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Dr Pepper Steak Bites

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These tender steak bites are seared and slow-cooked in a flavorful Dr Pepper sauce that combines honey, BBQ sauce, garlic, and spices for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The low and slow cooking method ensures melt-in-your-mouth texture ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or in toasted buns. A quick cornstarch slurry can be added at the end to thicken the sauce for a glossy finish. This dish is simple, comforting, and packed with bold flavors that are sure to please any busy cook.

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A chef in a kitchen preparing food.
Created by Olivia Olivia
Last modified on Sun, 16 Nov 2025 19:52:12 GMT
A plate of food with meat and potatoes. Save
A plate of food with meat and potatoes. | cuisineandlife.com

These Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites bring together tender, juicy steak cooked low and slow in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce featuring Dr. Pepper, honey, BBQ sauce, and a touch of garlic. Perfect for a handsoff dinner that still feels indulgent and packed with flavor, they are great for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where comfort food rules. The balance of the soda’s sweetness with tangy and smoky notes creates a sauce that clings beautifully to the meat, making every bite satisfying and memorable.

I first tried making these on a lazy Sunday afternoon and was amazed at how the Dr. Pepper transformed into this luscious sauce. My family couldnt get enough and now its a goto when I want to impress with almost no effort.

Ingredients

  • Steak: Steak (sirloin, London broil, chuck roast, or stew beef) (choose based on tenderness and cooking time). Sirloin offers leaner bites while chuck roast becomes fork tender after slow cooking, making the dish adaptable to your taste and budget
  • Dr. Pepper: The magic ingredient that adds a unique sweet and slightly spicy dimension to the sauce, so use the original version for the best results
  • Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps balance the flavors in the sauce
  • Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and adds a subtle molasses note for richness
  • BBQ sauce: Essential for smoky and tangy flavor; pick your favorite style to customize the taste
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth and umami, making the sauce more complex
  • Garlic: Fresh is best for aromatics and flavor intensity
  • Black pepper: Freshly cracked for a hint of heat and spice
  • Cornstarch: Used at the end to thicken the sauce for that perfect sticky glaze
  • Water: To create a cornstarch slurry for thickening the sauce

Instructions

Sear the Steak Bites:
Heat a large skillet over medium high and quickly sear the steak bites for a few seconds on each side. You just want to get some golden color on the surface without cooking through. This step locks in flavor and gives your bites a beautiful crust that will stand up to the slow cooking.
Add the Steak to the Crockpot:
Transfer the seared steak bites into your slow cooker to start building the base of your dish. The slow cooker will handle making the meat melt in your mouth tender over the next few hours.
Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Dr. Pepper, honey, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and freshly cracked black pepper. This sauce is where all your flavor layers come together to infuse the meat.
Pour the Sauce Over the Steak:
Carefully pour the sauce mixture over your steak bites in the crockpot, making sure the meat is well coated and ready to soak up all those bold flavors.
Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to low heat. Let it cook gently for about 4 hours or until the steak is fork tender. This slow cooking is essential to tenderize even tougher cuts and develop rich depth in the sauce.
Thicken the Sauce (If Needed):
If you find the sauce too thin at the end of cooking, mix equal parts cold water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and cook for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce into a glossy, sticky finish that clings beautifully to the steak bites.
Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon the steak bites and plenty of sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or pile into toasted slider buns for a delicious meal that everyone will love.
A bowl of meat and vegetables.
A bowl of meat and vegetables. | cuisineandlife.com

My favorite part of this recipe is the sauce. The Dr. Pepper brings such a unique sweetness and slight spice that balances perfectly with the garlic and BBQ sauce. I always remember my first time making this dish for friends at a casual weekend get together. The compliments kept coming, and now its a staple whenever I want to serve something different but fussfree.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep the steak nice and tender. If freezing, portion the steak bites in freezer safe containers and keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you dont have Dr. Pepper, a mix of cola and root beer can mimic the sweet and spicy notes, though the flavor will change slightly. Maple syrup or brown sugar can substitute honey if needed adjust sweetness according to taste. Any BBQ sauce works well, so if you prefer it smoky, spicy, or sweet, choose a sauce that matches your preference. Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available, but fresh will give you the best depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These steak bites shine over creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. Try serving with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts to add a caramelized bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce. For a lighter option, serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice and add a crisp green side salad to balance the richness.

A spoon is in a bowl of steak bites.
A spoon is in a bowl of steak bites. | cuisineandlife.com

This Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites recipe is an easy hands off crowd pleaser that delivers tender meat and a sticky sweet savory sauce. Experiment with BBQ sauce styles and a pinch of red pepper flakes to make it your own.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What cuts of steak work best for this dish?

Sirloin offers a leaner, tender bite, while chuck roast or stew beef becomes exceptionally tender when slow-cooked.

→ Why should I sear the steak bites before slow cooking?

Searing locks in flavor and gives the steak a golden edge, enhancing the overall taste and texture.

→ How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?

Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce near the end of cooking to achieve a glossy, thicker consistency.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in the sauce?

Yes, adding red pepper flakes provides a nice kick to balance the sweet components like Dr Pepper and honey.

→ What are ideal side dishes to serve with these steak bites?

Try creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed rice, egg noodles, or toasted slider buns to complement the flavors.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a microwave or skillet.

Dr Pepper Steak Bites

Juicy steak bites slow-cooked in a rich Dr Pepper sauce with honey, garlic, and BBQ notes.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
240 minutes
Total Time Required
255 minutes
Created by Olivia: Olivia

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Perfect for Beginners

Style of Cuisine: American

Serves: 4 How Many Servings

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients Needed

→ Protein

01 1.5 pounds steak bites (sirloin, London broil, chuck roast, or stew beef)

→ Sauce

02 12 fl oz Dr. Pepper soda
03 3 tablespoons honey
04 3 tablespoons brown sugar
05 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
06 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Thickening Agent

09 2 tablespoons cornstarch
10 2 tablespoons cold water

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the steak bites for 30 seconds per side until lightly browned.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together Dr. Pepper, honey, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper until combined.

Step 03

Place seared steak bites into the slow cooker and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the meat.

Step 04

Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours or until the steak bites are fork-tender.

Step 05

If the sauce is too thin after cooking, mix cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until thickened.

Step 06

Spoon steak bites and sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or toasted buns and enjoy.

Helpful Hints

  1. Quickly searing the steak bites locks in flavor and adds a rich caramelized crust.
  2. Choose your preferred cut of beef based on desired tenderness and flavor profile.
  3. Adjust barbecue sauce variety to customize the flavor—from smoky to tangy.
  4. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
  5. Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Details

Check ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains honey and barbecue sauce; check labels for potential allergens such as soy or gluten.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These nutrition figures are for guidance only and don’t replace advice from a medical professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 380
  • Fat Content: 12 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 35 grams
  • Protein Content: 35 grams