Are you ready for the big game? We’re getting ready to throw a party here and I decided to spice things up a bit. I created a recipe for Coca-Cola Lime Beef, that when served in a bakery hoagie bun slightly resembles a football. I used a recipe similar to a homemade sloppy joe base, but I spiced it up with Coca-Cola and a dash of lime. They’re best served in a bakery style hoagie bun that’s sliced down the middle. I’m also showing you how easy it is to quickly throw together a great party tablescape. We don’t have a favorite team in this game; I decided to remain neutral and use a black and white referee color scheme. Our local Target had some exclusive limited time REESE’S Footballs that help make a few other dishes festive and added a touch of sweetness to the table.
When planning a party I usually do one hearty meat based dish, a choice of dips, chips or crackers, fruit for those who don’t want sweets, a few veggies, and a choice of dessert. Rarely do I cook everything from scratch, I just don’t have the time. My son spotted some peanut butter swirl cupcakes in the grocery store. I decided to top them with the REESE’S Footballs to make them a little more fun. I also made some homemade gooey Peanut Butter Cookie Bars (check back for that recipe early next week) topped with chocolate and added the REESE’s Footballs to the top. This is a football themed party after all? The black and white striped bags make it easier for guests to keep popcorn or other salty snacks with them to munch on during the game.
This recipe for Coca-Cola Lime Beef is simple and quick.
- 1½ lbs ground beef (or ground chuck)
- ½ cup Coca-Cola
- ½ large onion diced
- 1 clove minced garlic
- ½ large bell pepper diced
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Brown meat and drain excess fat
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, lime zest, and garlic to the meat mixture
- Cook until onions start to turn transparent
- Add Coca-Cola, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, lime juice, and mustard
- Bring to a low boil
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 mins
- Stir occasionally
- Serve on buns, bread, or with tortilla chips
You can be really festive and shape string cheese on top to make it look more like a football. My personal favorite is to load my bread and toast it in the oven.
Are you hosting a party to celebrate the big game? Have you decided what to serve? I suggest trying my Coca-Cola Lime Beef and pairing it with a few of your favorite Coca-Cola products and limited time REESE’S Footballs.