Looking for a twist on the classic sloppy joe? These Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes are about to become your new favorite comfort food! Picture this: tender, juicy ground beef simmered in a sweet and tangy Dr. Pepper-infused barbecue sauce, all piled high on a soft bun. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will have everyone at the table licking their fingers and asking for seconds. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll never go back to the regular sloppy joe again!
Why You’ll Love Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes
These sloppy joes are not just a meal, they’re an experience. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation:
Versatile: These sloppy joes are perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun family meal, or even a game-day snack. You can serve them at a BBQ or make them for a cozy night in.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and a few simple pantry ingredients make this dish affordable while still being absolutely delicious.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a short cook time, these sloppy joes come together in a flash. You’ll have a hearty, flavorful meal on the table in no time.
Customizable: You can tweak the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce to fit your preferences. Want more kick? Add a dash of hot sauce or some cayenne pepper.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding kids, adults, or a crowd, these sloppy joes are sure to be a hit. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce is irresistible, making it a guaranteed winner at the table.
Ingredients in Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes:
Ground Beef: The base of the sloppy joe filling. Ground beef cooks up tender and juicy, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
Onion: Adds a bit of sweetness and crunch to the filling, making every bite more flavorful.
Garlic: A must-have to bring out the depth of flavor in the sauce. It’s the aromatic foundation that enhances the whole dish.
Dr. Pepper: The secret ingredient! This soda adds a rich sweetness with just a hint of spice, making the barbecue sauce uniquely flavorful.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce to complement the Dr. Pepper. You can go for a smoky, sweet, or tangy variety, depending on your taste.
Ketchup: Provides a smooth base for the sauce and adds that classic tangy flavor we all love in sloppy joes.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a bit of umami and complexity to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness of the Dr. Pepper and ketchup.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens the sauce and enhances the caramelized flavor of the Dr. Pepper, giving the sloppy joes a deep, savory-sweet profile.
Salt & Pepper: To season the beef and the sauce to perfection.
Buns: Soft hamburger buns that hold all that messy goodness without falling apart.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
Cook the Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Once the sauce has thickened, spoon the mixture onto the bottom half of your buns. Top with the other half of the buns, and you’re ready to eat!
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite sides. These sloppy joes are perfect with fries, chips, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
(Notes: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes
These Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Crispy Fries: Serve with golden, crispy fries or potato wedges for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy contrast to the sweet and savory sloppy joes.
- Pickles: A few slices of pickles on the side can cut through the richness and balance the flavors perfectly.
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicy: If you like your sloppy joes with a bit more heat, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Slow Cooker Option: For a more hands-off approach, cook the beef and onion mixture in a slow cooker, then add the sauce ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Double the Recipe: These sloppy joes are perfect for meal prepping. Make a double batch and store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.
FAQ’s
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great in this recipe for a lighter version of the sloppy joes. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve. - How can I make these sloppy joes vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version. - Can I make these without Dr. Pepper?
If you don’t have Dr. Pepper, you can use any cola or root beer as a substitute for a similar sweet flavor. - Can I add cheese to the sloppy joes?
Absolutely! Melted cheese like cheddar or American works wonderfully on top of these sloppy joes. - How do I make these less sweet?
Reduce the brown sugar and Dr. Pepper in the sauce for a less sweet version, or add more Worcestershire sauce for a more savory flavor. - Can I use different buns?
Of course! Feel free to use any kind of bun you prefer, from brioche to whole wheat or even slider buns for mini versions. - Can I freeze the sloppy joe filling?
Yes, the filling freezes beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy. - What side dishes go well with these sloppy joes?
Some great sides include crispy fries, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or even a green salad to balance out the richness of the sloppy joes. - Can I add veggies to the filling?
Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes are everything you want in a hearty, comforting meal—sweet, savory, and a little smoky. The combination of ground beef, the Dr. Pepper-infused barbecue sauce, and soft buns makes for the perfect bite every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a satisfying dinner, these sloppy joes are sure to please. Try them tonight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 25min
- Total Time: 35min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes take the classic sandwich to the next level with a sweet and tangy Dr. Pepper-infused barbecue sauce. The tender, juicy beef and rich sauce make these sloppy joes an irresistible comfort food that’s perfect for a casual meal or a fun family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce:
– 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp onion powder
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– 4 hamburger buns, for serving
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
3. While the vegetables cook, prepare the Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the Dr. Pepper, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
5. Pour the barbecue sauce over the cooked ground beef mixture, stir to combine, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Toast the hamburger buns in a skillet or oven until golden brown.
7. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of the buns and top with the other half.
8. Serve hot, garnished with pickles or extra toppings of your choice.
Notes
– You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by increasing or decreasing the brown sugar.
– For an extra kick, add more cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
– Serve the sloppy joes with a side of fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg