Go Back
+ servings
Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

Irresistible Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes You’ll Crave

Enjoy a unique and delicious twist on classic sloppy joes with my Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes, perfect for family meals.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 2 tablespoons Salted Butter Adds richness and helps sauté vegetables.
  • 1 medium Onion Provides depth and sweetness; yellow or white onion is a suitable substitute.
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Brings crunch and freshness; red or yellow bell pepper can be used for a sweeter taste.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Enhances overall flavor; fresh is ideal.
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Primary protein; substitute with ground turkey or plant-based options.
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce Forms the sauce base; crushed tomatoes can be used.
  • 1 cup Dr. Pepper Infuses unique sweetness; replace with regular cola if necessary.
  • ½ cup Ketchup Adds sweetness and thickens sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Balances sweetness; white vinegar is a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Introduces umami flavor; soy sauce can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavors; half the amount of table salt if substituting.
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper Contributes mild heat; freshly ground recommended.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 1 diced green bell pepper. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
  2. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until no longer pink, then drain off excess fat.
  4. Stir in 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1 cup of Dr. Pepper, ½ cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  7. Spoon the flavorful mixture onto toasted burger buns for serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Can freeze the mixture for up to 3 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!