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Dr. Pepper Steak Bites

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These steak bites are seared for a golden crust, then slow-cooked in a rich Dr. Pepper sauce blended with honey, BBQ, garlic, and spices. The low and slow cooking method creates tender, juicy pieces perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or sliders. With a balance of sweet and savory flavors and easy prep, this dish offers comforting indulgence and bold taste without fuss.

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A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Sun, 16 Nov 2025 19:50:15 GMT
A plate of food with meat and potatoes. Bookmark
A plate of food with meat and potatoes. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

These Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites bring together tender, juicy chunks of steak cooked low and slow in a wonderfully rich sauce made with Dr. Pepper, BBQ sauce, honey, and garlic. They're an easy, nofuss dinner that feels indulgent but requires very little active effort. Perfect served over mashed potatoes, rice, or in a toasted bun, they make comfort food night a breeze.

I first whipped this up on a hectic weeknight when I barely had time to cook. The sauce was such a hit that my family keeps asking for it again and again now.

Ingredients

  • Steak (sirloin, London broil, chuck roast or stew beef): this recipe shines with your preferred cut depending on whether you want lean or meltinyourmouth tenderness
  • Dr. Pepper: to add unique sweetness and depth, opt for the classic version for the best flavor
  • Honey: brings a natural floral sweetness that balances the rich sauce
  • Brown sugar: enhances caramel notes in the dish and helps thicken the sauce
  • BBQ sauce: choose your favorite style whether smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy to customize the flavor profile
  • Worcestershire sauce: adds savory umami boost that rounds out the taste
  • Garlic: fresh minced garlic delivers aromatic depth and warmth
  • Black pepper: freshly ground for a little kick and balance
  • Cornstarch: to thicken the sauce if needed ensuring a glossy finish
  • Water: to mix with the cornstarch and help with thickening

Instructions

Sear the Steak Bites:
In a large skillet set over medium high heat, quickly sear the steak pieces for just a few seconds on each side until lightly browned. This step locks in flavor and gives a nice golden edge that slow cooking alone won’t achieve.
Add Steak to Crockpot:
Transfer the seared steak bites to your crockpot in an even layer to prepare for slow cooking.
Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the Dr. Pepper, honey, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
Pour Sauce and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the steak bites inside the crockpot. Cover and cook on low heat for about 4 hours until the steak is fork tender and bursting with flavor.
Thicken the Sauce if Needed:
If you find the sauce thinner than you like after cooking, mix equal parts cold water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot sauce, then cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon the steak bites and their sauce over creamy mashed potatoes, steaming rice, or into toasted buns for a saucy sandwich delight.
A bowl of meat and vegetables.
A bowl of meat and vegetables. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

One of my favorite parts is the unexpected magic the Dr. Pepper adds. It transforms the steak bites into something truly special with its sweet caramel and spice notes. I recall making this for a Sunday family dinner when everyone was hanging out in the kitchen chatting while it cooked away quietly all afternoon.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge and enjoy within three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to keep the meat tender and the sauce glossy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Dr. Pepper, a mix of cola and a splash of root beer soda can give a similar sweet, caramel flavor. Maple syrup can replace honey in a pinch, and you can swap Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce for a different kind of umami.

Serving Suggestions

These steak bites shine over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts provide a nice contrast with their slight bitterness. Try them piled into toasted buns with slaw for a fantastic casual sandwich.

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

These Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites are perfect for easy weeknight dinners and make great leftovers. They're rich, saucy, and sure to be a crowd pleaser.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What cuts of steak work best?

Sirloin, chuck roast, London broil, or stew beef all work well, offering tenderness and flavor when slow-cooked.

→ Why should I sear the steak bites first?

Searing locks in flavor and adds a golden crust that enhances taste and texture before slow cooking.

→ Can I adjust the sauce thickness?

Yes, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce at the end to thicken it to your liking.

→ How can I add heat to the dish?

A pinch or two of red pepper flakes balances the sweetness with a gentle spicy kick.

→ What sides pair well with these steak bites?

Mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, rice, egg noodles, or toasted buns complement the rich sauce and tender meat.

Dr. Pepper Steak Bites

Juicy steak bites slow-cooked in a sweet and savory Dr. Pepper sauce for effortless, flavorful comfort.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
240 minutes
Total Time
255 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: American

Portion Size: 4 Serving Size (4 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

→ Meat

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 2 tablespoons brown sugar
05 ½ cup BBQ sauce
06 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
07 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 1 teaspoon black pepper

→ Thickening Agent

09 1 tablespoon cornstarch
10 2 tablespoons cold water

Steps to Make This

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear steak bites on all sides for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer to crockpot.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Pour the sauce mixture over the seared steak bites in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until meat is fork tender.

Step 04

If the sauce is too thin after cooking, mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir into crockpot and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 05

Spoon steak bites and sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or toasted buns. Enjoy warm.

Additional Notes

  1. Searing the steak bites before slow cooking enhances flavor and adds a desirable caramelized crust.
  2. Choose your preferred BBQ sauce flavor profile to customize the dish.
  3. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
  4. Leftovers store well refrigerated up to 3 days and reheat on low heat or microwave.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains honey; verify BBQ sauce ingredients for allergens (e.g., soy, gluten).