Slow Cooked Dr Pepper Steak

These Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites are a game changer for anyone who loves a simple slow cooker meal with big bold flavors. Tender steak bites soak up a sweet and savory sauce made from Dr. Pepper, honey, BBQ sauce, and garlic, creating a melt-in-your-mouth dish that feels indulgent but takes almost no effort. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even on toasted buns, it’s comfort food that makes weeknights feel special.

I first made this recipe when craving something hearty but not complicated. It quickly became a favorite in my house with everyone asking for seconds and grabbing biscuits to mop up all the sauce.

Ingredients

• Steak bites (sirloin, London broil, chuck roast or stew beef): choose based on desired tenderness and budget. Chuck or stew beef become incredibly tender after slow cooking
• Dr. Pepper: adds a unique sweet fizz and deep caramel flavor that’s hard to replicate
• Honey: balances savory notes with natural sweetness
• Brown sugar: boosts richness and thickens the sauce slightly
• BBQ sauce: pick your favorite style to customize the flavor profile, smoky or tangy are great options
• Worcestershire sauce: adds umami depth and a mild tang
• Garlic: fresh cloves provide aromatic punch (use fresh for best flavor)
• Black pepper: fresh cracked preferred for boldness
• Cornstarch: used at the end to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency
• Water: combines with cornstarch to create a slurry for thickening

Instructions

Sear the steak bites:

In a large skillet over medium high heat, quickly sear the steak bites for a few seconds on each side until lightly browned. This step locks in flavor and adds a beautiful golden crust that stays even after slow cooking. Avoid crowding the pan to get an even sear.

Add steak to crockpot:

Transfer the seared steak bites to your crockpot, spreading them evenly to allow slow cooking to work its magic on every piece.

Mix the sauce:

In a mixing bowl, combine the Dr. Pepper, honey, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Pour sauce over steak:

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the steak bites in the crockpot, ensuring each piece will be immersed in the delicious mixture for maximum flavor absorption.

Cook low and slow:

Cover the crockpot and set to cook on low for 4 hours or until the steak bites are fork tender. During this time, the flavors meld and the meat becomes incredibly soft.

Thicken the sauce if needed:

If the sauce appears too thin at the end of cooking, whisk together equal parts water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky finish.

Serve and enjoy:

Spoon the steak bites and rich sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or into slider buns for a comforting meal everyone will love.

Dr. Pepper is my secret weapon in this recipe. The unique caramel and spice notes add complexity that you simply cannot get with traditional soda or cola alternatives. This recipe has become a staple in my family, especially on nights when everyone wants something comforting but handson, and it’s always a crowd pleaser.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover steak bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the meat. You can also store the sauce separately to maintain texture if you prefer. To freeze, spread portions into freezersafe bags or containers and consume within three months for best freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Dr. Pepper, a cream soda or cola can work in a pinch but the flavor will not be quite as complex. Maple syrup or molasses can substitute the honey for a deeper, richer sweetness. For a different savory twist, try swapping Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce or tamari to add umami notes. Chili flakes or cayenne can be added to introduce heat if you like some spice.

Serving Suggestions

These steak bites are wonderful on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans provide balance with a fresh bite. You can make sliders by piling the steak bites into toasted buns with pickles and coleslaw for a fun casual meal. Over egg noodles tossed in butter, the dish becomes classic comfort food.

Serve these steak bites over mashed potatoes or in slider buns for a comforting, handsoff weeknight meal. It’s a crowd pleaser that stores and freezes well.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of steak works best?

Sirloin offers lean tenderness, while chuck roast or stew beef become melt-in-your-mouth soft after slow cooking.

→ Do I need to sear the steak bites first?

Yes, searing adds a golden crust and locks in flavors before slow cooking.

→ How can I thicken the sauce?

Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir into the sauce near the end of cooking and simmer to thicken.

→ Can I add spice to this dish?

A pinch of red pepper flakes balances the sauce’s sweetness and adds a gentle kick.

→ What are good side pairings?

Mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed rice, or buttered egg noodles all complement the saucy steak bites well.