• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 2 cups water
• 12 oz gluten free fusilli noodles
• 2 cups ketchup
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend

How to Make Instant Pot Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta:

1. Set Instant Pot to Saute Normal for 8 minutes.
2. Add a dab of margarine or butter to the pot along with the ground beef and diced onions.
3. Crumble the ground beef well as it cooks.
4. When the Instant Pot turns off, add the water to the pot.
5. Add the fusilli noodles to the pot and spread them out evenly.
6. Dump the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, pepper and brown sugar on top of the pasta.
7. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the steam release handle to the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook High for 4 minutes.
8. Once the Instant Pot is done cooking, immediately turn the steam release handle to the venting position and perform a quick release.
9. Remove the lid and stir the contents well.
10. Add the cheese to the pot and stir well again.
11. Serve and enjoy!

FAQS:

What should I serve with instant pot cheesy sloppy joe pasta?

When serving Instant Pot Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta, you can complement the dish with various side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some suggestions:

1. Green Salad: A simple green salad with a mix of fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your favorite dressing can provide a refreshing and healthy contrast to the richness of the cheesy pasta.
2. Gluten Free Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Serve some garlic bread or breadsticks on the side to sop up the sauce and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers, are a great way to add some nutrients and a different texture to the plate.
4. Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the warm and saucy pasta, especially if it’s made with a slightly tangy dressing.
5. Fruit Salad: A fruit salad with a mix of fresh fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, berries, and pineapple can be a refreshing side dish.
6. Potato Salad: If you prefer a heartier side, potato salad can complement the cheesy pasta nicely.
7. Chips or Fries: For a casual meal, consider serving some potato chips or french fries.
8. Steamed or Grilled Vegetables: Steamed or grilled vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or corn can add a healthy component to the meal.
9. Dill Pickles: A few dill pickles on the side can provide a tangy and crunchy element to balance the flavors.
10. Soup: A light soup, such as a tomato or vegetable soup, can be a great starter before the main dish.

Ultimately, the choice of side dishes depends on your personal preferences and the occasion. Consider the flavors and textures you want to balance with the cheesy Sloppy Joe pasta to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal.  Make sure your choices are gluten free.

How do I store instant pot cheesy sloppy joe pasta?

Storing Instant Pot cheesy sloppy joe pasta is pretty straightforward. Here’s how you can do it to keep it fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible:

1. Cool Down: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can make the pasta soggy.
2. Portion: If you have a large batch of cheesy sloppy joe pasta, consider portioning it into meal-sized servings. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need.
3. Airtight Container: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to hold the pasta without cramming it. You can use a plastic or glass container with a tight-sealing lid.
4. Refrigerate: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. Cheesy sloppy joe pasta can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
5. Reheating: To reheat the stored cheesy sloppy joe pasta, you can either use a microwave or stovetop.  Reheat until it’s piping hot to ensure it’s safe to eat.

When reheating, you may find that the pasta has thickened or dried out a bit. You can add a splash of water or milk to help restore the creamy consistency.

Always use proper food safety practices when storing and reheating leftovers to ensure they are safe to eat.

Can I freeze instant pot cheesy sloppy joe pasta?

Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot cheesy sloppy joe pasta. Freezing is a convenient way to store leftovers or prepare meals in advance. Here’s how you can freeze it:

1. Allow the Dish to Cool: Let the Instant Pot cheesy sloppy joe pasta cool to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming, which can affect the texture of the dish.
2. Portion into Containers: Divide the pasta into individual or family-sized portions, depending on your needs. You can use airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for this purpose.
3. Remove Air: If using bags, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. If using containers, make sure they have a good seal to prevent air from getting in.
4. Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the containers or bags with the name of the dish and the date you prepared it. This will help you keep track of the contents in your freezer.
5. Freeze: Place the containers or bags in the freezer. Ideally, keep the temperature at 0°F (-18°C) or lower for best results.

Instant Pot cheesy sloppy joe pasta can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without a significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, and then reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the Instant Pot using the sauté function or the pressure cooking function with a bit of extra liquid if needed.

Keep in mind that pasta dishes may become slightly softer when frozen and reheated, but they should still be delicious and enjoyable.