How to Make Dr. Pepper Sloppy Joes

Create Aromatic Vegetable Base

Properly sauté onions and peppers to build foundational flavor.

Incorporate Dr. Pepper Strategically

Reduce soda to concentrate flavor while avoiding excessive sweetness.

Balance Sweet, Savory and Tangy Elements

Layer multiple seasonings and condiments for complex flavor profile.

Achieve Perfect Sloppy Joe Consistency

Simmer uncovered to develop thickness that's saucy but holds together.

Baking Tips

For best flavor, use regular Dr. Pepper, not diet or zero sugar varieties.

Let the mixture simmer uncovered to achieve the ideal thickness - it should be saucy but not runny.

For extra richness, add a tablespoon of butter just before serving.

The flavor improves if made a day ahead and reheated - perfect for meal prep.

Try toasting the buns with butter for additional flavor and to prevent sogginess.

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the vegetable mix or incorporate hot sauce into the sauce.

Dr. Pepper Sloppy Joes

Name: Dr. Pepper Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, finely diced; 1 green bell pepper, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda (not diet); 1/2 cup ketchup; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 6 hamburger buns, toasted; Optional toppings:; Sliced dill pickles; Shredded cheddar cheese; Diced white onion; Coleslaw; Jalapeño slices

A sweet and tangy twist on the classic Sloppy Joe featuring the distinctive flavor of Dr. Pepper soda. This family-friendly sandwich combines savory ground beef with a rich, complex sauce where the caramel notes of Dr. Pepper perfectly complement the tomato base. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, these elevated Sloppy Joes deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, finely diced

1 green bell pepper, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup Dr. Pepper soda (not diet)

1/2 cup ketchup

3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

6 hamburger buns, toasted

Optional toppings:

Sliced dill pickles

Shredded cheddar cheese

Diced white onion

Coleslaw

Jalapeño slices

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.

Drain excess fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.

Pour in the Dr. Pepper and bring to a simmer. Let it bubble for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the soda to reduce slightly.

Add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, chili powder, allspice, salt, and pepper.

Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Stir in the apple cider vinegar during the last minute of cooking to brighten the flavors.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or brown sugar according to preference.

Meanwhile, lightly toast the hamburger buns.

Spoon the hot Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns.

Add any optional toppings as desired.

Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately while hot.

Dr. Pepper Sloppy Joes

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Make Dr. Pepper Sloppy Joes

Dr. Pepper Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

Instructions