The foundation of many a good sauce is the combination of sweet and savory. And, it might sound strange but in these Dr Pepper Sloppy Joes the soda gives that sweetness to the mix that makes these sandwiches utterly irresistible. Get ready for a new take on a weeknight classic that’ll have everyone reaching for a second one!

After you cook the vegetables and meat you add the spices and the liquid ingredients, including some Dr Pepper. When you do this it will foam and look pretty unusual, but don’t worry. It will all cook down to a deep and flavorful sauce.

The spices and flavorings in the soda add to the taste, giving this sauce a wonderful flavor. Sweetness often brings out the best in meat dishes, think Coke on a baked ham or sweet chili sauce on chicken wings. To enhance this combo even more we’re also adding in some chili powder, Italian seasoning, and a bit of smoked paprika. This last ingredient gives the sauce a deeper flavor.

Cook it down until the sauce is nice and thick. While the sauce is bubbling away I like to take the buns and add them cut-side down to a baking sheet greased with olive oil. I pop them into the oven at 350˚F until they’re just beginning to get a bit crispy.

Before I take the sauce off the stovetop I like to give it a final taste and take the time to add extra seasonings if I feel they are needed. For me I usualy go back in with some extra chili powder and a little extra paprika.

Then you’re ready to plate these Dr Pepper Sloppy Joes up! This is arguably one of the most popular dinners of all time, but with a sweet and tangy twist.