Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Dinner does not have to be complicated. This recipe is simple, easy and delicious! This recipe is kid-friendly and budget friendly. You will never buy pre-made sloppy joes again. This recipe can’t be beat and it’s just so easy.

The instant pot does all the work. From cooking the ground beef to the sloppy joe mixture, your dinner just got easier. If you prefer the slow cooker, try Crock Pot Sloppy Joes.

Why We Love This Recipe

It’s hard to believe just how simple this Sloppy Joes recipe is! I’m certain you will add this to your monthly rotation of meals.

It’s a hit with all ages and everyone will ask for seconds. You can make this in less time than going to get take out. Plus, it is made with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

• Lean Ground Beef – Ground turkey is also a great option.
• Brown Sugar – We used light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar will work too.
• Mustard – Plain yellow mustard or Dijon Mustard will also work.
• Ketchup – We used store bought ketchup, but our homemade ketchup recipe will work as well.
• Water – if you want even more flavor, use beef broth or chicken broth
• Hamburger Buns – you do not need anything fancy, but you can jazz up sloppy joes night by using a more expensive bun.

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Worcestershire Sauce – Add in a tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce for even more flavor.
• Add in Onions or Peppers – You can add diced onion and bell peppers to the ground beef mixture while cooking. It adds amazing flavor. You can even add in 5 ounces of diced tomatoes.
• Make Sliders – Try making sliders instead of regular size for parties or kiddos with smaller appetites. This size is great for small hands to hold.
• Add a Slice of Cheese – Top each sandwich with cheese if you prefer to make cheesy sloppy joes.
• Add a splash of Soy Sauce – You won’t need much soy sauce, but a quick splash will give it a tangy flavor.
• Additions – – Chili powder or paprika will give the sloppy joes a spicier flavor. Consider adding in a teaspoon or 2 to your sloppy joes mixture the next time you make it. Add in a tablespoon of Minced Garlic Cloves, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke and tomato paste for another great addition.

How to Make Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Step 1 – Make sure the instant pot is on the saute setting. Then brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and liquids. You can then season with salt and pepper.

Step 2 – Add the mustard, brown sugar, ketchup and water. Stir this occasionally. Stir everything together and be careful that it does not stick to the bottom of the pot. If this happens, add a little olive oil and that should do the trick.

Step 3 – Put the lid on the top and make sure the lid is set to sealing. Set the pressure cooking time to high pressure for 5 minutes.

Step 4 – The last step is to do a quick release and turn the valve. When the pressure is released remove the lid, and use a wooden spoon to stir everything together.

• Step 5 – Serve on your favorite hamburger buns or brioche buns.

Expert Tips

• Instant Pot Recommendation – If you don’t already have one, you will need an electric pressure cooker for this recipe. I am using an 8 quart Instant pot but you can use a 6 quart if you prefer.
• Consistency – If your sloppy joe mixture is too runny, change to the sauté setting and allow the instant pot to cook over medium high heat until the extra moisture is gone.
• Brown Bits – Remember to stir continuously to avoid the mixture getting burned. Scrape the bottom to mix in the brown bits.

Sloppy Joes Side Dish Ideas

• Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries– Those are so good and everyone loves them.
• Lazy Day Crock Pot Baked Beans – This is a classic side that my entire family loves
• Corn on the Cob – Another easy idea and also really good with Sloppy Joes.
• Cracker Barrel Carrots – These carrots make a delicious side!
• Potato Chips – Or any of your favorite chips.
• Green Salad – For a lighter side, make a large green salad.
• Find more side dishes for sloppy joes on our What to Serve with Sloppy Joes.

Leftover Sloppy Joes ideas

If you actually have sloppy joes as leftovers you do have options to turn it into a second meal. Here are a few ideas to make a second meal with leftover sloppy joes.

• Sloppy Joes Quesadillas – Heat up the leftover sloppy joes. Place them in a tortilla with cheddar cheese and make a quesadilla.
• Sloppy Joes Macaroni – Heat up the sloppy joes mixture in a skillet. You may need to add a cup of water or broth. Stir in cooked macaroni and then handfuls of shredded cheddar cheese. This one pot dinner idea will please the entire family.
• Make Burritos – Heat up the sloppy joes in a skillet. Add in a tablespoon of taco seasoning. Stir in some beans, and cooked white rice.
  Then spoon the mixture onto burrito sized tortillas with some salsa and cheese. Roll up the tortilla and enjoy burritos.