Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1.5 teaspoons finely diced garlic
• 1.5 cups crushed and strained tomatoes , such as Aurora
• 0.25 cups apple cider vinegar
• 0.25 cups water
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste , Optional
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 8 hamburgers buns
• 4 tablespoons butter , or as needed

Instructions

1. 1

   Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) and select Sauté function. Add oil; tip Pot to coat bottom. Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper; season with salt and black pepper. Cook and stir until vegetables are soft and beef is no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease.

2. 2

   Add garlic to the Pot; cook 30 seconds more. Stir in crushed tomatoes, vinegar, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, tomato paste, mustard, and red pepper flakes.

3. 3

   Close and lock the lid; close the vent. Select High pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 5 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

4. 4

   Meanwhile, toast hamburger buns and coat with butter.

5. 5

   Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 10 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

6. 6

   Serve on toasted buns.