Name: Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 1 small green bell pepper, diced; 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda; 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind); 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 6 hamburger buns

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food with a deliciously sweet and tangy twist. The Dr. Pepper soda adds a layer of complexity to the sauce, giving it a depth of flavor you won’t find in typical sloppy joe recipes. Plus, with the addition of barbecue sauce and a bit of brown sugar, these sloppy joes have the perfect combination of sweetness, smokiness, and savory goodness. They come together in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight meal.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite kind)
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 hamburger buns

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they soften.
Make the Sauce: Stir in the Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer the Sloppy Joes: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Variations

Add Spice: If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the mixture.
Swap Meat: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Make it Veggie: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or lentils for a vegetarian version of these sloppy joes.
Cheese It Up: Top the sloppy joes with melted cheese (cheddar or pepper jack work great) before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe filling ahead of time. Simply let it cool, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, the sloppy joe filling can be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

3. Can I use a different soda instead of Dr. Pepper?

While Dr. Pepper adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with cola or root beer if you don’t have Dr. Pepper on hand. Just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.

4. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! If you like your sloppy joes with a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a tablespoon of sriracha to the mixture.

5. What type of barbecue sauce works best for this recipe?

Use your favorite barbecue sauce, whether it’s tangy, smoky, or sweet. A smoky or tangy sauce pairs particularly well with the Dr. Pepper’s sweetness.

6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can make the sloppy joe filling in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and vegetables first, then add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

7. Can I make this dish without ketchup?

If you prefer not to use ketchup, you can increase the amount of barbecue sauce to replace it. The ketchup helps balance the flavors, but the dish will still be tasty without it.

8. Can I use hamburger buns with seeds?

Yes, you can use any type of hamburger bun, including those with sesame seeds or brioche buns, to add a bit of texture and flavor.

9. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, you can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini to the filling to make it heartier and more nutritious.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd. Just be sure to use a larger skillet or cook the mixture in batches.

Conclusion

Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes are a sweet, savory, and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. With the rich flavors from the Dr. Pepper soda and barbecue sauce, these sloppy joes are a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, these sloppy joes will surely be a hit. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s sure to satisfy!