Dr. Pepper BBQ Sloppy Joes

This recipe come from Facebook.  It was originally posted on Easy Recipes.  A sweet and savory twist on a childhood favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup Dr. Pepper soda
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite variety)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 hamburger buns

Directions:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. 
• Drain excess fat.
• Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. 
• Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in Dr. Pepper, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. 
• Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
• Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto hamburger buns. 
• Serve warm.