Dr Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes
Juicy ground beef simmered in smoky BBQ sauce flavored with Dr Pepper, served on soft buns. A sweet, crowd-pleasing classic with optional toppings for extra flavor.
Equipment
- 1 skillet
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
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in Dr Pepper, BBQ sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and saucy.
- Optionally, lightly toast hamburger buns in a skillet or oven.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom buns and add optional toppings if desired. Cover with top buns and serve hot.
Notes
- Add brown sugar or honey for a sweeter sauce.
- Mix in cayenne pepper or hot sauce for spice.
- Top with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a cheesy version.
- Make ahead and reheat gently for enhanced flavor.