Instant Pot Homemade Deli Meat (Whole Paleo Keto) 
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Instant Pot Homemade Deli Meat (Whole30 Paleo Keto) – a simple and savory recipe for making Homemade Turkey Deli Meat in the Instant Pot. So easy and budget friendly! Whole30, Paleo, and Keto friendly.
Why Make Homemade Deli Meat?
All right folks, if you love a good kitchen hack that’s also a big money saver, this one’s for you! I am loving this new way to make my own sandwich meat right at home! Why bother, you ask? First of all, the ingredients in regular store-bought sandwich meat can be less than desirable. Second, the price tag! A pound of deli meat runs anywhere from $5 (not so great ingredients) to$13 a pound (organic, nitrate-free). We love deli meat, especially for kid lunches, but I just can’t justify the price of a container of turkey sandwich meat that only lasts a couple of days!
The solution? Buy a frozen whole turkey breast and cook it in the Instant Pot! I season with a Homemade Blackened Seasoning Blend, pop it in the IP with some water, and slice it up. Easy peasy lunch meat with better ingredients and a MUCH better price tag!
Ingredients
Whole Boneless Turkey Breast
Seasoning
Water or broth
How to Make Homemade Deli Meat
Begin by rubbing the turkey breast on all sides with the seasoning.
Add water or broth to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet in the pot.
Arrange the turkey breast on the trivet and seal the lid. Cook on Manual setting for 30 minutes.
When cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally.
Remove the turkey breast and let cool. Place in the refrigerator to chill the turkey breast before slicing.
How to Slice Deli Meat without a Slicer
No, you don’t need to own a professional slicer machine in order to get thinly sliced deli meat! There’s an easy trick for slicing your deli meat and it involves simply chilling the meat first. After cooking and the turkey has cooled, place it into the refrigerator until it’s completely chilled (an hour or two.) Then slice the meat with a good, sharp knife while holding it with a pair of tongs. You should be able to achieve a pretty thin slice without it falling apart. Of course, thicker slices are great too – you decide!
Or, if you prefer to invest in a deli meat slicer, this is good one and reasonably priced.
Easy DIY Turkey Deli Meat Variations
It’s so easy to change this recipe for different flavor profiles. In place of the Blackened Seasoning, try any of these seasoning blends:
For a lower sodium version, use this Homemade All Purpose Salt Free Blend .
Try my Homemade Seasoned Salt or Smoky Dry Rub.
Even a simple mix of coarse black pepper and kosher salt is excellent for great flavor in this turkey lunch meat.
Try using chicken or veggie broth instead of water in the pot. This just gives an extra flavor boost to the turkey lunch meat.
FAQs
Can I cook the turkey breast from frozen in the Instant Pot?
Yes, if you don’t have time to thaw it (or forget to!) just follow the same instructions but increase the cook time to about 60-65 minutes.
Should I remove the mesh wrapping on the turkey breast?
The mesh helps the meat keep its shape so it’s fine to leave it on.
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast in the Instant Pot?
Cook time for a whole boneless turkey breast (thawed) is about 30 minutes for a 3 lb breast. For frozen, the cook time will be about 60 minutes. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
How long does homemade turkey deli meat keep?
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze homemade deli meat?
Sure! Place sliced meat in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
More Recipes Like This:
Instant Pot Apple Cider Pulled Chicken
Instant Pot Homemade Deli Meat (Whole30 Paleo Keto)
Ingredients
- 3 lb whole boneless turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons Homemade Blackened Seasoning, see recipe below
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup water or broth
Instructions
- COmbine blackened seasoning and salt in a small bowl. Rub all over the turkey breast.
- Pour the water in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Add the trivet to the pot and place the turkey breast on the trivet.
- Cook on Manual setting for 30 minutes. Allow natural release.
- Remove turkey breast and let cool. Place in the refrigerator to chill completely (for 1-2 hours.)
- Slice the turkey to desired thick/thinness.
Notes
Nutrition
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Vegetarian
Dairy Free
13 Comments on “Instant Pot Homemade Deli Meat (Whole Paleo Keto)”
WOW! You get so much more for much less!!! I’m sold.
Never even thought of this as an option. Thx 🙂
Hi, great recipe. I’m confused cause i purchased a butterball 3 lb breast and it says there is 7g of fat per 4oz. I was buying applegate deli meat at the food store and it say 0g of fat. How is that possible? I know this sounds crazy but i’m Looking for the healthiest option. I was surprised to see the difference. I thought it would be in the favor of the fresh! Thank you
Diane deli turkey is very highly processed. Not sure how they get it to 0% fat but I’m sure it involves a lot of pretty gross chemicals and extrusion etc 😬
Diane, you said….” i’m Looking for the healthiest option”
Then go for the non processed and natural product.
Lunchmeat is processed if it’s packaged & cooked already…if the Butterball hasn’t been brined or processed in any way……GO NATURAL
God-made animals with fat don’t get caught up on “FAT” unless your eating the skin and excess fat. Fat is needed to cook moist and not dried out the meat…God knows what He is doing!
Good Recipe
Can the turkey still be frozen or do you have to thaw it first? I’m new to instapot cooking.
This looks so easy and delicious! I’m anxious to try it! Do you thaw your turkey breast first, or put it into the instant pot frozen?
Just made the INSTANT POT HOMEMADE DELI MEAT (WHOLE PALEO KETO) recipe for the second time–my husband and I love it! It avoids the nitrates/nitrites of “cured” deli meat and the celery salt of “uncured” deli meat which, as we understand it, generates even more nitrates/nitrites! It helps to have a good source of protein around when those hunger pangs strike, and this is a winning approach–thank you, Nikki!
Please add the five stars that I forgot!
This looks so good! Definitely am going to for this year’s school lunches!
Question: How long would you say it’s good for? Could I freeze half of it for lunches later in the week? I just want to be able to plan accordingly. Thank you!
Hey Sydney, it will be good for 4-5 days in the refrigerator and yes, you can absolutely freeze it!
The creative use of herbs and spices in your seasoning blend is like a symphony for the taste buds, promising an explosion of flavor in every bite. It’s as if you’ve turned the Instant Pot into a magic pot, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
Thank you for sharing this homemade deli delight. Your blog is a treasure trove for those seeking healthy and delicious recipes, and I’m excited to try more of your tasty creations from the kitchen!