Dr. Pepper Meatballs

Introduction

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s sweet, savory, and absolutely unforgettable, these Dr. Pepper Meatballs will definitely hit the mark. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a family get-together, or just craving a comforting snack, these meatballs are the perfect blend of bold flavors. The unique twist of Dr. Pepper adds a sweet, tangy kick that makes these meatballs stand out from the crowd. They’re incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

This recipe is all about combining simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. The Dr. Pepper adds a surprising depth of flavor, while the meatballs themselves are juicy and tender. Serve them as an appetizer or over rice for a hearty meal. Either way, they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Dr. Pepper Meatballs are going to become your new favorite snack:

• Bold Flavor: The Dr. Pepper gives the sauce a sweet and savory balance that’s unlike anything you’ve tried before.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps. These meatballs come together quickly and easily.
• Crowd-Pleaser: They’re perfect for feeding a crowd at parties, tailgates, or family dinners.
• Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even in sandwiches for a fun twist.
• Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet flavor of Dr. Pepper is usually a hit with kids (and adults too!).

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12-14 meatballs
• Calories per serving (3 meatballs): Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Fat: 21g, Carbohydrates: 18g, Sugar: 15g

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Dr. Pepper Sauce:

• 1 can (12 oz) Dr. Pepper
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Dr. Pepper: This iconic soda gives the sauce a unique sweetness and complexity, making the meatballs stand out.
• Ground Beef: The base of the meatballs. Ground beef provides a rich, hearty flavor, but you can mix in ground pork for extra tenderness.
• Breadcrumbs: These help keep the meatballs moist and give them the perfect texture.
• Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce: These add depth to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness of Dr. Pepper and brown sugar.
• Garlic and Onion: Essential for the savory kick in both the meatballs and the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until all ingredients are combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
3. Form the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You should have about 12-14 meatballs, depending on size.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.

Prepare the Dr. Pepper Sauce

1. Cook the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, add Dr. Pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using) to a medium saucepan. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water and stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Combine the Meatballs and Sauce

1. Toss Meatballs in Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the Dr. Pepper sauce. Stir gently to coat each meatball with the sauce.
2. Simmer Together: Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through.

How to Serve

Dr. Pepper Meatballs are perfect for serving in a variety of ways:

1. As an Appetizer: Serve the meatballs on toothpicks or in a small bowl with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
2. With Rice: For a complete meal, serve the meatballs over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
3. On a Sub Roll: Make a fun sandwich by placing the meatballs on a toasted sub roll and topping with melted cheese and fresh herbs.
4. With Veggies: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
5. As a Party Dish: Keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker for easy serving at parties or gatherings.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your meatballs turn out perfectly:

1. Don’t Overmix the Meat: When forming the meatballs, be careful not to overmix the ingredients, as this can result in tough meatballs.
2. Use Lean Meat: For a slightly healthier version, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey.
3. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar or Dr. Pepper in the sauce.
4. Add Spice: If you like things spicy, throw in a bit of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes in the sauce for an added kick.
5. Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze the extra meatballs for future meals. To reheat, just pop them in the oven or heat them in the sauce.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways you can mix things up:

• Spicy Dr. Pepper Meatballs: Add some chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy version.
• Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Meatballs: For an easy, hands-off version, cook the meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
• Gluten-Free Meatballs: Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Add Pineapple: Add some pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: These meatballs freeze well! After they cool, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and heat through in the sauce.

Special Equipment

For this recipe, you don’t need much beyond the basics:

• Baking Sheet: To bake the meatballs.
• Saucepan: To prepare the Dr. Pepper sauce.
• Slow Cooker (optional): For easy entertaining and keeping the meatballs warm.

FAQ Section

Got questions about this recipe? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you out!

• Can I use Dr. Pepper Cherry for extra flavor?
  Absolutely! Using Dr. Pepper Cherry can add an extra layer of fruity sweetness to your meatballs. The cherry flavor pairs really well with the savory elements of the meatballs and creates a fun twist on the original recipe. Feel free to experiment and see how you like the flavor combination!
• Can I use a different soda?
  Yes, you can definitely swap Dr. Pepper for other sodas if you prefer. Root beer is a great alternative, as its deep, sweet flavor complements the savory meatballs beautifully. You could also try cola for a more straightforward, caramel-like sweetness. Just keep in mind that each soda will slightly change the overall flavor profile of your dish, but they will all work nicely!
• How can I make this recipe spicier?
  If you like a bit more heat, there are several ways to spice things up. You can add chili flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños to the sauce. Another great option is to use a spicier barbecue sauce or salsa in the recipe to bring in some extra flavor and heat.
• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
  Yes, you can make the meatballs in advance! Prepare them and cook them as instructed, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving. When you’re ready to serve, just heat them up in the sauce until they’re warm and bubbly. You can also freeze the meatballs for later use.

Print

Conclusion

These Dr. Pepper Meatballs are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and just a little bit of spice. Whether you’re making them for a game day party, a family dinner, or just a cozy night in, they’re sure to be a hit. Try out different variations, and don’t forget to get creative with the toppings and sides!

I’d love to see how you make these meatballs your own – don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy!