Dr. Pepper Meatballs
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Sweet and tangy thanks to the combination of ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and Dr. Pepper, with a smell that sets stomachs growling, these Dr. Pepper meatballs are the perfect game-day treat.
To make Dr. Pepper meatballs, you’re going to need some store-bought or homemade meatballs, granulated garlic, Dr. Pepper soda, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup. It sounds like an eclectic mix of ingredients, but the end result is an irresistibly sweet, savory, and tangy glaze. Trust me, after that first bite you’ll be as addicted as I am.
The instructions couldn’t be easier either. Just combine all the sauce ingredients, bring them to a boil, add the meatballs, and cook until the sauce thickens (about 20 minutes). They’ll be ready to eat in just 30 minutes. That’s my kind of quick meal! These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for your next holiday party, tailgating event, or potluck. But you better make double because I bet they’ll disappear in seconds.
What You’ll Need to Make Dr. Pepper Meatballs
Ingredients
- ketchup
- apple cider vinegar
- Dr. Pepper
- garlic powder
- brown sugar
- meatballs
How to Make Dr. Pepper Meatballs
Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a dutch oven and season with and to taste. Cook sauce over medium heat and stir constantly until everything is all blended together (about five minutes or so).
Add in meatballs, you can use fresh or frozen (no thawing necessary), and stir to coat.
Continue to cook over medium heat and bring sauce to a light boil. Stir the meatballs gently every so often, being careful not to break up the meatballs. Simmer for about 20 minutes (or so) until the sauce is reduced and coats the meatballs well.
Serve Dr. Pepper Meatballs over rice, riced cauliflower and nestle some meatballs along with the sauce on top. If you are serving these for a party or, put them on a platter with toothpicks!
Enjoy the sweet tangy goodness!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave.
Tips for making Dr. Pepper Meatballs
- You can use regular Dr. Pepper, Generic Dr. Pepper, Diet Dr. Pepper or even Dr. Pepper Zero. You could also use Coke. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try another soda flavor!
- In this recipe both fresh or frozen meatball options are already cooked. But you could make this with uncooked meatballs because the heat and time are plenty long enough to get them done. Just be a little more careful in stirring because they are gonna break apart easier and they will be tempted to stick to the bottom of the pot.
- For a different flavor, substitute the ketchup for your favorite BBQ sauce. You can’t go wrong with Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce.
- If you like, add a garnish of chopped fresh parsley or green onion.
- For , add a pinch of . For a more savory , add a teaspoon of .
Dr. Pepper Meatball Recipe FAQs
Can I make Dr. Pepper meatballs in the crockpot?
Yes, you can make these meatballs in the crockpot. Combine all ingredients and cook in the slow cooker on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. Give them a stir every hour or so. You can also conveniently leave your slow cooker on the warm setting afterward so they stay warm during your gathering.
How do you serve Dr. Pepper meatballs?
You can serve your meatballs as an appetizer or main meal. If going for the main dish option, serve them with cooked rice or mashed potatoes and your favorite veggie side dish. This might be fresh green beans, zucchini and squash, or roasted veggies.
Other Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
- Salisbury Steak Meatballs in the Crockpot
- Cranberry Orange Meatballs
- Speedy Italian Meatball Soup
- Puff Pastry Meatball Marinara Bites
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can Dr. Pepper
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup dark or light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
Instructions
- Combine everything except the meatballs in a dutch oven or a similar pot on the stovetop. Stirring constantly, bring this just to a boil over medium-high heat.1 can Dr. Pepper, 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup dark or light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- Carefully add meatballs and stir to coat. Continue to cook over medium heat until sauce has reduced by at least half and is nice and thick (roughly 20 minutes), stirring every so often to prevent meatballs from burning.2 lbs frozen meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
- Serve on their own as an appetizer or over rice as a meal.
I made these tonight. When I began reading the ingredients I realized I had everything, although I only had canned coca cola on hand. I really believe the cast iron Dutch oven was the secret. I actually bought mine about two years ago but have only used it a few times. We had rice and green beans so the meal came together nicely. Thanks for your recipes, newsletter, and all you do. I am Southern born and bred too. Your cooking always reminds me of sitting at my grandmother and mothers table.
Thank you so much Lisa!!! I hope you enjoy the meatballs!
Thanks, for the encouragement I needed to hear those kinds of prayers to give me strength to continue with life. Since I lost my son it being hard.
Agnes, I’m praying for you to find God’s overwhelming grace and peace poured out upon you. May you be wrapped in the arms of Jesus and know that even having your son go on ahead will work for the glory of the Lord in your life as you walk through this deep valley. (((hugs)))
Susan, thank you for your kind words I really appreciate your kindness, I thank God for people like you. Don’t stop praying for me! Thank you! Thank you! Have a blessed night.
~HUGS~ I can’t even begin to imagine the pain Agnes, but please know that my prayers are with you!
Thanks for an awesome post! Needed some encouragement today. Have you ever heard the Lincoln Brewster song “Everlasting God”? If not, listen to it online, and concentrate on the end, where a little child, probably no older than a toddler, recites the end of the passage your Brady recited. It melts me every time I hear that little ones’ voice. …’And a little child shall lead them..”
I love that song Sharon, thank you for reminding me…I need to go listen to it again.
Christy,
Your post today was like a breath of fresh air at at time when I am at a turning point. A message like this one gives you that little extra push needed to continue having faith that all things work out in God’s good time. Thank you so much for giving of yourself and being a messenger of hope and thanksgiving.
My very best to you and your loving family,
Jane P.
Thank you Jane, blessings to you and your family as well!
As always, Christy, just what we needed and a good recipe to boot! Thanks, dear friend!
Thank you Mary!
Thank you my grand-daughter and I needed to read this today. Thanks for sharing. Christy you are truly a blessing.God bless. I will be making these meat balls.
I am so glad it was what you needed Liz!! I hope you enjoy the meatballs when you get a chance to make them and I hope you have a blessed day!
Hi, Christy!
I’m sure the recipe is wonderful and it will be saved. But the reason I’m writing is what you said before the recipe. I got goose bumps all up and down my arms and my eyes teared up. He gives us the answers in His own time, as he sees fit, even though they may not be what we want or expect…but it’s always for the best. As I always say, “It will work out, just trust Him.”
I’ve been lurking for a long while so I thought it was time to say something. I bought your cookbook from the Q and between it and the recipes on your site I’m in heaven!
Thank you for sharing your love of food, family and Him, but not necessarily in that order!
I am so glad you are enjoying the posts and recipes!! Blessings!!