Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes (Printer-Friendly Version)
Ground beef in Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce delivers quick, flavorful sandwiches perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Sloppy Joe Filling
01 -
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
02 -
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
03 -
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
04 -
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 -
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
06 -
1 1/4 cups Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce
→ To Serve
07 -
6 sturdy sandwich buns
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef in an even layer and season immediately with granulated garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is evenly browned and beginning to crisp around the edges, breaking up clumps as you go.
02 -
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and continue to cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is softened and translucent and some caramelized bits develop.
03 -
Pour the Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce over the beef and onion mixture. Stir to coat all components thoroughly. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer as the sauce thickens and clings to the meat.
04 -
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the mixture to reach a loose, cohesive consistency.
05 -
Spoon the hot sloppy joe filling onto the bottom halves of the sandwich buns. Top with remaining bun halves and serve immediately.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
For best flavor, prepare the filling up to a day ahead and reheat gently before assembling sandwiches.
02 -
The mixture can be kept warm in a slow cooker on the 'keep warm' setting if serving a crowd.
03 -
Leftover filling stores in the refrigerator up to 4 days or in the freezer up to 3 months.