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Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe with Ground Turkey

This Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe with Ground Turkey is the ultimate 30-minute weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. By swapping traditional beef for lean ground turkey, you get all the nostalgic, messy flavor of a classic sloppy joe with a healthier twist.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 331

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground Turkey
  • 1 small Green Pepper ribs and seeds removed, then diced
  • 1/2 small White Onion diced
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1/2 cup Chili Sauce such as Heinz Chili Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup plus extra for topping
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • 2 tsp Brown Sugar
  • 2 tsp Honey Mustard
  • 3/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 6 Brioche or Pretzel Buns
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter for toasting buns

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Press the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot and add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart and stir occasionally until it is browned and no pink remains, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Remove the meat from the pot and strain off any excess grease.
  2. Add one tablespoon of butter to the pot, then toss in the diced onion and green pepper. Continue to cook on SAUTE mode for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking until it becomes fragrant.
  3. Turn off the SAUTE mode. Return the cooked ground turkey to the pot and add all remaining ingredients except for the ketchup. Stir well to combine the meat, veggies, and sauce.
  4. Top the mixture with a few squirts of ketchup (do not stir it in). Place the lid on the Instant Pot and turn the nozzle to the SEAL position.
  5. Select PRESSURE COOK on HIGH PRESSURE and set the timer for 5 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes.
  6. After 10 minutes, perform a QUICK RELEASE by turning the nozzle to vent any remaining steam. Remove the lid and stir the mixture thoroughly.
  7. While the meat is resting, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the buns face down in the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and toasted.
  8. Spoon the warm sloppy joe mixture onto the toasted buns and serve immediately.

Notes

Five minutes of pressure cooking is the sweet spot for a sticky, saucy consistency. If the sauce is too watery, simmer on the SAUTE setting for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken it up, but watch closely so the turkey doesn't dry out.