-it nature of pressure cooking is exactly what I need on a busy weeknight. I can toss all the ingredients in, set the timer, and then move on to other tasks – like helping with homework or catching up on emails. By the time the timer goes off, dinner is practically ready. My kids absolutely adore these sloppy joes, and it feels great knowing I've served them a delicious, homemade meal without spending a fortune or hours in the kitchen. It's the perfect balance of convenience and flavor – truly a win-win situation.
Beyond the Weeknight Wonders
This recipe isn’t just limited to weeknights; it’s also fantastic for meal prepping. I often double the recipe and store the leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches or even school lunches. The sloppy joes reheat beautifully, and they taste just as good the next day. The versatility of this dish is remarkable. You can serve it on buns, over rice, or even as a filling for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless, and it's a great way to get creative in the kitchen without spending a lot of time doing so. I’ve even been known to add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for extra decadence. My kids love that!
Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is the simplicity of the ingredients. Most of the items are pantry staples, which means I always have them on hand. This eliminates the need for last-minute trips to the grocery store, a real time-saver when you're already pressed for time. And despite the simplicity, the flavor is far from simple. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet brown sugar, tangy ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, and a hint of spice from the chili powder creates a flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting.
Tips and Tricks for Instant Pot Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your Instant Pot Sloppy Joes turn out perfectly every time:
- Use lean ground beef: This helps to keep the sloppy joes from being too greasy.
- Don't skip the sauté step: Sautéing the vegetables and beef before pressure cooking adds depth of flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less chili powder, salt, and pepper to suit your preferences.
- Thicken the sauce if needed: If you prefer a thicker sauce, the cornstarch slurry is a game-changer.
- Serve immediately: Sloppy joes are best served fresh and hot.
This recipe has become a staple in our home, a testament to its convenience, deliciousness, and adaptability. It's a dish that perfectly caters to the needs of a busy family, providing a hearty, flavorful meal without the fuss. Try it out, and I'm sure it will become a family favorite in your home, too!
