Crockpot Coca-Cola Meatballs

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4.47 from 60 votes
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If you’re looking for the easiest appetizer ever, these crockpot Coca-Cola meatballs are your answer. Just toss three ingredients into your slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ve got sweet, sticky, crowd-pleasing glazed meatballs. No oven, no fuss.

Coca-Cola meatballs in slow cooker with a wooden spoon.

The Coke adds a subtle sweetness and a glossy glaze that clings perfectly to each bite. As it cooks down with the BBQ sauce, it thickens into a rich, sticky coating and adds depth to the flavor.

These cola meatballs are ideal for serving with toothpicks at a holiday potluck or as a quick weeknight dinner and they’re one of my favorite crockpot recipes for game day when I want something easy for a crowd.

A bowl of crockpot coca cola meatballs sits in front of a white slow cooker and coke cans.

If you’re a fan of recipes made with Coca-Cola, don’t miss my Coca Cola Fudge and Double Chocolate Coca Cola Cake!

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Only 3 ingredients. Meatballs, BBQ sauce, and Coke.
  • Hands-off cooking. The slow cooker handles everything.
  • Perfect for parties. Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking.
  • Budget-friendly. Great for feeding a crowd.
  • Versatile. Serve the saucy meatballs an appetizer or turn into a meal.

Ingredient Notes

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

A package of Rosina Homestyle Meatballs, a can of Coca-Cola, and a bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce are arranged in front of a white slow cooker on a marble countertop.
  • Frozen Meatballs: Use fully cooked, cocktail-size meatballs. No need to thaw first. You can make homemade meatballs if you prefer, just keep in mind that they will take less time to heat through than frozen meatballs.
  • BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or flavor. We like Sweet Baby Ray’s.
  • Coca-Cola: Use regular Coke (not diet) for the best sweetness and caramelization.

How to Make Slow Cooker Coca Cola Meatballs

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

Four numbered images showing the process of making Coca-Cola meatballs in a crock pot. Step 1 shows frozen meatballs placed in the cooker. Step 2 shows coke being poured over the BBQ sauce topped meatballs. Step 3 shows the meatballs coated in the sauce. Step 4 shows the fully cooked meatballs coated in a thick, glossy sauce.

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

  1. Add frozen meatballs to your slow cooker.
  2. Pour in BBQ sauce and coke.
  3. Stir to coat evenly. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  4. Serve warm, right from the crockpot or transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with toothpicks.
A hand holding a coca cola meatball on a toothpick above a pile of similarly glazed meatballs. Blurred red Coca-Cola cans are visible in the background.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm on the stovetop over low heat.

Tips for Success

  • Use frozen meatballs straight from the bag—no thawing needed.
  • Stick with regular Coca-Cola, not zero sugar or diet soda.
  • Use the “keep warm” setting on your crock pot if serving at a party.

How to Make it a Meal

These glazed meatballs aren’t just for parties. Try these simple serving ideas to turn them into a main dish:

  • Spoon over steamed white rice, egg noodles, or pasta.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.
  • Tuck into toasted sandwich rolls for meatball subs.

Additions and Variations

  • Spicy: Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or sriracha.
  • Smoky: Try hickory BBQ sauce or a splash of liquid smoke or worcestershire sauce.
  • Sweet-savory: Add canned pineapple chunks before cooking.
  • Try another soda: Root beer, Dr Pepper, or cherry Coke also work.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle with sliced scallions or chopped parsley for a fresh finish before serving.
  • Grape jelly meatballs: Craving that classic combo? Try my grape jelly BBQ sauce meatballs
Coke meatballs with BBQ sauce in a crockpot with a wooden spoon lifting one meatball.

More Easy 3-Ingredient Appetizers

Recipe
Coca-Cola meatballs in slow cooker with a wooden spoon.
Recipe
4.47 from 60 votes

Crockpot Coca-Cola Meatballs

Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours 5 minutes
Easy and delicious 3-ingredient Coca-Cola meatball recipe made in the crockpot.

Ingredients

  • 28 ounce frozen meatballs, cocktail size
  • 18 ounce barbecue sauce
  • 1 cup Coca-Cola

Instructions

  • Add frozen meatballs, BBQ sauce, and Coca-Cola to crockpot. Stir well to combine.
  • Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours, or until meatballs are heated through.
  • Set to warm and stir before serving.

Notes

Any bag of frozen cocktail meatballs sized 26-32 ounces will work for this recipe.
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballs | Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 228mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 48IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Coca-Cola meatballs in slow cooker with a wooden spoon.

Did You Make This Recipe?

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This recipe was originally published on 9/23/2019 and was updated on 12/21/2025 with new photos, helpful tips, and storage information. Below is one of the photos from the original post.

Bowl of coca cola meatballs with crockpot in background.
4.47 from 60 votes (60 ratings without comment)

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6 Comments

    1. I haven’t tried making these in the oven but I don’t see why you couldn’t! I would probably simmer the sauce ingredients on the stovetop first to help incorporate those flavors before adding the meatballs and sauce to a pan or casserole dish to heat up in the oven.

    1. I haven’t tried the recipe with cherry coke myself but I don’t see why not 🙂 Please come back to let us know how it comes out if you do decide to give it a try!

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