Description

Dr. Pepper Barbecue Sloppy Joes combine the best parts of classic comfort food with a sweet-and-smoky BBQ upgrade. This recipe brings together rich ground beef, a sticky homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, and your favorite toasted buns for a weeknight dinner or game-day sandwich that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s easy, bold, and unforgettable.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for added depth

For the Homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce:

1 cup Dr. Pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Pinch of salt & pepper
Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for heat

For Assembly:

4 brioche buns or potato rolls
1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
Toppings: shredded cheese, jalapeños, pickles, or coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the BBQ Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine Dr. Pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and tomato paste.
Stir in all spices: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust: add vinegar if too sweet, brown sugar if too tangy, or cayenne if you like heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Add ground beef. Brown thoroughly, breaking it up with a spatula, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Combine Sauce and Meat

Pour your homemade Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce over the browned meat.
Stir to coat evenly and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes until everything thickens and flavors meld.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

Butter each bun half and toast face-down in a skillet until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sloppy Joes

Spoon a generous portion of the meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
Top with optional cheese, slaw, or pickles.

Notes

Let the sauce simmer long enough—flavor builds over time.
Don’t overload the bun—these are messy but manageable.
Toasting the bun prevents it from getting soggy and adds great crunch.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 30 min