This Whole30 instant pot sloppy joes recipe is sure to be a new family favorite. Even though it’s Paleo, and totally sugar free, it still has that familiar, classic flavor we all know and love, while also being a budget friendly Whole30 beef or turkey recipe. Using the instant pot method allows for a fast cook time for a weeknight dinner, or gives you the ability to quickly whip up a large batch of everyone’s favorite American staple without much hands on time! It’s also a great freezer meal, so go ahead and double it!
This post is in partnership with Primal Kitchen. They’re giving you 10% off any of their products using the code “PALEOBAILEY” at checkout! I’m happy to work with a company I love, use and believe in so much. Thanks for your support here on the blog and your support for Primal Kitchen!
I know there’s some of us who just aren’t quite sold on the instant pot yet, and, well, I get it! I let mine sit on the counter for a while before I got up the nerve to use the thing. If that’s you, or if you don’t have room for yet another appliance, don’t worry! As the title suggests, I of course have included stovetop instructions here for all of your healthy, Whole30, sloppy joe needs!
One of the reasons I love this Whole30 sloppy joe recipe is because it sneaks in some veggies. It adds some additional nutrients, but also provides a flavorful texture. Because this is a sugar-free recipe, if you prefer your sloppy joes a bit sweeter, you can substitute the green pepper for a red pepper. Red peppers tend to add a bit more sweetness than green. Additionally, another great option for added veggies and added sweetness would be to finely dice one long carrot or a few baby carrots.
I feel like every occasion was an occasion for my family to make or serve sloppy joes when I was growing up. From busy summer nights to winter dinners that were easy to throw together, when I had friends over, and of course they were always present at reunions and graduation parties! They were always around! And I know I can’t be the only one who remembers their mom or grandma adding sugar into the mix!
Once I got into eating Paleo, Whole30 and keeping my meals mostly real-food based, I learned how much added sugar ketchup has too. So, I just assumed that between the added sugar I knew was added to sloppy joes and the added sugar in ketchup, I was going to be saying goodbye to sloppy joes that actually tasted like sloppy joes.
Over the last few years, there’s been a big shift in the healthier options we’re able to get now. Primal Kitchen has been on the forefront of creating better-for-us condiments, dressings, and sauces that actually taste incredible. Their latest condiment, Whole30 Approved (aka sweetener free) ketchup, has truly changed the game. I don’t say that lightly either. I’ve tried (and spent a lot of money on) so many healthier ketchup options over the years and none of them did it for me. They were either too vinegary, or came out looking like just straight up tomato paste.
That’s not the case with this stuff. It has the EXACT same consistency and flavor as the conventional ketchup we’re used to, but without the additives, sugar, artificial colors. It’s made with only real food and I’m honestly still impressed they managed to make a ketchup that tastes so dang spot on. You can find the condiments and dressings, including the ketchup from Primal Kitchen on their website, or at Whole Foods! Make sure to use the discount they gave me for my readers, PALEOBAILEY, for 10% off!
The Whole30 instant pot sloppy joes can be served a number of ways. Stuffed into a potato or sweet potato, like we did here, on sweet potato sliders, in lettuce wraps, on a “sloppy salad” as my boyfriend calls it with more peppers and onions.
This recipe works really well when doubled or tripled, and you’d just need to add 4 additional minutes to the instant pot per pound of meat added. You can also use round turkey to replace the beef if you wanted to use a leaner protein. If you use turkey, I’d recommend adding some additional salt and pepper, as turkey tends to be a bit blander than beef.
More Whole30 Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love:
Instant Pot Sweet & Sour Chicken
Instant Pot Easy Pot Roast & Veggies
PrintWhole30 Instant Pot Sloppy Joes (Paleo, GF, Stovetop Instructions)
This Whole30 instant pot sloppy joes recipe is sure to be a new family favorite. Even though it’s Paleo, and totally sugar free, it still has that familiar, classic flavor we all know and love. This Whole30 beef recipe is also budget friendly! Using the instant pot method allows for a fast cook time for a weeknight dinner, or gives you the ability to quickly whip up a large batch of everyone’s favorite American staple without much hands on time! It’s also a great freezer meal, so go ahead and double it!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Beef
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the beef:
- 1–1.5 lbs lean ground beef (can substitute ground turkey)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 green pepper, finely diced
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced
For the Sauce:
- 2/3 cup Primal Kitchen Sweetener-Free Ketchup
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos (soy sauce replacement)
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions:
- Set instant pot to sauté mode and heat oil in the bottom. Once oil is hot, add minced garlic.
- Once the garlic begins to become fragrant (about 1 minute), add ground beef, salt and pepper. Stir to break up and let slightly brown (about halfway cooked) for 4-5 minutes.
- Using an oven mit, remove the pot from instant pot and drain excess fat. Return the beef and pot to the instant pot, keeping it on sauté mode. Add diced onion and green pepper and stir to combine. Allow to soften for about 2 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
- In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. While mixing together, don’t worry if the mustard or tomato paste doesn’t completely dissolve into the sauce, it will come together in the instant pot!
- Pour sauce into the instant pot, stir to combine and close the lid. Set instant pot to manual high pressure for 6 minutes. Once done, do a slow release, allow to naturally vent and then remove the lid.
- If sauce hasn’t totally thickened, press sauté again and let simmer while the excess liquid steams off. Or, slowly whisk 1/2 tbsp arrowroot flour into sauce to thicken quicker.
Stovetop Instructions:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until hot and add minced garlic.
- Once the garlic begins to become fragrant (about 1 minute), add ground beef, salt and pepper. Stir to break up and let slightly brown (about halfway cooked) for 5-6 minutes.
- Drain excess fat. Return to the stove and add diced onion and green pepper and stir to combine. Allow to soften for about 2-3 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
- In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. While mixing together, don’t worry if the mustard or tomato paste doesn’t completely dissolve into the sauce, it will come together once heated in the skillet
- Pour sauce into the skillet over the beef and veggies and stir to combine. Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes until beef has cooked through, vegetables are soften and sauce has thickened.
- If sauce is too thin still, lower heat and allow to simmer to let excess liquid steam off. Or, slowly whisk 1/2 tbsp arrowroot flour into sauce to thicken quicker.
Notes
- If you use a leaner ground beef, such as 93-97%, you likely won’t have much fat to drain from beef and could choose to keep it for flavor for the sauce. If you’re using anything less than that, you’ll have too much remaining fat and will need to drain it.
- If adding finely diced carrots, add them while beef is browning to allow them additional time to soften.
- Recipe works well when doubled, and when frozen.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 288
- Sugar: 5
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 23
This Whole30 instant pot sloppy joes post may contain some links that are affiliate links, though products are ones I use personally and recommend. When you purchase anything using my links, it costs you absolutely nothing extra, but it does give wholekitchensink.com a little financial support which helps to keep this blog running. Thank you for your continued support, both with your dollars and your interest.
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Nellie Blanton says
Made this today and had it over Japanese sweet potato noodles. It was so delicious, next time I’m making it with more meat so it lasts longer.
paleobailey says
LOVE the idea of this over Japanese sweet potato noodles! Sounds so good – I’m going to have to try it! Thank you so much for giving it a try, and taking the time to come back and leave a review! <3 - B
Ellen says
I’ve made this several times and love it. Instead of serving it with baked potatoes, I make it “shepherd pie” style and put it in the oven for a few minutes to brown the mashed potatoes on top.
Elizabeth says
So easy and delicious–my kids LOVE it. It’s been added to our regular rotation.
I add a red/orange bell pepper instead of a green and some carrots as well. We use True Made Foods no sugar Veggie Ketchup b/c that’s our family fave.
Thanks so much!
Katrina says
Second time making it! New family favorite, I had never had this type of ketchup before but I am so surprised how great it taste! The recipe is easy to follow and a quick meal during a busy weekday night! Love all the flavors!
Maria says
My absolute favorite go to meal! I was hesitant to try this recipe at first because im not usually a sloppy joes fan but this has become a favorite in my house. Its quick and easy to make and very filling! I’ve had it over sweet potatoes and over greens.
paleobailey says
I’m so glad to hear this!! Thank you for giving it a shot! I’m really glad your family enjoys it 🙂 – B
jeanne says
Do you think subbing chicken bone broth or veggie stock would make a noticeable difference? I never have beef broth/stock in my kitchen.
paleobailey says
Not at all! You can absolutely use chicken and beef stock interchangeably.
Laura says
This recipe is easy and so yummy!
Hannah says
I made this for my family tonight. Holy cow! It was delish! Everyone in my family loved it!!! My husband and I served ours over roasted sweet potatoes ?
paleobailey says
I am SO happy to hear this!! Thank you, Hannah!!
Isabel Haag says
I love this recipe! It’s so good and easy to put on top of just about anything. This last time I skipped the potato and had it on roasted cauliflower!
paleobailey says
Ahh! So love to hear this! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know! I really appreciate it! <3 - B
Alexis R says
Absolutely awesome recipe. All kids ate it and asked me to make more! A win in my book
paleobailey says
Amazing!! Thank you so very much for letting me know! <3 - B
Rachel Moore says
This is a super simple recipe that packs a ton of flavor and is totally delicious. I made this for my whole family. Even the toddlers liked it! Easy to make and so so yummy!
paleobailey says
Hi Rachel! I am so glad the whole family enjoys it!! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know! <3 - B
Jamie says
About how long does it take to naturally release? Usually there’s an amount of time for the natural release before switching the valve to quick release.
paleobailey says
I’m not sure I understand the question, I just flip the toggle and it starts quick releasing right away. However, if you don’t want to do the quick release I think the natural release cycle takes 15 minutes before you can open the lid if you don’t flip the toggle.
Camille Harrington says
AMAZING!!! I make this once a week and it is a hit every time!!! Love it on top of any type of potato!
paleobailey says
Now I’m craving it!! Haha! Thank you so much! I’m so happy your family loves it 🙂
Jennifer Sineni says
I made this tonight for my manwich loving family and it was a hit! I will definitely be making this again
paleobailey says
So happy to hear that! Thank you, Jennifer!
Lauren says
This was delicious! We loved it over a baked potato. Thanks for helping us get through our January Whole30 with more than grilled chicken breast and steamed broccoli!
Next time, I’ll double it and freeze some for later. And next time will be soon, for sure.
paleobailey says
Love hearing this!! You are so, so welcome – thank you for coming back and letting me know! <3 - B
Niki says
A new staple for my family! Easy and tastes just as good as the Manwich of my youth!
paleobailey says
Woo! I’m SO happy you and your family enjoyed it!! Thank you!
Brenda says
This looks amazing, and so simple. I’ve taken a break from cooking and I need some recipes to ease back in after my school semester is over this week, this recipe is just what I was looking for. Thanks for coming up with this!
paleobailey says
Hey Brenda!! You’re so welcome – and good luck with the last week of the semester! <3 - B
Jana Young says
This hit the spot tonight with my family on this chilly day. Will be making again and not changing a darn thing!
paleobailey says
Love to hear that, Jana! Thank you so much!
Tamara Pullin says
Does the coconut amino acids have a coconut flavor? I can cook with coconut oils but I detest the taste of coconut. If it does do you have another option?
paleobailey says
It’s a soy sauce replacement that’s made from coconut sap, so it’s not coconut-y at all, like the flesh of a coconut is. It’s more salty/sweet light tasting soy sauce. However, if you’re not strictly Paleo, Whole30 or soy-free, any soy sauce or alternative like tamari would work!
Suzanne says
Made this the night you posted and making again this weekend for my son’s birthday party. Lots of family coming over so i’ll be trippling it. SIL is doing Whole30 right now and i’m making these being when i made them already no one even knew it was GOOD FOR THEM!!!! Thank you Bailey! Another winner i’ll make alot because of you!
paleobailey says
So happy to hear this!! This is one of my favorite recipes I think I’ve ever made.. just such a classic home-y flavor! Let me know how it works when tripled! And happy birthday to your son 🙂