Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Meatballs

These easy Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs with frozen meatballs, barbecue sauce, & brown sugar are sweet, tangy, & irresistible!

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Close-up of a hand holding a small skewer with a glazed meatball garnished with herbs, above a plate of similar meatballs.

These Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Meatballs are sweet, tangy, and downright addictive. Not only do they make an easy meal for the family but they also make a great appetizer!

A bowl of glazed meatballs garnished with herbs, placed on a wooden table next to a soda can and a glass of iced drink, with a white cloth and decorative items in the background.

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Serve them up anytime for family dinners, potlucks, game days, or whenever you need a quick dish with minimal effort. The ease of cooking with a slow cooker and the deliciousness of these meatballs will have you coming back for more.

With the sweetness of Dr. Pepper and the smoky richness of barbecue sauce, these meatballs will quickly become a favorite in your household!

If you love meatball recipes, then next you should try this recipe for Meatball Dump and Bake Casserole or this Cajun Meatball Stew.

Ingredients

This is an overview of the ingredients that you need to make this recipe. You can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

A bowl of raw meatballs next to bowls of BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and a can of Dr. Pepper.

Frozen Meatballs – Keep things simple and stress-free! Use your favorite brand of frozen meatballs to save time.
BBQ Sauce – This recipe works best with a smoky and slightly sweet barbecue sauce, but feel free to use your go-to brand.
Dr. Pepper – Dr. Pepper adds a sweet, caramel-like depth to the recipe.
Brown Sugar – For a touch of extra sweetness and to thicken the sauce, we’re adding brown sugar. Combined with the BBQ sauce and Dr. Pepper, it creates the most luscious glaze for these meatballs.

Instructions

This is an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The full instructions are available in the recipe card.

A black slow cooker filled with cooked meatballs on a marble surface.

Step 1: To your slow cooker add the meatballs.

A white bowl filled with a smooth, reddish-brown liquid on a marble surface.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, Dr. Pepper, and brown sugar.

A pot filled with numerous cooked meatballs coated in a sauce.

Step 3: Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir.

A crockpot filled with glazed meatballs, garnished with herbs, and a serving spoon on the side.

Step 4: Cover and cook, stirring occasionally.

Storage

Storage: Store the meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Cool the meatballs completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

Reheating – These Dr. Pepper BBQ meatballs reheat beautifully. Simply warm them up in a saucepan over medium heat, or pop them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

A bowl of glazed meatballs garnished with herbs, next to a can of Dr Pepper and a glass of ice-filled dark soda on a wooden table.

Wendy’s Tips

Want a thicker sauce? Cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to help the sauce reduce and thicken.
Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe! Just make sure you’re using a large enough slow cooker.
Add garnish: Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or green onions make for a beautiful finishing touch.

What To Serve With Dr. Pepper Meatballs

Mashed Potatoes: The sweet and tangy sauce is perfect drizzled over creamy mashed potatoes. Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes is also a health option.
Steamed Rice: Serve the meatballs over white or brown rice for a hearty main course.
Salad: Pair the rich meatballs with a light, crisp Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad for a balanced meal.

A white bowl filled with glazed meatballs, garnished with chopped parsley, placed on a wooden table with a soft drink can and a glass in the background.

FAQs

Can I Make This Recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! To make instant pot meatballs, combine all the ingredients in your instant pot, set it to pressure cook on high for 10-12 minutes, then release the pressure naturally.

Can I Use Homemade Meatballs?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure they’re pre-cooked before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent them from falling apart.