Easy Sloppy Joes (Instant Pot or Slow Cooker)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil (or 2 tablespoons EVOO + 2 cloves minced garlic if not needing low FODMAP)
• 1 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup leek greens or white onion (if not needing low FODMAP or onion-free), finely chopped
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1/4 cup low sodium beef broth, low FODMAP if needed (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup strained tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard*
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or 2 teaspoons low carb)*
• 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon low sodium tamari sauce, soy sauce (if not needing gluten-free), or coconut aminos (if needing Paleo)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Buns or bun alternatives compliant with your dietary needs (see notes for options)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Instant Pot Instructions ---

2. 2

   Prepare Instant Pot: Hit the “Sauté” button on your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. Once hot, add garlic-infused olive oil (or EVOO) and swirl the pot to coat. If using EVOO and actual garlic, add garlic to the oil and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Sauté vegetables: Add the green bell pepper and leek greens (or white onion, if using) to the Instant Pot. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 3 minutes (longer if using white onion).

4. 4

   Sauté meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the Instant Pot and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks (I use this Instant Pot spatula) and stirring to combine with the vegetables.

5. 5

   Make sauce: While the meat is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the strained tomatoes, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, coconut aminos (or tamari or soy sauce), salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika.

6. 6

   Deglaze: Hit “Cancel” on the Instant Pot. Slowly pour ¼ cup beef broth into the Instant Pot and scrape the bottom of the pot clean with a plastic spoon or spatula. Pour sauce mixture into the Instant Pot, stirring to combine with the meat and vegetables.

7. 7

   Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, set the pressure release valve to “Sealing,” hit the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” button, and set the timer for 8 minutes.

8. 8

   Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, followed by a quick manual release of the remaining pressure.

9. 9

   Reduce: Open the Instant Pot lid and stir the sloppy joes mixture. Hit the “Sauté” button and sauté until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to over-thicken.

10. 10

    Taste and adjust: Once it is cool enough, taste sloppy joe mixture and adjust sweetener and seasonings as desired.

11. 11

    Serve the sloppy joes on buns or bun alternatives suitable for your dietary needs alongside your favorite sides (see post above for options!).

12. 12

    Sauté garlic and vegetables: Place a large skillet over medium heat on the stove top. Once hot, add garlic-infused olive oil (or EVOO) and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet. If using actual garlic, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the green bell pepper and leek greens (or white onion if using) and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.

13. 13

    Brown meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned, about 5 minutes, stirring to combine with the vegetables.

14. 14

    Make sauce: While the meat is cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together the strained tomatoes, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, tamari (or soy sauce/coconut aminos), salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika.

15. 15

    Deglaze: Once the meat is fully browned, pour beef broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom of the skillet clean with a spatula.

16. 16

    Transfer to slow cooker: Carefully transfer the browned meat and vegetables to your slow cooker (I use a 6-quart Crock-Pot), scraping everything from the skillet into the slow cooker with a heat resistant spatula.

17. 17

    Add sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the meat and vegetables.

18. 18

    Slow cook: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. Remove lid and stir.

19. 19

    Thicken if necessary: If the mixture is too thin, cook uncovered on high for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates to your desired consistency.

20. 20

    Taste and adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetener and seasonings as needed.

21. 21

    Serve the sloppy joes on buns or bun alternatives suitable for your dietary needs alongside your favorite sides (see post above for options!).