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Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites 1

Crockpot Dr. Pepper Steak Bites

Melt-in-your-mouth tender beef that practically cooks itself, thanks to a long simmer in a sweet, garlicky, BBQ-boosted sauce made with honey and Dr. Pepper. These rich, juicy, flavor-packed bites represent the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need that magical combination: minimal effort with major flavor payoff.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • Crockpot/Slow Cooker
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Steak

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch for coating

For the Sauce

  • 12 oz Dr. Pepper regular, not diet
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce sweet or smoky variety
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

For Thickening

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions
 

  • Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture, ensuring a better sear. Toss the dried beef cubes with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the beef cubes for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the seared meat directly to your crockpot.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dr. Pepper, BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over the beef in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
  • During the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and continue cooking with the lid slightly ajar to allow the sauce to thicken to a glossy consistency.
  • Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Notes

While you can skip the searing step if you're short on time, those 5 extra minutes of searing develop rich flavors that make the final dish significantly more flavorful.
For a lower-sugar option, try using a reduced-sugar cola and sugar-free BBQ sauce. Beef chuck too pricey? Stew meat makes an excellent budget-friendly alternative.
The flavor actually improves after 24 hours as the sauce compounds develop, making this an ideal make-ahead dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 28gFat: 15gSodium: 480mgSugar: 12g
Keyword Crockpot, Slow Cooker, Dr Pepper, Steak Bites, Beef Recipe, Easy Dinner
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