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Spice up your dinner plans with these speedy and tasty Instant Pot Sloppy Joes that bring homemade goodness without spending hours cooking. This kid-friendly meal hits the sweet and tangy notes just right, making it perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something filling that the whole family will gobble up.
While testing this meal, I found that going with crushed tomatoes instead of bottled barbecue sauce gives you a much fresher, more genuine Sloppy Joe flavor that you can tweak exactly how your family likes it.
Key Ingredients
Slim ground beef gives just the right texture
Bell peppers and onions add flavor layers
Crushed tomatoes form the ideal sauce foundation
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Brown sugar ties the flavors together
Worcestershire sauce brings that umami kick
Spices deliver that classic sloppy taste
Cooking Your Sloppy Joes
Sauté the beef until no pink shows.
Soften the chopped veggies completely.
Mix in tomatoes and spices, scraping the pot bottom.
Set to high pressure for 6 minutes.
Make it thicker or thinner if needed.
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Pile onto soft buns while still steaming.
Once you master getting the sauce just right, these Sloppy Joes will become your go-to family meal.
Tasty Pairing Suggestions
Round out your Sloppy Joes meal with crunchy chips or fresh slaw on the side. Make dinner fun by letting everyone add their own toppings like shredded cheese or dill pickles. When you've got friends over, try setting up a build-your-own station with different bread options and sides such as creamy potato salad or crunchy broccoli mix.
Ways To Cook It
Pick the cooking method that works best for your day:
- Stovetop: Cook meat first, then soften veggies, and finally mix everything to simmer for 20-30 minutes until it thickens up.
- Slow Cooker: Start by browning the meat, throw everything in the pot, then let it cook on low for 6 hours.
- Pressure Cooker: Go for the quickest option with just 6 minutes under pressure plus prep work.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Your Sloppy Joe mix stays good in a sealed container in the fridge for about three days. Want to save it longer? Pack portions in freezer containers for up to three months. When you're ready to eat again, warm it slowly on your stove or in the microwave, and add a little water if it looks too thick.
Quick Shortcuts
Make this dinner even faster with these clever tricks:
- Cut veggies into tiny bits so they cook quicker
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape all the tasty bits off the pot
- Keep some cornstarch nearby to thicken sauce fast if needed
- Think about making extra for easy meals later on
Chef's Advice
Don't skip pouring off extra fat after cooking the meat
Scrape the pot bottom well so nothing sticks and burns
Taste and fix both seasoning and thickness before serving
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I've taken these Instant Pot Sloppy Joes from just sandwich stuff to the ultimate family dinner solution. Trust me, truly great Sloppy Joes need both the right cooking steps and good ingredients, making comfort food that gets everyone running to the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why should the pot be deglazed?
- Keeps food from sticking and boosts sauce flavor.
- → Ways to thicken the sauce?
- Turn on saute mode or mix in a slurry of cornstarch.
- → Can crushed tomatoes be replaced?
- Sure, swap them with ketchup if you prefer.
- → What size cooker works best?
- This works well with a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- → How can leftovers be saved?
- Store in the fridge or freezer—they're great for pizza toppings.