Irresistible Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes Recipe

Craving a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food?

These Dr.

Pepper barbecue sloppy joes deliver a sweet and tangy punch that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

The secret ingredient adds a surprising depth of flavor to every bite.

Tender ground beef simmers in a rich, caramelized sauce that blends smoky and sweet notes perfectly.

Weeknight meals just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each forkful promises a delicious adventure that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes: What Makes Them Unique

• Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce transforms ordinary sloppy joes into a mouthwatering culinary adventure with its unique sweet and tangy profile.
• This recipe requires minimal prep and cooks in a single skillet, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Packed with familiar flavors and messy eating style, these sloppy joes will delight children and adults alike, creating fun mealtime memories around the dinner table.
• Easy to adapt for different settings, from casual family dinners to game day gatherings, these sloppy joes can be kept warm in a slow cooker for convenient serving.

Ingredients for Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of these sloppy joes and provides rich, meaty flavor.

• Granulated Garlic, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the depth and complexity of the meat's flavor.
• Onions: Sweet and savory vegetable that adds texture and aromatic base to the dish.

• Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce: A unique sweet and tangy sauce that gives these sloppy joes their signature flavor profile and moisture.
• Dr. Pepper: The soda that likely contributes to the barbecue sauce's distinctive taste and caramelization.

• Buns: Soft bread rolls that serve as the perfect vessel for holding the saucy meat mixture.

Tools for Easy Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sandwiches

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and cooking onions evenly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Cutting Board: Used for dicing onions before adding to the skillet.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to chop onions into small, uniform pieces.
• Slow Cooker (optional): Great for keeping the sloppy joe mixture warm if not serving immediately.

Cooking Sloppy Joes with a Dr. Pepper Kick

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss the ground beef into the pan.

Sprinkle in granulated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until it starts turning golden brown and develops delicious crispy edges.

Step 2: Caramelize The Onions

Scatter diced onions into the skillet with the browned beef.

Continue cooking until onions become soft and translucent, allowing the beef to get extra crispy and develop deep flavor notes.

Step 3: Create The Saucy Mixture

Pour Dr.

Pepper Barbecue Sauce over the beef and onions.

Stir everything together until the sauce coats the meat evenly.

Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and intensify.

Step 4: Prepare For Serving

Keep the sloppy joe mixture warm.

You can leave it in the skillet or transfer to a slow cooker set on warm setting.

This ensures the meat stays hot and ready for hungry guests.

Step 5: Assemble And Enjoy

Grab soft hamburger buns and generously spoon the Dr.

Pepper beef mixture on top.

Serve immediately while the meat is hot and sauce is bubbling.

These sloppy joes promise a tangy, sweet flavor explosion in every bite!

Tips for Sweet, Tangy BBQ Sloppy Joes

• Use high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for richer taste and juicier texture.
• Simmer sauce uncovered to reduce liquid and achieve desired thickness without making mixture too dry.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to intensify the barbecue profile.
• Choose sturdy potato or brioche buns that can hold the saucy meat without falling apart quickly.
• Prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop more intensely.

Creative Ways to Switch Up Sloppy Joes

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the rich Dr. Pepper barbecue flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha sauce to the mixture for those who enjoy a fiery spin on the classic sloppy joe recipe.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the Dr. Pepper beef mixture over crisp lettuce wraps or atop cauliflower rice instead of traditional buns for a lighter meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free hamburger buns or serve over zucchini noodles to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions for Barbecue Sloppy Joes

• Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese or sharp cheddar on top of the sloppy joe for an extra flavor punch.
• Veggie Crunch: Add crisp lettuce, sliced pickles, or coleslaw on the bun for texture and freshness.
• Side Kick Pairings: Serve with crispy sweet potato fries, classic potato chips, or a light cucumber salad to complement the rich, tangy meat.
• Bread Adventure: Try different buns like pretzel rolls, brioche, or toasted ciabatta for a unique sandwich experience.

How to Store Sloppy Joes for the Next Day

• Store leftover Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the mixture completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled Sloppy Joe mixture to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Properly stored, it will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What makes Dr. Pepper unique in this barbecue sauce?

Dr. Pepper adds a distinctive sweet and slightly spicy flavor that enhances the traditional barbecue sauce, creating a more complex and richer taste profile.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative to beef while maintaining the same delicious flavor and texture of the Sloppy Joes.

• How spicy are these Sloppy Joes?

The recipe is mild with a hint of sweetness from the Dr. Pepper, making it kid-friendly and enjoyable for those who prefer less heat. You can always add hot sauce if you want more spice.

Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sloppy joes with dr. pepper barbecue sauce blend classic comfort and bold flavors for a mouthwatering meal. Hearty ground beef simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce promises a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Sauce:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced onion
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce

Serving:

• 6–8 buns

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and add ground beef, distributing evenly across the pan’s surface.
2. Sprinkle granulated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper over the beef, stirring frequently to ensure even browning and breaking up meat chunks.
3. Once beef begins to brown, incorporate diced onions into the skillet, continuing to cook until onions soften and beef develops crispy edges.
4. Reduce heat to low and pour Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce into the skillet, thoroughly mixing with beef and onions to create a cohesive mixture.
5. Allow sauce to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, enabling flavors to blend and sauce to slightly thicken.
6. Maintain mixture at a warm temperature, either in the skillet or transferred to a slow cooker set on warm setting.
7. When ready to serve, generously spoon the savory mixture onto prepared buns, ensuring an even distribution of meat and sauce.
8. Serve immediately while hot, offering a delectable combination of sweet, tangy, and hearty flavors.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful dish.
• Drain any extra fat after browning the meat to keep the sloppy joe mixture less oily and more appetizing.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of black pepper or adding a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free buns or serving over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg