Who doesn’t love a four ingredient crockpot meatball recipe that will impress everyone at a party? These slow cooker Dr Pepper Meatballs are just the right mix of sweet and savory and with just five minutes of prep time, they’re going to be a go-to recipe.
My collection of crockpot meatball recipes is ever growing. Using frozen meatballs, whether homemade or your favorite premade bagged version, the flavor possibilities are nearly endless.
After everyone loved my coca cola meatballs, I decided to do a Dr. Pepper meatball recipe and it’s equally good and just as easy!
Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Meatballs
Why you’ll love Dr Pepper Meatballs
- These meatballs are great as toothpick appetizers or a main dish served over rice or mashed potatoes.
- A dump-and-go recipe means the crockpot does the work.
- The slow cooker keeps them warm which makes them perfect for serving a crowd.
- You’ll love the sweet and tangy flavors!
Helpful Tools
- Slow Cooker – this has been my slow cooker of choice for years. Read my full review here. It’s a 6 quart so plenty large for this recipe.
- Silicone Measuring Cups – these are great for measuring liquids.
- Silicone spatulas – I use these for EVERYTHING.
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- Meatballs – Use your favorite variety of frozen meatballs, we usually opt for “homestyle” from the freezer department (GFS or Sam’s Club brand), or prep a large batch of homemade meatballs and store in the freezer for use in these types of recipes.
- BBQ Sauce – Again, use your favorite bbq sauce. We use like Open Pit because it has a strong vinegar base, not an overly sweet & thick bbq. My homemade spicy bbq sauce would be great in these as well.
- Dr. Pepper – You only need 3/4 cup. I only tested with “regular” Dr. Pepper but I’m sure the sugar free kind would work, if that’s what you prefer.
- Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds to the sticky sweetness of the sauce.
How to make Dr. Pepper BBQ 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 One: To the basin of your crockpot, stir together the BBQ sauce, Dr. Pepper, and brown sugar. Pour in the meatballs and stir so they’re fully coated.
- Step Two: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2.5 hours.
- Step Three: Sprinkle on some chopped parsley & serve!
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 Dr. Pepepr for Coca Cola 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 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 crockpot meatballs recipes? Try these:
Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs
Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs
Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Meatballs
Click here to view my entire collection of meatball recipes.
Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup bbq sauce
- ¾ cup Dr. Pepper
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 32 ounces frozen meatballs
- parsley for garnish
Instructions
- To the basin of a 6 quart slow cooker, stir together the bbq sauce, Dr. Pepper, and brown sugar.1 cup bbq sauce, ¾ cup Dr. Pepper, ¼ cup brown sugar
- Pour in the meatballs and stir so they're evenly coated.32 ounces frozen meatballs
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2.5 hours, stirring every now and then.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve.parsley
Notes
- 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, or your favorite frozen meatballs.
- Use your favorite bbq sauce – homemade or bottled. We use Open Pit, which is more savory, rather than an overly sweet BBQ sauce.
- I tested with regular Dr. Pepper (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.
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