Dr. Pepper Meatballs are the best southern meatballs around! They are sweet, smoky, and coated in a sticky and flavorful sauce. I love making these for a crowd since they're always a hit. If you're looking for the perfect appetizer for your next party, I highly recommend these little bites of heaven!
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The meatballs are delectably moist and full of flavor. As they cook in the sauce with the soda, they are infused with even more flavor without becoming overcooked. Spoon extra sauce over the top to make them even better.
If you like easy meatball recipes, you will love my crockpot Swedish meatballs and this meatball sub from Subway.
Why You'll Love This Dr. Pepper Meatball Recipe
- Just 3 Ingredients: With only 3 simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in a snap.
- Minimal Effort: Once everything is in the slow cooker, your work is done. Let it cook while you take care of other things!
- Versatile: I love serving these meatballs as a party appetizer or for a weeknight dinner with an easy side dish.
Ingredients
With the 3 items below, you can create a delicious meatball appetizer! I use common, easy-to-find ingredients to make it easier than ever.
- Frozen meatballs: I like to use Italian-style meatballs because they have great flavor. You can use plain if you prefer.
- BBQ sauce: Any variety of BBQ sauce would be perfect in this recipe. I typically use a smoky sauce to offset the sweetness of the soda, but feel free to try this recipe with a more vinegar-forward or honey BBQ flavor.
- Dr. Pepper: This is key to achieving tender and delicious meatballs. The soda adds moisture and a sweet flavor. It thickens and caramelizes as it cooks, too!
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Spicy: Try a spicy BBQ sauce or add your favorite hot sauce to turn up the heat. Even red pepper flakes work great!
- Root beer: Use root beer instead of Dr. Pepper for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Meatless: Use your favorite plant-based frozen meatballs to make a tasty meatless version.
How to Make Dr. Pepper Meatballs
Here are the instructions on how to make this delicious meatball appetizer recipe. Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work for you-it's that easy!
Step 1: Combine the sauce ingredients. Add the BBQ sauce and Dr. Pepper to the bottom of the slow cooker. Stir together until well combined.
Step 2: Add the meatballs. Pour in the frozen meatballs. Toss to coat them in the sauce.
Step 3: Cover and cook. Add the lid and cook the meatballs for 3 hours on low or 1 hour on high. Enjoy them warm!
⭐ Hint: Stir the meatballs halfway through cooking to ensure they are all warming evenly.
If you love easy recipes using canned soda like this, you may also enjoy this sweet and savory Dr. Pepper glazed ham. This Dr. Pepper ice cream is also worth checking out.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can also place them in a freezer bag or container and freeze them for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Heat leftover meatballs in the microwave or a saucepan over low heat.
- Make Ahead: Combine all of the ingredients and store the pot of your slow cooker covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking them. I like to do this the night before a party!
Serving Suggestions
- I love rice as a side dish with these meatballs to create a lovely complete dinner. Jamaican rice and peas and coconut ginger rice work great. Feel free to use white rice if you prefer!
- The leftovers taste just as delicious. Chop the meatballs and add them to a tossed salad or even this Mediterranean tortellini pasta salad for dinner or lunch the next day.
- Make a delicious meatball sub using Italian bread with herbs.
- Serve them as an appetizer before an easy meal like chicken hash brown casserole.
Recipe Tips
- Add a fresh garnish: Finish the meatballs with chopped green onion or parsley to make the presentation pop. A little color goes a long way!
- Make them on the stovetop: You can make this meatball recipe in a large pot on the stove instead of the slow cooker if you'd like. Allow them plenty of time to simmer in the sauce over medium heat.
- No need to thaw the meatballs: This recipe is perfect as a last-minute idea! Throw your meatballs in straight from the freezer.
Recipe FAQs
Sure! If you have a favorite recipe, use that instead of a store-bought variety.
You can, but ensure they are chilled or frozen and fully cooked. Otherwise, they will fall apart in the crock pot.
Of course! Diet or Dr. Pepper Zero will work fine in this recipe.
Video
More Delicious Crockpot Meatball Recipes
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Dr. Pepper Meatballs
Equipment
- 6-8 quart crockpot
- Large spoon to stir
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen Italian style meatballs fully cooked
- 1 18-ounce bottle BBQ sauce
- 1 16.9-ounce bottle Dr. Pepper
Instructions
- Add the Dr Pepper and BBQ sauce to the crockpot, stirring until well combined.
- Add the meatballs (still frozen) to the crockpot and stir to coat them in the Dr. Pepper mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1 hour. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Add a fresh garnish: Finish the meatballs with chopped green onion or parsley to make the presentation pop. A little color goes a long way!
- Make them on the stovetop: You can make this meatball recipe in a large pot on the stove instead of the slow cooker if you'd like. Allow them plenty of time to simmer in the sauce over medium heat.
- No need to thaw the meatballs: This recipe is perfect as a last-minute idea! Throw your meatballs in straight from the freezer.
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