Go Back
Tex Mex Instant Pot Sloppy Joes1
Print Recipe Save it for later

Tex-Mex Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

This Tex-Mex Instant Pot Sloppy Joes recipe offers a quick, flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe, combining bold southwestern spices with the convenience of pressure cooking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keyword: Easy, Ground Beef, Instant Pot, One-Pot, Quick
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef lean -certified option
  • 0.5 cup green bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 0.25 cup tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce -certified brand
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 4-6 hamburger buns check for certification or use bread without animal-derived ingredients
  • Optional toppings sliced jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative), fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

  • Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  • Stir in the diced green bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the peppers begin to soften.
  • Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lime juice), and brown sugar. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. When the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  • Open the lid and stir the sloppy joe mixture. If it’s too watery, set the Instant Pot back to sauté and cook for a few minutes to thicken. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Spoon the Tex-Mex sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns and add your favorite toppings like sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or avocado. Serve immediately with a side of tortilla chips or a crisp salad.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Wooden Spoon

Notes

For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken, adjusting cooking time slightly if needed. Use fresh lime juice for a brighter flavor. Toast buns lightly before serving for extra texture. For thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir in after pressure cooking, then sauté until thickened. Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add water or broth if sauce thickens too much.