Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of these Dr. Pepper BBQ sloppy joes. The combination of tender ground beef, tangy BBQ sauce, and the unique twist of maraschino cherries results in a deliciously messy sandwich that's perfect for any casual dining experience.
Photos of Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes Recipe
While most of the ingredients for these sloppy joes are commonly found in your home, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket for a few specific items. The Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce and maraschino cherries might not be in your regular pantry staples, but they are essential for achieving the unique flavor profile of this recipe.
Ingredients For Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes
ground beef: Provides a rich and hearty base for the sloppy joes.
yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
green bell pepper: Contributes a fresh, slightly bitter flavor.
kosher salt: Enhances the overall taste.
coarse ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
diced tomatoes: Introduce acidity and moisture.
maraschino cherries: Provide a unique sweetness and a pop of color.
maraschino cherry juice: Boosts the cherry flavor.
beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce: Infuses the dish with sweet and tangy barbecue flavors.
worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complexity.
brioche buns: Soft and slightly sweet, perfect for holding the sloppy joe mixture.
One reader, Francis Guzman says:
The Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes recipe is a delightful twist on a classic! The sweet and tangy flavors blend perfectly, and the maraschino cherries add a unique touch. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, it's a hit with the whole family. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques for Delicious Sloppy Joes
How to dice an onion: Peel the onion, cut it in half, and make horizontal and vertical cuts to create small, even pieces. How to chop a bell pepper: Remove the stem and seeds, then slice the pepper into strips and chop into small pieces. How to brown ground beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until it is no longer pink. How to measure ingredients: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate amounts of each ingredient. How to simmer: Cook the mixture over low heat until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens.
How To Make Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes
Add some sweet twist to sloppy joes with this hearty dish that simmers the beef in Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce, maraschino cherries, and tomatoes.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbsground beef,(85/15)
- 1yellow onion,diced
- ½green bell pepper,chopped
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspcoarse ground black pepper
- 14.5ozdiced tomatoes,drained
- ½cupmaraschino cherries,chopped
- 2tbspmaraschino cherry juice
- 1cupbeef broth
- 1cupDr. Pepper BBQ Sauce
- 1tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 6brioche buns,toasted
Instructions
-
In a large skillet, add the beef, onions, green bell peppers, salt, and pepper.
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Cook well for 5 to 6 minutes breaking it apart but leaving some chunks.
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Add in the canned diced tomatoes, cherries, cherry juice, beef broth, bbq sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce starts to evaporate and the mixture becomes “sloppy.”
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Spoon the mixture onto the brioche buns, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 551.88kcal
- Fat: 24.85g
- Saturated Fat: 9.05g
- Trans Fat: 1.34g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.51g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.40g
- Carbohydrates: 55.58g
- Fiber: 3.83g
- Sugar: 30.37g
- Protein: 25.71g
- Cholesterol: 80.51mg
- Sodium: 962.57mg
- Calcium: 155.42mg
- Potassium: 753.47mg
- Iron: 4.78mg
- Vitamin A: 25.82µg
- Vitamin C: 20.55mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Sloppy Joes
For a richer flavor, allow the ground beef to brown slightly before adding the onions and green bell peppers. This caramelization adds depth to the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes
Pre-chop vegetables: Dice the onion and green bell pepper ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-made sauce: Opt for a store-bought Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce to save time on making your own.
Batch cook beef: Cook extra ground beef and freeze portions for future meals.
Quick cherry prep: Use a food processor to quickly chop the maraschino cherries.
One-pan method: Cook everything in one large skillet to minimize cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can provide a similar texture and flavor when seasoned well.
yellow onion - Substitute with red onion: Red onion can add a slightly sweeter and more colorful element to the dish.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell pepper is sweeter and can add a different flavor profile while maintaining the texture.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can be used to maintain the spiciness.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can provide a similar consistency and flavor to the dish.
maraschino cherries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries can add a similar sweetness and a bit of chewiness.
maraschino cherry juice - Substitute with pomegranate juice: Pomegranate juice can add a similar sweetness and a slight tartness.
beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a lighter alternative while still adding depth of flavor.
dr. pepper bbq sauce - Substitute with regular bbq sauce and cola: Mixing regular BBQ sauce with cola can mimic the unique flavor of Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and balsamic vinegar: A mix of soy sauce and balsamic vinegar can provide a similar umami and tangy flavor.
brioche buns - Substitute with potato buns: Potato buns are soft and slightly sweet, making them a good alternative to brioche buns.
How to Plate and Present Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes
Serve smaller portion sizes: Use a ring mold to shape a neat, compact portion of the sloppy joe mixture on each brioche bun. This ensures a refined presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish with finely chopped parsley or microgreens on top of the sloppy joe mixture for a touch of color and elegance.
Add texture contrast: Place a few crispy fried onion strings or a thin slice of pickle on top of the sloppy joe mixture to add a crunchy element.
Plate with precision: Arrange the brioche buns on a large, white plate, leaving ample space around each bun to highlight the dish's simplicity and sophistication.
Sauce presentation: Drizzle a small amount of dr. pepper bbq sauce artistically around the plate to tie in the flavors and add visual appeal.
Side accompaniment: Serve with a small side of homemade coleslaw or a lightly dressed arugula salad to balance the richness of the sloppy joe mixture.
Final touch: Lightly toast the brioche buns to give them a golden-brown color and a slight crunch, enhancing both the texture and appearance of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sloppy Joes
Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for browning the ground beef and cooking the mixture evenly.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for breaking apart the ground beef and stirring the ingredients without scratching the skillet.
Chef's knife: Essential for finely chopping the yellow onion and green bell pepper.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop the vegetables.
Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure the kosher salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the beef broth and Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce.
Can opener: Required to open the can of diced tomatoes.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the maraschino cherries and cherry juice before adding them to the skillet.
Tongs: Handy for handling the brioche buns when assembling the sloppy joes.
Serving spoon: Used to spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the brioche buns.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Let the sloppy joe mixture cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled mixture to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- For freezing:
- Divide the cooled sloppy joe mixture into portion-sized freezer bags or containers.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bags or containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer for more efficient storage and quicker thawing.
- Frozen sloppy joe mixture will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months.
- To reheat:
- Thaw the frozen mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the thawed mixture to a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve the reheated sloppy joes on fresh brioche buns for the best taste and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Sloppy Joes
The best way to reheat leftover dr. pepper bbq sloppy joes is to use a skillet or saucepan on the stovetop. Simply add the mixture to the pan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. This method allows you to control the temperature and ensure that the sloppy joes are evenly heated without drying out or burning.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the leftover sloppy joes in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the ground beef to become tough and dry.
If you have a lot of leftover sloppy joes, you can also reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the mixture in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sloppy joes are heated through. This method is great for reheating larger portions and ensuring that the mixture stays moist.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the sloppy joes before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may find that the flavors have intensified or mellowed during storage, so a little extra salt, pepper, or bbq sauce can help revive the taste.
Lastly, don't forget to toast your brioche buns before serving the reheated sloppy joes. This will add a nice crunch and help to elevate the overall texture of the dish. You can toast the buns in the oven, on a griddle, or even in a toaster for a quick and easy solution.
Interesting Trivia About Sloppy Joes
A unique twist in this recipe is the use of maraschino cherries and cherry juice, which add a sweet and tangy flavor to the sloppy joes. This combination, along with Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce, creates a distinctive taste that sets it apart from traditional sloppy joe recipes.
Is Making Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes Cost-Effective?
This Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. Using ground beef, yellow onion, green bell pepper, and pantry staples like diced tomatoes, maraschino cherries, and beef broth, it balances flavor and budget. The brioche buns add a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 7/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-$25 USD.
Is This Sloppy Joe Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- High calorie density: The combination of ground beef, BBQ sauce, and brioche buns results in a calorie-dense meal that may contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently.
- Saturated fat: Ground beef is a significant source of saturated fat, which, when consumed in excess, can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- Added sugars: Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce and maraschino cherries contain added sugars, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders when consumed in large quantities.
- Sodium content: The recipe includes salt, canned tomatoes, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, all of which contain sodium. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Opt for lean ground beef (90% or higher) or replace a portion of the beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu to reduce saturated fat content.
- Use a whole wheat or multigrain bun instead of brioche to increase fiber intake and reduce calorie density.
- Prepare a homemade BBQ sauce using tomato paste, vinegar, spices, and a reduced amount of sweetener to control sugar and sodium content.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables by adding more bell peppers, carrots, or celery to the sloppy joe mixture, boosting fiber and nutrient content.
- Serve the sloppy joes with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Sloppy Joe Recipe
This recipe offers a unique twist on classic sloppy joes by incorporating Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce and maraschino cherries, adding a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The combination of beef, onions, and green bell peppers provides a hearty base, while the cherries and cherry juice introduce an unexpected yet delightful sweetness. The use of brioche buns elevates the dish with their rich, buttery texture. Overall, this recipe is a creative and flavorful take on a traditional comfort food, perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting.
Enhance Your Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef, yellow onion, and green bell pepper with the unique sweetness of maraschino cherries and Dr. Pepper BBQ sauce. The result is a deliciously messy and satisfying sloppy joe that will delight your taste buds. The use of brioche buns adds a touch of elegance and a buttery finish. Trust this recipe for its balanced blend of savory and sweet, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
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