How to Make Slow Cooker Meatballs

Meatballs make a great appetizer for parties. They’re conveniently bite-sized and easy to pick up on a toothpick, so you don’t need to mess around with utensils or even plates. I love to pep up their flavor by serving them with a spicy-sweet sauce – like my Honey Garlic Meatballs or Zesty Cranberry Meatballs.

This new meatball has that same sweet and spicy flavor combo, but with an unexpected ingredient: Dr Pepper! (Yes, that’s spelled right – there’s no period after the “Dr,” thank you very much.) This iconic soda has a unique flavor that’s impossible to pin down – like a cola but with hints of cherry, vanilla, licorice, and who knows what else. Adding about six ounces of the Doctor to your favorite BBQ sauce gives your meatballs a hint of that elusive, magical taste, along with the tangy and spicy flavors any good BBQ sauce should have.

These meatballs couldn’t possibly be easier to make. Just dump ready-made meatballs in the crock with your sauce and Dr Pepper, then let them simmer for a few hours. You can serve them right in the Crockpot – no extra containers needed. And if you keep it on the warm setting, your meatballs will stay hot and tasty all night long (or until they’re all gobbled up).

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Recipe Tips

Could you make these Meatballs in the Instant Pot instead?

Yes! If you start with frozen meatballs, they’ll cook in about five minutes at high pressure, followed by a quick release. If they’re not quite done, turn the pot to saute and heat them a few more minutes that way.

You said you used Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce, but Sweet Baby Ray’s makes more than one kind. Which one should I use?

You can’t go wrong with the original version, but if there’s another variety you really love, I’m sure it would work fine.

I don’t have any Dr Pepper – can I use cola instead?

Definitely not! It’s that unique Dr Pepper flavor that gives these meatballs their special kick. Accept no substitutes!

How to Make Dr. Pepper Crockpot Meatballs

In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, Dr. Pepper. Mix well.
Add frozen meatballs to Crockpot, cover with sauce mixture, then place lid on crockpot.
Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours., stirring occasionally.
Once done cooking, leave the crockpot on the warm setting to keep them warm during your gathering.

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TOOLS USED FOR THIS DR. PEPPER CROCKPOT MEATBALLS

Slow Cooker: Here is one of my favorite crockpots!
Slow Cooker Liners: Do you love easy clean-up jobs? Give these liners a try.
Food Tongs: Non-slip Surface design offer you the best control on food.

Dr. Pepper Crockpot Meatballs - Family Fresh Meals

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