Quick & Healthy Instant Pot Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey
These Instant Pot Sloppy Joes are the ultimate weeknight hero: incredibly quick, delightfully easy, and ready in just 30 minutes, making them a guaranteed hit with every member of the family. We’ve given this beloved classic a healthier twist by featuring lean ground turkey instead of traditional beef, without sacrificing any of that irresistible savory flavor.
Weeknight family dinners can often feel like a frantic scramble, right? In our home, they certainly can, which is precisely why I absolutely adore this quick and easy Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe. It’s perfectly designed for those busy, hectic evenings when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. These satisfying sandwiches are cooked to perfection and ready to serve in just 30 minutes, ensuring a speedy dinner that’s also a household favorite. You can bet everyone will be joining the clean plate club when these are on the menu!
This dinner classic is reimagined with lean ground turkey instead of ground beef, offering a lighter and healthier take on the traditional sloppy joe. But what if you don’t own an Instant Pot? No problem at all! I’ve included comprehensive instructions for various other cooking methods, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these fantastic, flavorful sloppy joes, regardless of their kitchen equipment. Get ready to transform your weeknights with this simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious recipe.
Key Ingredient Notes for Perfect Sloppy Joes
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Sloppy Joes starts with understanding your ingredients. Here’s a deeper dive into the essential components and how they contribute to the ultimate flavor and texture:
Ground Turkey: My go-to choice for this sloppy joe recipe is ground turkey. It’s a fantastic way to make this classic dish a bit healthier and lighter than its traditional beef counterpart, offering a leaner protein option. However, if you prefer, you can easily substitute ground beef, ground pork, or even ground chicken. I’ve personally tested this recipe with all four options, and they all yield delicious results. For those prioritizing a healthier meal, sticking with ground turkey or ground chicken is highly recommended.
Chili Sauce: This ingredient is a game-changer! I find that chili sauce brings a unique depth of flavor and a rich dimension to the sloppy joes that plain ketchup simply can’t match. It adds a subtle tang and savory sweetness that truly elevates the sauce. When searching for it, look in the condiment aisle of your local grocery store – I’m referring to a mild, ketchup-like chili sauce (such as Heinz Chili Sauce), not the spicier Asian chili sauces. If chili sauce is unavailable, a good quality ketchup or a mild BBQ sauce can be used as alternatives, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Honey Mustard: Honey mustard is my personal favorite, and I love the sweet and tangy kick it adds to these Instant Pot Sloppy Joes. It provides a delightful balance to the savory and slightly spicy elements of the sauce. If honey mustard isn’t to your taste or you don’t have it on hand, classic yellow mustard or a robust Dijon mustard can be excellent substitutes, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your preference.
Buns: The bun is more than just a vessel; it can truly make or break a sloppy joe sandwich. A good bun needs to be sturdy enough to hold the generous, saucy filling while still being soft and enjoyable to eat. For an exceptional sloppy joe experience, I highly recommend using quality buns. Personally, I find brioche buns, pretzel buns, or King’s Hawaiian Buns to be the best choices, offering a slight sweetness or a unique texture that complements the savory filling. Be sure to check out my tip below for toasting the buns—it’s a small step that makes a huge difference!
Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
Quick & Easy: Life is busy, and these sloppy joes respect that. They’re whipped up and ready to devour in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for even the most demanding weeknights.
Crowd Pleaser: Forget picky eaters! This recipe is a proven hit with family members of all ages, from the little ones to the grown-ups. Expect requests for seconds!
Healthier Take on a Classic: By utilizing lean ground turkey, we’ve created a healthier version of a beloved comfort food, allowing you to enjoy all the flavor with less guilt.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
Follow these simple steps to create incredibly flavorful and satisfying Instant Pot Sloppy Joes in no time. We’ll guide you through each phase, from sautéing to pressure cooking, ensuring a perfect result every time.
Sautéing the Meat & Veggies
The foundation of great sloppy joes is a well-browned meat and softened vegetables. Start by pressing the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add your ground turkey to the inner pot. Use a wooden spoon or a meat chopper to break the meat apart into fine crumbles. Stir occasionally, allowing it to cook until all the pink is gone and the meat is thoroughly browned, which typically takes about 5 minutes. Once cooked, carefully remove the browned meat from the pressure cooker and drain any excess grease to keep your sloppy joes lean and flavorful.
Next, add the finely chopped onion and green pepper to the Instant Pot along with a tablespoon of unsalted butter. Continue to cook on SAUTE mode for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and become translucent. This step is crucial for developing their sweet and savory flavors. In the last minute of cooking the vegetables, add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, usually about 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can lead to a bitter taste.
Once the vegetables are cooked, carefully remove them from the Instant Pot and set them aside with the turkey. This quick step is optional but highly recommended: use a damp wad of paper towels to wipe out the Instant Pot’s inner pot. This helps remove any stubborn bits of food and grease, making cleanup much easier later and preventing a “burn” notice during pressure cooking.
Pressure Cooking for Perfect Consistency
Now it’s time to bring all the flavors together under pressure. Return the cooked ground turkey and sautéed vegetables to your Instant Pot. Add all the remaining ingredients (except the optional ketchup for topping) and stir thoroughly to combine everything. At this point, the mixture should appear thick and saucy, not excessively watery. If it seems too thin, don’t worry too much, as some liquid will evaporate during natural release.
For an optional but recommended step, top the sloppy joe mix with a few squirts of ketchup. I find this helps in keeping the meat moist and prevents it from drying out during the cooking process. Close the lid of your Instant Pot, ensuring it’s properly sealed, and turn the pressure release valve to the SEALING position.
PRESSURE COOK on HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes, allow the Instant Pot to NATURAL RELEASE for 10 minutes. This gradual release of pressure helps to tenderize the meat further and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After 10 minutes of natural release, carefully QUICK RELEASE any remaining pressure by turning the nozzle. Be extremely cautious as a burst of hot steam will be released. Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand.
Once the pressure is fully released and the float valve has dropped, open the lid. Stir the sloppy joe mixture thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined and evenly sauced. Serve the warm, saucy sloppy joes immediately on your favorite toasted buns. If you find the sauce is a bit too watery for your liking after stirring, you can return the lid to the pressure cooker and cook on HIGH PRESSURE for an additional 2 minutes, then quick release again. However, be vigilant and careful not to overcook the sloppy joes, as cooking them for too long can lead to a dry and less appealing texture.
Pressure Cooker Note
These instructions are primarily tailored for the Instant Pot, and the button names or specific settings on your particular pressure cooker model may vary slightly. While most pressure cookers share similar core settings and features, the exact cook time might need minor adjustments depending on the brand and model you own. For instance, I’ve successfully prepared this recipe in both my Instant Pot and Ninja Foodi, and the cooking times have consistently been the same, suggesting broad compatibility.
The Secret to a Superior Sloppy Joe: Toasting the Buns
While your savory sloppy joes are happily pressure cooking in the Instant Pot, I highly recommend dedicating a few minutes to toast your buns. This step, while optional, truly elevates the entire sloppy joe experience. I genuinely believe that toasted buns make these sloppy joes significantly more delicious and, crucially, help them hold together much better under the generous weight of all that flavorful meat filling.
To achieve perfectly toasted buns, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is warm, add about 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and begin to bubble for approximately one minute – this indicates it’s ready for toasting. Place your buns face down into the melted butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a satisfying toasted texture. This quick and simple addition makes a big impact on the overall enjoyment of your sloppy joe sandwich, providing a delightful contrast of textures.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover sloppy joe meat, store it in a large, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best results and to prevent the ground turkey from drying out during reheating, I recommend adding a little extra ketchup or a splash of chili sauce to the meat before gently rewarming it. This helps maintain its moisture and delicious flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes
Achieving sloppy joe perfection is easy with these expert tips:
Don’t Overcook: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for avoiding a dry, unappetizing sloppy joe. The goal is a sticky, luscious sauce that perfectly coats and binds the ground turkey meat. Our recipe calls for just 5 minutes of high-pressure cooking, which is ample time for the flavors to meld without drying out the meat. If, after the initial 5 minutes and stirring, you find the sauce is still too watery for your preference, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes under pressure (followed by a quick release). However, be vigilant and check the consistency often to ensure you don’t overdo it. A dry sloppy joe is a sad sloppy joe!
Toast the Buns: Seriously, don’t skip this step! Taking an extra 5 minutes to toast your chosen buns in a bit of butter makes an enormous difference. Toasting not only adds an extra layer of savory, buttery flavor but also creates a wonderfully crisp barrier that prevents the bun from becoming soggy under the saucy filling. It’s the perfect textural contrast and ensures your sandwich holds up beautifully, making every bite a delight.
Twist Up Your Sloppy Joe: Have leftover sloppy joe meat and looking for creative ways to repurpose it beyond the classic sandwich? You’re in luck! This versatile meat mixture can be transformed into a variety of delicious meals. Try adding it to a grilled cheese sandwich for a gooey, savory delight, or mix it into macaroni and cheese for a hearty, comforting dish. It also makes a fantastic topping for a cheeseburger, creating a “Sloppy Joe Burger.” For a unique breakfast experience, serve it over toasted bread with a fried egg – hello, “Breakfast Joes”! Or, for an irresistible appetizer, spoon it over crispy French fries and top with some melted cheese for tasty sloppy joe cheese fries. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy your leftovers!
Fun Fact: What’s in a Name?
Did you know that this beloved American sandwich actually goes by a surprising number of different names across various regions? Some of the most common alternative monikers include Manwich (often referring to the canned sauce, but also the sandwich itself), Yum Yums, Loose Meat Burgers (especially in the Midwest), a Tavern Sandwich, and even Dynamite Burger. It’s fascinating how a simple dish can inspire such a rich tapestry of names! What does your family call this famous, messy, and utterly delicious sandwich?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For a healthier approach that complements these turkey Instant Pot sloppy joes, I recommend serving them with a crisp side salad, a medley of roasted vegetables, or a refreshing cup of mixed fruit. If you’re leaning towards more classic side options, you can’t go wrong with crispy French fries, savory sweet potato fries, a bag of your favorite potato chips, or a comforting baked potato topped with your choice of fixings.
Manwich is a brand name for a premade, canned sloppy joe sauce that is designed to be added to browned ground beef (or other ground meat) to quickly create sloppy joes. While convenient, I have personally never tried this sauce. My preference is always to make sloppy joes from scratch. It’s incredibly easy to prepare the sauce yourself, and doing so allows you to fully customize the spices and flavors to make them absolutely perfect for your family’s taste, giving you complete control over the ingredients.
Yes, absolutely! The cooked sloppy joe meat freezes beautifully. For best results, allow the meat to cool completely, then transfer it to a large, airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then rewarm it gently in the microwave, oven, slow cooker, or back in your pressure cooker. I highly recommend stirring in a bit more chili sauce or ketchup during reheating to help the meat stay moist and prevent any dryness.
Certainly! If you prefer to use a crockpot (slow cooker) or don’t have an Instant Pot, these sloppy joes are just as delicious. Begin by browning the ground turkey meat, along with the diced onions and green pepper, in a large skillet on your stovetop, following the initial recipe instructions. Once the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, transfer the meat and veggies, along with all the remaining sauce ingredients, to a large crockpot. Stir everything well to combine. Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded. This method is fantastic if you’re not in a rush and appreciate the convenience of a slow-cooked meal.
Shop this Recipe: Essential Kitchen Gadgets
These are some of my all-time FAVORITE kitchen gadgets that I personally own and rely on. They’re excellent additions for any family kitchen and genuinely help make weeknight dinners a little less stressful and a lot more efficient.
My Favorite All-in-One Appliance: Ninja Foodi
My Go-To Pressure Cooker: Instant Pot
Durable & Kid-Friendly: Unbreakable Kids Plates
You May Also Enjoy These Family Favorites…
- Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich Recipe
- Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Baked Coconut Crusted Healthy Fish Tacos
- Grilled Chicken Burgers Recipe with Guacamole
Thank you so much for stopping by! If you made this delicious recipe, I would absolutely love to hear from you in the comments section below. Your feedback brightens my day! If you want to keep up with what The Erhardts are Eating (and our latest adventures and explorations), be sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter& Youtube.
Happy Eating!
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey: A 30-Minute Family Meal
Caitlyn Erhardt
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Ingredients
- 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey
- 1 Small Green Bell Pepper ribs and seeds removed, finely diced
- ½ Small White Onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- ½ Cup Chili Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Ketchup optional, for topping
- ¾ Cup Water
- 2 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- 2 teaspoon Honey Mustard
- ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
For Serving
- 6 Hamburger Buns Brioche, pretzel, or King’s Hawaiian buns work great!
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter for toasting the buns (highly recommended!)
Instructions
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Press the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot. Once hot, add the ground turkey. Break up the meat with a large cooking spoon and stir occasionally until all the meat is thoroughly browned and no pink remains, typically taking about 5 minutes. Once cooked, carefully remove the turkey from the pot and drain any excess grease.
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Add the butter, diced onion, and green bell pepper to the Instant Pot. Continue to SAUTE for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the vegetables are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and stir until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
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Turn off SAUTE mode. Return the cooked ground turkey and sautéed vegetables to the Instant Pot. Add all remaining ingredients (except the optional ketchup for topping) and stir well to combine. For added moisture, top the mixture with a few squirts of ketchup before closing the lid. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the pressure release valve to the SEALING position.
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Cook the sloppy joes on HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow a NATURAL RELEASE for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully perform a QUICK RELEASE by turning the nozzle to vent any remaining pressure (be cautious of hot steam).
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Once the pressure is fully released, remove the lid and give the sloppy joe mixture a good stir to combine all the delicious flavors. Serve warm on perfectly toasted buns and enjoy this quick, healthy, and satisfying meal!
Toasted Buns (Highly Recommended!)
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While your sloppy joes are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is warm, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and begin to bubble (about 1 minute), then place your hamburger buns face down in the skillet. Cook for 1-3 minutes until they are beautifully golden brown and lightly toasted. This simple step adds incredible flavor and helps the buns stand up to the saucy filling!
Notes
Freezer Option: To freeze cooked sloppy joe mix, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a large, heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. Ensure you remove as much air as possible before sealing tightly. It can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rewarming.
Meat Note: While this recipe highlights ground turkey for a healthier option, you can easily swap in ground beef, ground pork, or ground chicken if you prefer. My family enjoys the lean choice of turkey, but the recipe will work perfectly with any of these meat alternatives without needing to alter cook times or ingredient quantities.
Crockpot (Slow Cooker) Instructions: If you’re opting for a slower cook, start by browning the ground turkey meat, chopped onions, and green pepper in a large skillet on the stovetop, as detailed in the recipe. Once browned and softened, transfer the meat and veggies along with all the remaining sauce ingredients to your large crockpot. Stir everything well, then cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Stovetop Instructions: You can absolutely make these turkey sloppy joes on the stovetop! Brown the ground turkey meat in a large pot or Dutch oven, then sauté the veggies directly in the same pot. Add all the remaining sauce ingredients, stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and is no longer watery, reaching your desired sloppy joe consistency.
Ninja Foodi Instructions: The process for making these sloppy joes in a Ninja Foodi is very similar to the Instant Pot directions. You will follow all the same steps, but make sure you are using the pressure cooker/slow cooker lid, not the Air Crisp lid, for the pressure cooking phase.
Nutrition Information