Description
Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes are a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet twist on the classic sloppy joe, featuring ground beef simmered in a savory barbecue sauce enhanced with the unique flavor of Dr Pepper soda. This easy-to-make stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup Dr Pepper soda
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- 4 to 6 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the browned beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sauces and seasonings: Stir in the barbecue sauce, Dr Pepper soda, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat thoroughly.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon the sloppy joe filling onto toasted hamburger buns and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground beef for a lighter option.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
