Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites

When it comes to comfort food that’s effortless yet packed with flavor, few recipes hit the mark like Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites. This slow cooker favorite is an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining tender bites of steak with a rich, sweet-savory sauce featuring Dr. Pepper, BBQ sauce, honey, and garlic. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or tucked into mini sliders, these steak bites are guaranteed to impress your family and friends with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe so irresistible is the unique balance of flavors: the soda adds subtle caramel notes, the honey and brown sugar contribute sweetness, and the garlic and Worcestershire sauce bring a savory depth. Cooking the steak slowly in the crockpot ensures it’s fork-tender and infused with flavor throughout. Even better, it requires only a few minutes of prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Slow Cooker Meal: Toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work.
• Tender, Juicy Steak Bites: Slow cooking guarantees melt-in-your-mouth results.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor: A unique sauce with Dr. Pepper, BBQ sauce, and honey creates a flavor explosion.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or in sliders.
• Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples for a delicious, fuss-free meal.

Ingredients Breakdown

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds steak, cut into bite-size pieces (sirloin, London broil, chuck roast, or stew beef)

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup Dr. Pepper
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Thickening:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

This combination of ingredients delivers a balanced sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and rich, perfectly coating tender steak bites.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet for searing steak bites
• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Mixing bowl for sauce
• Whisk or spoon to combine sauce ingredients
• Tongs or spatula for handling steak
• Small bowl for cornstarch slurry (optional for thickening)
• Plates, serving utensils, or slider buns for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Steak Bites

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the steak bites for just a few seconds on each side. The goal is to develop a little color and caramelization on the outside — not to cook through. Searing helps lock in flavor and adds depth to the sauce.

2. Transfer to the Crockpot

Once seared, transfer the steak bites into your crockpot. Arrange them evenly for consistent cooking.

3. Prepare the Dr. Pepper Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

• Dr. Pepper
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• BBQ sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Minced garlic
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth. This sauce is sweet, savory, and aromatic — the perfect complement to your steak bites.

4. Add the Sauce to the Crockpot

Pour the prepared sauce over the seared steak bites, ensuring every piece is coated.

5. Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the steak bites are fork-tender. The slow cooking process allows the meat to soak up the flavors of the sauce while becoming incredibly tender.

6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If the sauce is thinner than desired at the end of cooking, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the crockpot, cover, and cook on high for an additional 5–10 minutes until thickened.

7. Serve

Spoon the steak bites with sauce over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, noodles, or use as a filling for sliders. Garnish as desired and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Tips & Variations

Cooking Tips

• Searing Matters: Don’t skip the sear — it enhances flavor and gives a slight caramelized crust.
• Uniform Pieces: Cut steak into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Check Sauce Thickness: Use the cornstarch slurry at the end if you prefer a thicker sauce for drizzling over sides.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Smoky Flavor: Swap BBQ sauce for smoked BBQ sauce for an extra layer of depth.
• Vegetable Add-In: Toss in chopped onions or bell peppers to the crockpot for a more hearty dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Steak: Sirloin or London broil work best, but chuck roast or stew beef can also be used.
• Sweetener: Adjust honey or brown sugar to taste for a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
• Soda: While Dr. Pepper gives a unique flavor, root beer or cola can be used as alternatives.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

The Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites balance sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors:

• Sweet: Honey and brown sugar
• Savory: Garlic, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce
• Caramelized Notes: From searing the steak and the soda in the sauce

Suggested Side Dishes

• Creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort pairing
• Steamed white or brown rice to soak up sauce
• Soft slider buns for casual serving
• Roasted or sautéed vegetables for a balanced plate

These sides help highlight the steak bites without overwhelming the unique flavor of the sauce.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: Approximately ½ pound steak with sauce
• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Cholesterol: 110mg

This dish is high in protein, moderately low in carbs, and perfect for a filling, hearty dinner.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep in Advance: Cut steak into bite-sized pieces and prepare sauce in advance. Refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Sear in Advance: Sear steak ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Storage: Store leftover steak bites with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent drying.

FAQs

1. Can I skip searing the steak?

Yes, but searing adds depth and caramelization to the flavor. It’s recommended for the best results.

2. Can I use frozen steak?

Steak should be fully thawed for even cooking and proper texture.

3. What if I don’t have Dr. Pepper?

Use a cola, root beer, or even ginger ale — each adds a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

4. How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should coat the steak but not be overly watery. Use the cornstarch slurry to achieve desired thickness.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, ensure your Worcestershire sauce and BBQ sauce are labeled gluten-free.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep ingredients	5 minutes
Sear steak bites	5–7 minutes
Crockpot cook	4 hours
Optional thickening	5–10 minutes
Serve	Immediate
Total Time	4 hours 5–10 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Spoon the steak bites over mashed potatoes for a hearty comfort meal.
• Serve on steamed rice for a weeknight favorite.
• Fill slider buns for a fun, casual dinner.
• Pair with roasted vegetables for a lighter, balanced option.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Dr. Pepper Steak Bites

Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

2. Smoky Bourbon Sauce

Replace ¼ cup honey with 2 tablespoons bourbon for a deeper, smoky flavor.

3. Veggie-Packed Version

Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to the crockpot for added nutrition.

4. Slow Cooker Mini Sliders

Serve the steak bites on slider buns with coleslaw for a fun party dish.

Ingredient Spotlight

Dr. Pepper

• Flavor: Sweet, slightly spiced soda that adds unique caramel and cherry notes to sauces.
• Tips: Use the classic version for authenticity; diet versions may alter sweetness.

Steak

• Cuts: Sirloin, London broil, or chuck roast works best.
• Tips: Cut into even bite-size pieces for consistent cooking.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot: Ensure steak bites have enough space to cook evenly in the sauce.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sauce before cooking; add more honey or brown sugar if needed.
• Thicken to Preference: Use cornstarch slurry sparingly — a little goes a long way.
• Serve Hot: The dish is best served immediately after thickening for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain tenderness.

Freezing

• Freeze steak bites with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly over low heat.
• Avoid freezing thickened sauce with cornstarch — it may separate when reheated; thicken after reheating.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	38g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	6g
Unsaturated Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	20g
Sodium	700mg
Cholesterol	110mg

Expanded Conclusion

Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites are a sweet, savory, and tender dish that elevates weeknight dinners into something truly memorable. The unique combination of Dr. Pepper, honey, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce infuses each bite of steak with irresistible flavor, while the slow cooker ensures perfectly tender meat every time. Serve this crowd-pleaser over mashed potatoes, rice, or in sliders, and watch it disappear in minutes.

With minimal prep, versatile serving options, and a flavor profile everyone loves, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your slow cooker rotation. It’s comfort food made easy, delicious, and sure to impress.

Print