Dr. Pepper Meatballs

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.

Carbonated beverages are a secret ingredient in a few of my favorite dishes, including my baked ham recipe. They truly add delicious flavor to ordinary meals, like meatballs! My Dr. Pepper meatball recipe is so easy to make and can be eaten as a game-day appetizer or a main dish. I like to serve it over rice with my favorite sides.

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 salt and black pepper 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 Dr. Pepper meatball 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 heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a more savory flavor, add a teaspoon of onion powder.

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