Instant Pot Sloppy Joes are one of the easiest meals for kids and kids at heart! This savory homemade recipe pleases a crowd and tastes better than what you'd find in a can!
Sloppy Joes are some of the tastiest and most nostalgic meals. I always loved them, even back in the school cafeteria lunch days.
There's just something special about that saucy, tomatoey bite combined with the perfect bun. Something that's so enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
And no shade to Manwhich (I admittedly love that stuff in the can) but this homemade Sloppy Joe recipe is better. Plus cooking it in your Instant Pot saves on time while ramping up the flavor!
For another fantastic Instant Pot recipe, be sure to check out my delicious and highly customizable Instant Pot Quiche! And if you're looking for a keto-friendly sloppy joe recipe, be sure to check out these Keto Sloppy Joes!
Ingredients
Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients! They're all super easy to find, and many of them are kitchen staples that you might have already!
This recipe is much more simple than it looks. All these ingredients just help make sure you get the perfect, classic flavor!
Ground beef
Yellow onion, diced
Medium green bell pepper, chopped
Tomato paste
Light brown sugar, packed
Worcestershire sauce
Salt
Ground black pepper
Tomato sauce
Beef broth
Cornstarch
Water
Barbecue Sauce
Hamburger buns
How to make Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
- Press the Sauté button on the Instant pot and allow it to heat until the display reads “hot” Add the ground beef and brown until no pink remains, about 7 minutes. Add the onion, green bell pepper, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir and sauté for 2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Sprinkle the salt and pepper into the pot and pour in the broth and tomato sauce. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and click to close. Adjust the timer to 5 minutes. When the timer beeps, quick release the pressure.
- Press the Cancel button, then press the Sauté button. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Pour the mixture in the pot and allow the mixture 3 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally. Mix in the barbecue sauce. For a thicker sauce, continue to cook down until your desired sloppy joe consistency. Place a 1/2 cup of the mixture onto each bun. Serve warm.
Tips for making the best Sloppy Joes
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes are one of the easiest meals for kids and kids at heart! This savory homemade recipe pleases a crowd and tastes better than what you'd find in a can!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Press the Sauté button on the Instant pot and allow it to heat until the display reads “hot” Add the ground beef and brown until no pink remains, about 7 minutes. Add the onion, green bell pepper, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir and sauté for 2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Sprinkle the salt and pepper into the pot and pour in the broth and tomato sauce. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and click to close. Adjust the timer to 5 minutes. When the timer beeps, quick release the pressure.
- Press the Cancel button, then press the Sauté button. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Pour the mixture in the pot and allow the mixture 3 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally. Mix in the barbecue sauce. For a thicker sauce, continue to cook down until your desired sloppy joe consistency. Place a 1/2 cup of the mixture onto each bun. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 Sloppy JoeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 408Total Fat: 15gCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 2gSugar: 15gProtein: 26g
Any Nutritional Information provided is an amateur estimate. Please verify with your own brands and ingredients if nutrition is important to you.