Bold Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes (Print version)
Thick ground beef simmered in Dr. Pepper, smoky BBQ sauce, and a kick of heat. Ready in 30 minutes for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the filling
01 -
1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef, 80/20
02 -
1 cup (150 g) yellow onion, diced
03 -
1/2 cup (75 g) green bell pepper, diced
04 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
For the bold Dr. Pepper sauce
05 -
3/4 cup (180 ml) Dr. Pepper soda
06 -
1/2 cup (120 ml) smoky barbecue sauce
07 -
1/3 cup (80 ml) ketchup
08 -
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
09 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
10 -
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
11 -
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
12 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 -
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced (optional)
14 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
15 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For serving
16 -
6 sturdy hamburger buns (brioche or potato)
17 -
Butter, for toasting
18 -
Sliced cheddar or pepper jack (optional)
19 -
Pickled jalapeños or dill pickles (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until mostly browned. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and continue cooking until the vegetables are softened and the beef is fully cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes total. Drain excess fat if there is more than a thin coating in the pan.
02 -
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
03 -
Pour in the Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chipotle pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and bring the mixture to a simmer.
04 -
Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar as needed.
05 -
Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them in a dry skillet or under a broiler until golden. Spoon the hot filling onto the bottom buns, add cheese or pickles if desired, and top with the remaining bun halves. Serve immediately.
# Good to know:
01 -
The filling thickens as it cools. If it gets too thick, loosen with a splash of water or extra Dr. Pepper.
02 -
For a milder version, omit the chipotle pepper and use a sweet barbecue sauce.