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Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

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Short Description

Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes offer a bold, sweet, and tangy twist on a classic sandwich. Featuring juicy ground beef simmered in a rich blend of barbecue sauce and Dr. Pepper, this easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and Savory Fusion: Dr. Pepper adds a unique depth of flavor that perfectly balances the smokiness of barbecue sauce.

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

  • Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults—comfort food with a twist.

  • Versatile Toppings: Customize with cheese, pickles, or slaw for added texture and flavor.

  • Budget-Friendly: An economical meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional)

  • 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda

  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 4–6 hamburger buns

  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, or coleslaw

Directions

  1. Cook the Beef:
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using). Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

  3. Combine the Ingredients:
    Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in the Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

  4. Simmer to Thicken:
    Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and fully coats the meat.

  5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
    Toast the hamburger buns if desired. Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture onto the buns and top with your choice of shredded cheddar, pickles, or coleslaw.

  6. Serve:
    Serve immediately with a side of fries, chips, or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4–6 sandwiches

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for extra heat.

  • Turkey Option: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.

  • BBQ Flavor Boost: Try smoky or spicy barbecue sauce for a flavor twist.

  • Tex-Mex Style: Top with pepper jack cheese and sliced avocado.

  • Open-Faced: Serve on toasted sandwich bread or even baked potatoes.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: Freeze the cooled sloppy Joe mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

FAQs

What does Dr. Pepper add to the sloppy Joes?

Dr. Pepper adds sweetness and a unique spiced depth that complements the tangy barbecue flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated when ready to serve.

Can I use another soda instead?

Yes, you can try root beer or cola, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s mild, but you can add hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free barbecue sauce and serve on gluten-free buns to make the recipe gluten-free.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

Use your favorite—whether smoky, sweet, or spicy. Each will bring a slightly different character to the dish.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, finely diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini can be sautéed with the onions and peppers.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. It doubles well and is great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

Do I have to toast the buns?

It’s optional but recommended, as toasting helps prevent the buns from getting soggy.

What sides go well with these sloppy Joes?

Classic sides include fries, potato salad, chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes are a deliciously easy take on a nostalgic favorite, perfect for fast weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. The sweet and savory sauce, enhanced with a hint of soda, transforms ordinary ground meat into a sandwich that’s anything but basic. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish will quickly become a go-to in your rotation.

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Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 sandwiches
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes deliver a sweet, smoky, and savory twist on the classic comfort food sandwich. Made with ground beef, your favorite BBQ sauce, and a splash of Dr. Pepper for rich flavor depth, these sloppy joes are perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or casual gatherings. Quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, finely diced (optional)

  • 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda

  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)

  • 2 tablespoons ketchup

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 4-6 hamburger buns

  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sliced pickles, coleslaw

Instructions

  • Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart until fully cooked. Drain excess grease and set meat aside.

  • Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until soft.

  • Mix the Sauce: Return beef to skillet. Add Dr. Pepper, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, tomato paste, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

  • Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.

  • Assemble: Toast buns if desired. Spoon meat mixture onto buns. Add toppings like cheddar cheese, pickles, or coleslaw.

  • Serve: Enjoy hot with chips, fries, or salad.

Notes

  • Dr. Pepper adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor—use root beer or cola as an alternative.

  • Make ahead and reheat for easy meal prep or party serving.

  • Ground turkey works great for a leaner version.

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