Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes – A Sweet and Savory Twist on a Classic!

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty, saucy Sloppy Joe. But what if we told you that you could take this classic sandwich to the next level? Enter Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes—a sweet, tangy, and smoky twist on the traditional recipe that delivers bold flavors in every bite. This easy-to-make dish combines juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, and green peppers with a rich barbecue sauce infused with the deep, caramel-like sweetness of Dr. Pepper soda. The result? A deliciously messy, mouthwatering sandwich that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or summer cookouts.

With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a flavor-packed meal ready to serve. This recipe is also versatile—swap out the beef for turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a customized version. If you love barbecue flavors, juicy sandwiches, and quick homemade meals, this Dr. Pepper Sloppy Joe recipe is about to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor – The combination of sweet Dr. Pepper, smoky barbecue sauce, and tangy Worcestershire sauce creates an unforgettable taste.
Quick and Easy – With simple ingredients and only 30 minutes of total cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable – Use your favorite barbecue sauce, switch up the protein, or even make it spicier with some heat.
Great for Gatherings – Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, cookout, or game night, these Sloppy Joes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

Essential 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

How to Make Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

1. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease to keep the mixture from becoming too oily.

2. Add the Vegetables

Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.

3. Make the Sauce

Stir in the Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.

4. Simmer the Sloppy Joe Mixture

Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together while the sauce thickens, creating a rich and sticky texture that perfectly coats the beef.

5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Spoon the Dr. Pepper-infused beef mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the sweet, smoky, and savory goodness.

Helpful Tips for the Best Sloppy Joes

Use a Good Barbecue Sauce: The barbecue sauce plays a key role in flavor, so choose a high-quality one that you love.
Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the hamburger buns prevents them from getting too soggy.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet Sloppy Joe, reduce the brown sugar or use a diet version of Dr. Pepper.
Make It Spicy: Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips

Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to reduce and thicken.
Make it Extra Smoky: Adding a dash of liquid smoke will enhance the smoky barbecue flavor.
Use Different Proteins: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a different variation.

Serving Suggestions

These Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes pair perfectly with:

Classic French fries or sweet potato fries
Coleslaw for a tangy crunch
Corn on the cob for a smoky-sweet side
Baked beans for a classic barbecue-inspired meal
A crisp garden salad for a lighter option

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 3g

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different soda instead of Dr. Pepper?
Yes! You can try Coca-Cola, root beer, or cherry cola for a different twist.

What’s the best type of barbecue sauce to use?
A smoky, sweet, or tangy barbecue sauce works best. Choose your favorite based on your personal taste.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and then transfer it to a slow cooker with all the ingredients. Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Are these Sloppy Joes kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the sweet and tangy taste. You can reduce the seasonings for a milder version.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes, try these other delicious recipes:

Conclusion

These Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes are sweet, smoky, tangy, and irresistibly delicious. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, this easy recipe makes for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party meal. Try them today, and enjoy a new spin on a classic favorite! 🍔🔥