Name: Dr Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 clove garlic (minced); 3/4 cup Dr Pepper or similar cola; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or classic); 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper (to taste); 4 hamburger buns; Optional: sliced pickles (coleslaw, shredded cheese)

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Experience a delicious twist on a classic American favorite with Dr Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes. This recipe combines juicy ground beef with a smoky, sweet barbecue sauce infused with the unique flavor of Dr Pepper to create a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

The rich, tangy sauce melds beautifully with the ground beef, enhanced by a blend of spices and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. Served on soft hamburger buns and customizable with your favorite toppings, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique sweetness from Dr Pepper adds a deliciously distinct flavor to traditional sloppy joes.
Quick and simple to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights and feeding a crowd.
Customizable with toppings like pickles, coleslaw, and cheese for variety.

Ingredients

Ground Beef, 450 g (≈ 1 lb): Lean ground beef provides juicy, flavorful base for the smoky sloppy joe filling.
Small Onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic depth to the savory beef mixture.
Garlic Clove, minced: Brings a subtle pungency that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
Dr Pepper, ¾ cup: Adds a unique sweet and slightly spicy cola flavor that caramelizes into the sauce.
BBQ Sauce, ½ cup (smoky or classic): Provides smoky, tangy richness, creating a luscious and hearty sauce.
Ketchup, ¼ cup: Adds a balanced sweetness and acidity to harmonize the sauce flavors.
Worcestershire Sauce, 1 tablespoon: Introduces savory umami notes for deeper complexity.
Smoked Paprika, 1 teaspoon: Imparts warm smoky flavor and vibrant color to the sloppy joe mix.
Salt and Black Pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the ingredients’ flavors.
Hamburger Buns, 4: Soft buns perfectly hold the juicy filling, making handheld sandwiches.
Optional Toppings: Sliced pickles, creamy coleslaw, or shredded cheese for added texture and flavor contrast.

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned. Adding chopped onion and minced garlic next allows them to soften and infuse their flavors into the beef. Draining excess fat if necessary ensures the filling isn’t greasy, producing a cleaner, richer taste.
Combine Ingredients for Sauce: Stir in the Dr Pepper, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet. The Dr Pepper adds a unique caramel sweetness while the spices elevate the smoky BBQ character. Mixing thoroughly ensures a well-balanced sloppy joe sauce.
Simmer to Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. This gentle simmer allows the sauce to thicken beautifully, concentrating the flavors and creating the perfect saucy consistency that clings to the beef.
Toast the Buns (Optional): For added texture and warmth, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a skillet or oven. This step enhances the overall eating experience by adding a slight crunch and preventing the buns from getting soggy.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the hot Dr Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Add any optional toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or shredded cheese for extra flavor layers, then cover with the top bun and serve immediately for a satisfying meal.

You Must Know

To make the sauce sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or honey during the simmering stage.
For those who love spice, mixing in cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce gives a pleasant kick without overpowering.
This filling tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and quick reheating.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to preserve moisture and flavor. The buns are best toasted fresh before serving to avoid sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sloppy joes with classic sides like crispy French fries, baked beans, or a refreshing coleslaw. For a lighter option, pair them with a mixed green salad or roasted vegetables.

Professional Tips

Use lean ground beef (85% lean) to balance flavor and reduce excess grease.
Simmer uncovered to allow enough evaporation, thickening the sauce naturally without added thickeners.
Customize the smoky level by adjusting smoked paprika quantity, or swap for chipotle powder for heat and smokiness.
Toast buns just before serving to maintain their texture and warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different soda instead of Dr Pepper?: Yes, other colas like root beer or regular cola work well, but Dr Pepper adds a distinctive flavor that’s hard to replicate.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?: Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils for a meat-free version with similar texture.
How spicy is this recipe?: In its basic form, it’s mild. You can increase spiciness by adding cayenne, hot sauce, or spicy BBQ sauce to taste.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?: Yes, the filling stores well in the fridge up to 3 days and the flavors actually deepen overnight.
What are some good toppings for Sloppy Joes?: Popular toppings include pickles for tang, creamy coleslaw for crunch, and melted cheddar or pepper jack cheese for richness.
Can I freeze the sloppy joe filling?: Yes, the filling can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.