Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes

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Savor the unique harmony of tangy and sweet in these Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes. Lean ground beef is perfectly seasoned, sautéed with onions, then simmered in a bold Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce that infuses every bite with rich depth and signature flavor. Spoon the beef mixture over soft buns and enjoy a simple, crave-worthy meal ideal for weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings. Fast prep and crowd-pleasing taste make these sandwiches a repeat favorite for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 20:03:51 GMT
A sloppy joe sandwich with a bun and onions. Pin it
A sloppy joe sandwich with a bun and onions. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Get ready for the ultimate twist on classic comfort food with these Dr Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes Every bite brings sweet and tangy barbecue flavor balanced by soft golden buns They are a reliable hit at family gatherings and so easy that they go from pan to table in 25 minutes You will love how the cola base brings depth to every savory spoonful with a satisfying touch of nostalgia

My favorite thing about these sloppy joes is how the Dr Pepper sauce makes every bite special My whole family requests this recipe for game nights and it never disappoints

  • Lean ground beef: The heart of the filling Use 85 percent lean for the best flavor without too much grease
  • Granulated garlic: Delivers a gentle garlic kick while blending smoothly Choose fresh for the brightest taste
  • Kosher salt: Draws out the flavors and helps browning Look for flakes that are bright and crumbly
  • Black pepper: Brings a little background heat Use freshly cracked for more aroma
  • Diced onion: Sweated gently for subtle sweetness and savoriness Go for a firm onion with shiny skin
  • Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce: The signature flavor Choose a high quality barbecue sauce with real cola for that layered tang
  • Buns: Soft bakery style buns hold up well without getting soggy A light toast adds just the right texture

Step by Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:
Add ground beef to a large skillet set over medium high heat Season with granulated garlic kosher salt and black pepper Cook the meat stirring often until you see a deep golden brown crust starting to develop on the bits of beef This is what builds that hearty meatiness Slower browning means richer flavor so patience is worth it
Add Onions:
Drop in the diced onions once the beef is nearly cooked Keep stirring so the onions melt into the mixture Cook until they turn glossy and soft and the beef gets a little crispy in spots This will take about 3 to 4 minutes The onions will get sweeter the longer they cook
Simmer with Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low then pour in the Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce Stir everything well so every bit of beef and onion is coated Simmer for five minutes letting the flavors marry The sauce will slightly thicken and cling to the meat creating that signature sloppy mix
Warm Through:
Once everything is combined you can keep the mixture warm right on the stove or transfer it to a slow cooker on the warm setting for serving later This keeps things juicy and ready when you are
Serve:
Spoon generous scoops of the saucy beef onto fresh buns Serve immediately while hot and enjoy every sweet and smoky bite For even more flavor toast the buns before filling
A sloppy joe sandwich with a generous amount of sauce. Pin it
A sloppy joe sandwich with a generous amount of sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

The Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce transforms the ordinary into something memorable I still remember the first time my kids asked for seconds and the smiles around the table when everyone tried this new twist on a classic

Storage Tips

Keep leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days If you want to freeze let the mixture cool then store in freezer bags labeled with the date Press out any air to prevent freezer burn It reheats best on the stove over medium heat adding a splash of water if it seems thick

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce use your favorite barbecue sauce plus half a cup of regular Dr Pepper soda Ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter protein swap Red onions instead of white will give a milder edge Gluten free buns let everyone join in For a smoky depth add a dash of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke

A sandwich with BBQ sauce on it. Pin it
A sandwich with BBQ sauce on it. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Serving Suggestions

Pile the mixture high on soft hamburger buns or sturdy brioche Add sliced pickles crispy fried onions or shredded cheese for variations Serve with kettle chips creamy coleslaw or a bright green salad for balance These sloppy joes pair perfectly with root beer floats for a fun retro meal

Dr Pepper Sloppy Joes in American Culture

Sloppy joes have been beloved American comfort food dating back to the thirties This Dr Pepper version celebrates the playful side of Midwest and Southern barbecue culture The cola brings a crowd pleasing sweetness that both adults and kids adore It is a fun nostalgic meal that brings people together over simple good food

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef, such as 85% or 90% lean, offers a great balance of flavor and minimal grease in the final mixture.

→ Can I substitute the Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce?

Any rich, sweet barbecue sauce with a hint of tang will work, though the Dr. Pepper variety adds a unique depth reminiscent of the classic drink.

→ How do I keep the mixture warm for serving?

Once combined, you can keep the meat sauce warm in a slow cooker set on low or warm until ready to assemble and serve.

→ Are there dairy or gluten concerns?

The filling is dairy-free. Use gluten-free buns if you are avoiding gluten to keep the meal suitable for more diets.

→ Can leftovers be stored and reheated?

Yes, store the meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat before serving.

Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes

Ground beef in Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce, served on buns for a sweet and tangy comfort meal.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 to 8 sandwiches)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Filling

01 900 g lean ground beef
02 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
05 1 cup diced onion
06 480 ml Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce

→ Serving

07 6 to 8 soft sandwich buns

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with granulated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is beginning to brown.

Step 02

Add diced onion to the skillet. Continue cooking until onions are softened and the beef begins to turn crisp in spots.

Step 03

Pour Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sauce into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef and onion mixture, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 04

Maintain the mixture at a gentle heat until serving. Alternatively, transfer to a slow cooker and keep warm until ready to assemble.

Step 05

Spoon the warm filling over sandwich buns. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  1. Allowing the mixture to simmer helps the sauce fully infuse the beef with flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and chopping board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten if served with standard wheat buns