Instant Pot “Sloppy Joe” Shredded Beef (dairy & gluten free)

Are you ready for tangy, flavorful and slightly messy “sloppy joe” shredded beef? This is our upgraded version of sloppy joes by using our grass fed beef rump roast to create a rich, thick sauce and fork tender shredded meat! The base of the sauce consists of sautéed onions, carrots, garlic, beef bone broth, tomato paste and tomato sauce that thickens as it pressure cooks. Instead of buying a premade spice mix, it’s so easy to whip up your own homemade blend! Even better try using the sloppy joe spice mix as a dry rub or tossed onto cauliflower. This “sloppy joe” inspired recipe is gluten free, dairy free and it’s paleo friendly but it’s not lacking in flavor! Serve shredded beef on a burger bun or smothered in sauce on mashed potatoes.

Shop 100% Pasture-Raised, Grass Fed & Finished Beef Rump Roast

Make your own Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix

Most spice mixes are high in sodium, added sugar and additives. It’s so easy to make your own spice mix. This mix is actually good for anything from a rib rub to coating roasted potatoes. You can never have enough spices or herbs in your kitchen! All you need is a small bowl, measuring spoons and a whisk or spoon, plus a glass jar for storage. Use immediately or store in the pantry for a couple of months.

• Minced onion
• Minced garlic
• Smoked paprika (or sweet variety)
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Kosher Salt
• Black pepper
• Coconut sugar or brown sugar (optional but adds that classic sweetness)

How much sloppy joe seasoning mix is used?
When making a larger roast we like the most flavor so this mix is great for the whole recipe. However, it really depends on the quantity and type of meat (beef, chicken, turkey, pork). In general, start by adding 2 tablespoons to 1 pound of meat. Always adjust seasoning as needed.

Cooking Variations
*Substitute different meat: This recipe is a great base and works well with a variety of meat. Use beef cross rib roast, chuck roast, stew meat, chicken thighs (BL/SL) or your favorite ground meat. Depending on the meat and the quantity, cooking time will vary. If you’re using ground meat, cook this meal in 30 minutes on a cast iron skillet!

How to cook in the slow cooker?
You can also make this in a slow cooker. Make sure to brown the veggies in a cast iron pan and build flavor with the aromatics. Turn the slow cooker on low for about 4-5 hours. Cover with the lid and cook until tender.

Instant Pot “Sloppy Joe” Shredded Beef (dairy & gluten free)

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 60 mins (with 20 minute natural release)
Total: 75 mins
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Spice Mix
1 - 2 Tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar (optional but adds that classic sweetness)
1 Tbsp minced onion
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Shredded Beef
1 tbsp tallow
2-3 lbs rump roast, cross rib roast or chuck roast (cut into 2x2 chunks)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely chopped
4-6 garlic cloves, minced
15 oz. can tomato sauce (no added sugar)
3 oz tomato paste (freeze the rest into ice cube trays for later use)
1 - 2 cups beef bone broth
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt & ground black pepper to taste

Serve: Toasted buns, mashed potatoes, polenta, roasted cauliflower or topped on a salad

Instructions

1. Open and remove the roast from the packaging. Place on a cutting board, pat dry with a paper towel and sprinkle salt over the roast. Cut the roast into 2 x 2 inch squares pieces. Let sit at room temperature while prepping additional ingredients.
2. On the Instant Pot select the ‘Saute’ function. When the pot gets hot, add 1 tbsp of tallow. Then add the onions, carrots and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables have started to become fragrant. Press the ‘Cancel’ function. Let the vegetable pieces continue to brown in the Instant Pot.
3. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, 1 cup of beef bone broth, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, fresh thyme and sloppy joe spice mix. Using a wooden spoon scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot to remove any browned pieces. This will help add more flavor! Using tongs add the beef chunks into the pot making sure the beef is mostly covered by the liquid. If necessary, add more beef bone broth.
4. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock the lid. Turn the vent valve to sealed and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
5. When the 60 minutes are up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 20 minutes before opening the steam valve and removing the lid.
6. Remove the roast pieces and set on a cutting board. Let sit for about 10 minutes before using a fork to shred meat.
7. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Start to thicken the sauce by bringing to a low simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce has reached the desired thickness and then turn off the Instant Pot. Reserve the cooking liquid to pour on top of meat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Build sloppy joes using toasted buns topped with cabbage. Enjoy this shredded meat on salads, mashed potatoes or in a grilled cheese.
9. Store leftover shredded meat and sauce separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.