Slow cooker Coca Cola meatballs are an easy appetizer or main dish made with frozen meatballs and very little prep work. The Coca-Cola adds a sweetness and depth of flavor, and when combined with the brown sugar, BBQ sauce, and Dijon mustard for zing, the results are heavenly!
There are so many ways to flavor saucy meatballs, but my favorite has to be the combination of sweet and something else, like sweet and tangy cranberry meatballs, or sweet and savory like honey garlic meatballs, or sweet and spicy meatballs for a kick!
I have a full collection of meatball recipes perfect for any occasion and these coca-cola meatballs are the newest one in the lineup.
Preparing them in the slow cooker is super convenient, especially when using frozen meatballs. They’re dumped right in without needing to thaw them first, and they simmer away in the sauce for hours. Once they’re done, they can be kept warm until you’re ready to serve them.
Enjoy them as an appetizer or main meal, but either way, keep this recipe handy because you’ll be looking for excuses to make it!
Crockpot Coca-Cola Meatballs
Why you’ll love this recipe
- They’re great as toothpick appetizers or a main dish served over rice.
- The slow cooker keeps them warm when serving a crowd.
- A dump-and-set recipe means the crockpot does the work.
- You’ll love the sweet and tangy flavors!
Helpful Tools
Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe, why you need them, and possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.
Jump- Frozen meatballs – No need to thaw them first. Toss them in frozen. I use all beef meatballs, but you can use what you like. Chicken, pork, turkey, etc.
- BBQ sauce – I like to use my copycat KFC honey BBQ sauce, but you can use whatever your favorite is.
- Coca Cola – Just a cup! I’ve only ever used regular, so I can’t speak to whether diet coke or coke zero turns out the same way.
- Brown sugar – For even more sweetness and flavor.
- Dijon mustard and garlic – Dijon mustard and minced garlic balance the sauce with a zesty, tangy, and slightly spicy taste.
- Parsley or scallions – Optional for garnish.
How to make Coca Cola Meatballs
This section shows you how to make this recipe, with process photos showing the steps to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Jump- Step 1: Dump the meatballs into the basin of your slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, stir the BBQ sauce, Coke, brown sugar, Dijon, and minced garlic. Pour it over the meatballs, and stir everything making sure the meatballs are coated.
- Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours, coming back to stir on occasion.
- Step 4: Serve garnished with green onions or fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Every slow cooker runs differently. Times given are a general recommendation and should be tested in your own slow cooker and adjusted as needed.
- Toss in some red pepper flakes for some spiciness.
- You can use homemade meatballs if you prefer. Brown them in a skillet first.
- Enhance the flavor with different types of barbecue sauce—hickory, honey, applewood, smoky, vinegary, etc.
- Swap the Coca Cola for Dr. Pepper for a similar (yet different) flavor profile.
- Serve as a toothpick appetizer or over mashed potatoes or rice as a main.
Storage & Reheating
How to store leftovers
Once completely cooled, store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. You should have leftovers for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
These reheat easily in the microwave. The sauce splatters, so either cover it with a microwave cover or warm them in the slow cooker instead.
Need more meatball recipes? Try these:
Easy Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
Slow Cooker Fire Cracker Chicken Meatballs
Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs
Click here to view my entire collection of meatball recipes.
Did You Make This?
If you made this recipe, I’d love to know how it went in the comments section below.
You can also tag me on Instagram – @melissa_ppplates or share a pic in the Persnickety Plates Community Facebook group. I love seeing what you’ve tried!
Slow Cooker Coca Cola Meatballs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs
- 1 cup bbq sauce
- 1 cup Coca Cola
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- parsley or scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the frozen meatballs into the basin of a 6 quart slow cooker.32 ounces frozen meatballs
- To a medium bowl, stir together the bbq sauce, Coke, brown sugar, dijon, and minced garlic.1 cup bbq sauce, 1 cup Coca Cola, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons dijon mustard, 1 clove garlic
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours, stirring occassionally.
- Top with scallions or green onions and serve.parsley or scallions
Notes
- Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes or rice as a main meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- You can add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- You can use homemade meatballs as long as they are browned before adding to the slow cooker.
- Use your favorite bbq sauce – homemade or bottled.
- I tested with regular Coca Cola (not Diet or Zero). Results may vary.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Excellent flavor!!
Thanks, Elise!