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Dr. Pepper Meatballs

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Dr. Pepper Meatballs are tender, juicy meatballs coated in a sticky-sweet and tangy glaze made with the classic soda, ketchup, and spices. They’re perfect as a party appetizer or served over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef (or beef and pork mix)
  2. ½ cup bread crumbs
  3. 1 egg
  4. ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  6. 1 tsp salt
  7. ½ tsp black pepper
  8. 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

For the sauce:

  • 1 cup Dr. Pepper
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a skillet if pan-frying.

  1. In a bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake 15–20 minutes or pan-fry until browned and cooked through.
  4. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine Dr. Pepper, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and spices. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  5. Cook 10–15 minutes, stirring, until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce, stir to coat, and simmer another 5–10 minutes until glazed.
  7. Serve warm as an appetizer or over rice or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  1. Use frozen meatballs for a shortcut—just heat and toss in the sauce.
  2. For extra heat, add hot sauce or more red pepper flakes.
  3. A mix of beef and pork makes the meatballs extra tender.
  4. Keep warm in a slow cooker for parties.
  5. To thicken sauce further, simmer longer or use a cornstarch slurry.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/dr-pepper-meatballs/