Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes: A Sweet and Savory Twist

Okay, so hear me out—Dr Pepper in sloppy joes? I know it sounds wild. But wow… it totally works.

It’s sweet, tangy, and super saucy. The barbecue flavor mixed with the soda is just so good. Like, I didn’t think I’d love it this much.

One bite and I was hooked. It’s messy in the best way. And yep, we all went back for seconds.

Wanna try it too? I’ll show you exactly how I make it. It’s super easy, promise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unforgettable Flavor: Dr Pepper brings a unique, sweet twist that pairs perfectly with the smoky barbecue sauce, creating an irresistible combo.
• Easy to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: Sloppy joes are a classic, but this version adds exciting new flavors you won’t find in a traditional recipe.
• Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe makes enough to feed a group, making it ideal for family gatherings, picnics, or game day parties.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time and store it for quick meals later in the week.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into this tasty Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joe recipe, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the ground beef and simmering the sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To break up the ground beef while cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of the ingredients.
• Can Opener: To open the Dr Pepper soda (and any other canned ingredients).
• Spatula: For stirring and serving the sloppy joes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish (exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below):

• Ground Beef: The base for your sloppy joes, offering richness and flavor.
• Small Onion, Diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Small Green Bell Pepper, Diced: Brings a mild, slightly sweet crunch to balance the richness of the beef.
• Dr Pepper Soda: The secret ingredient that adds a sweet, slightly fruity kick to the barbecue sauce.
• Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite kind, but a smoky or tangy variety works best for this recipe.
• Ketchup: Adds the classic tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the barbecue sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the savory depth of the sloppy joe mixture.
• Brown Sugar: To deepen the sweetness and complement the Dr Pepper’s flavors.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle but essential flavor that ties everything together.
• Smoked Paprika: For that smoky, slightly spicy kick.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, of course!
• Hamburger Buns: The perfect vessel for your delicious sloppy joe mixture.

Variations for Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some ideas to customize your Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes:

• Add Jalapeños for Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add some chopped jalapeños to the mixture. It will give your sloppy joes a nice heat that balances the sweetness.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. The Dr Pepper sauce will still shine through.
• Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian take on this dish.
• Add Bacon: For an even richer flavor, cook up some crumbled bacon and stir it into the sauce.
• Cheese It Up: Top your sloppy joes with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a smoky cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

2. Add the Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

3. Stir in the Dr Pepper Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the Dr Pepper soda, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well combined. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together, making sure the meat and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.

4. Simmer the Sloppy Joe Mixture

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little more Dr Pepper to reach your desired consistency.

5. Toast the Buns

While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns. You can do this by placing them cut-side down on a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown, or you can toast them in the oven on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

6. Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Once the sloppy joe mixture has thickened and the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble! Spoon a generous portion of the Dr Pepper barbecue sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with the other half of the bun and serve.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

These sweet and savory sloppy joes are the perfect handheld meal, and they pair well with a variety of sides:

• With Fries or Chips: Serve with classic crispy fries or potato chips for a traditional sloppy joe meal.
• On a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the sloppy joe mixture on top of a simple green salad or coleslaw.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Try pairing with grilled corn on the cob, roasted veggies, or even grilled mushrooms for a hearty, balanced meal.
• In a Wrap: For a fun variation, wrap the sloppy joe mixture in a tortilla and top with shredded lettuce and cheese for a sloppy joe burrito.

Storing Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

• Leftovers: Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze the sloppy joe mixture for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information (Optional)

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes (without the bun):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	300 kcal
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	15g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	14g

Serving Suggestions

Once your Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes are ready, it’s time to serve them up in a way that’ll have everyone coming back for more. The beauty of this dish is its versatility, so you can pair it with a variety of sides and toppings. Let’s explore some serving ideas that will take your meal to the next level:

1. Classic Sides to Serve with Sloppy Joes

• Crispy French Fries: You can never go wrong with the classic combo of sloppy joes and fries. Opt for crinkle-cut fries, shoestring fries, or thick steak fries—whatever your preference!
• Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch of coleslaw is the perfect contrast to the richness of the Dr Pepper BBQ sauce. It adds a fresh, creamy element to your plate.
• Potato Chips: For a quick and easy side, serve your sloppy joes with a handful of crunchy potato chips. Choose classic or barbecue-flavored chips to complement the smoky flavors in the sauce.
• Pickles: Pickles provide a tangy bite that helps cut through the sweetness of the sloppy joe filling. Dill pickles are the perfect option to add a bit of crunch and acidity.

2. Creative Sides to Elevate the Meal

• Grilled Vegetables: For a more wholesome, balanced meal, serve your sloppy joes with a side of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. The smoky char of the veggies pairs wonderfully with the barbecue flavor in the sloppy joe.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a fantastic summer side dish that complements the rich, savory flavor of the sloppy joes. You can grill the corn or boil it and add a sprinkle of butter and chili powder for extra flavor.
• Mac and Cheese: The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese makes for a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the sweet and smoky sloppy joe mixture. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids!
• Sweet Potato Fries: If you want to add a healthier twist, sweet potato fries are an excellent alternative to regular fries. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the Dr Pepper barbecue sauce.

3. Creative Add-Ons for Extra Flavor

• Cheese: For an even richer flavor, top your sloppy joes with shredded cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or smoked gouda are all fantastic options. You can melt the cheese on top of the sloppy joe mixture under a broiler for an extra gooey, cheesy finish.
• Pickled Red Onions: The tangy crunch of pickled red onions adds a sharp contrast to the sweetness of the Dr Pepper sauce. They’re quick to make at home by soaking thinly sliced onions in vinegar, sugar, and salt for about 30 minutes.
• Avocado: Add slices of creamy avocado on top of your sloppy joes for a fresh, buttery texture that balances the bold flavors of the dish.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

If you’ve made a big batch of these Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes (or simply have leftovers), here’s how you can store and reheat them:

1. Storing Leftover Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

• Refrigeration: Allow the sloppy joe mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store the mixture in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

2. Freezing Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes

If you want to store your sloppy joes for an extended period, freezing them is a great option. Here’s how to do it:

• Freezing: After the sloppy joe mixture has cooled, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. For the best results, try to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them.
• Reheating from Frozen: To reheat, simply let the frozen sloppy joe mixture thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it on the stovetop until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat it directly from frozen on low heat, but this may take a bit longer.

3. Meal Prep for Busy Weeks

If you like to meal prep for the week ahead, this Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joe recipe is perfect. Make a double batch and store it in individual meal prep containers. These sloppy joes make for an easy, reheatable lunch or dinner throughout the week. You can even add a side of coleslaw or chips to each container for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Meat

When browning the ground beef, be sure to cook it just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking can cause the meat to dry out, and we want to keep it juicy for the perfect sloppy joe experience!

2. Adjust the Sweetness

Since Dr Pepper is sweet, you may find that you don’t need to add as much brown sugar as the recipe suggests. Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a tangier sauce, you can add a little more Worcestershire sauce or a splash of vinegar.

3. Experiment with BBQ Sauce

The type of barbecue sauce you use will impact the flavor of your sloppy joes. Try experimenting with different varieties, like smoky, tangy, or even spicy barbecue sauces. The Dr Pepper will add a sweet complexity that will balance whatever sauce you choose.

4. Customize the Spice Level

If you prefer your sloppy joes on the spicier side, feel free to add more smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you like it extra hot, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Conclusion

These Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. They’re easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any meal—whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish. With customizable options to fit your taste and a variety of sides and toppings to try, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes FAQs

Can I make these Sloppy Joes spicier?

Yes, absolutely! You can add extra smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. For more heat, try incorporating diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce.

Can I use a different soda than Dr Pepper?

If you don’t have Dr Pepper, you can substitute it with root beer or cola. Each soda brings a slightly different sweetness but will still complement the barbecue flavors.

How long can I store leftovers?

The sloppy joe mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make these Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop before serving. You can also freeze it for future use.

Conclusion

These Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes are a game-changer. The sweet, tangy, and savory flavor from the Dr Pepper soda combined with smoky barbecue sauce creates a deliciously unique twist on the classic sloppy joe. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a party, or a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish in no time. Serve it with your favorite sides, store the leftovers for later, and enjoy the comfort of this hearty, flavorful meal.