Name: Coca Cola Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (or half beef, half pork); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 small onion, finely minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 2 cups Coca Cola (not diet); 1 1/2 cups ketchup; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth)

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Coca Cola Meatballs are the kind of dish you find yourself craving long after the last bite is gone. These tender beef (or beef and pork!) meatballs are baked until golden, then simmered in a glossy, sweet, and tangy sauce made with real Coca Cola and a pop of ketchup. Whether you need a party appetizer that will disappear in minutes or a fuss-free family dinner that works over fluffy rice, this is an unforgettable comfort food classic you’ll want to make again and again!

Coca Cola Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Coca Cola Meatballs is how their flavor and texture come from classic pantry staples. Each ingredient has a special part to play, ensuring every bite bursts with juicy, savory, and slightly sweet goodness.

Ground Beef (or half beef, half pork): Using a combination of beef and pork gives the meatballs extra richness and keeps them tender, but all beef works beautifully too.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind everything together and soak up the juices for a light, cohesive texture.
Eggs: Act as a binding agent to hold your meatballs together without making them dense.
Milk: Adds moisture, making every bite soft and luscious.
Onion (finely minced): Gives a subtle, sweet-savory undertone you don’t want to skip.
Garlic (minced): Lends warmth and depth to the meatballs.
Salt & Black Pepper: The antidotes to bland; be generous but taste as you go.
Dried Parsley: A touch of color and herby freshness.
Coca Cola (not diet): Essential for that signature sweet-savory glaze; diet varieties won’t caramelize correctly.
Ketchup: Brings the tang and body to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds layers of umami and complexity to the glaze.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor of the sauce and gives it a lovely sheen.
Soy Sauce (optional): Just a splash infuses a hint of savoriness for extra depth and a bit of color.

How to Make Coca Cola Meatballs

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—not only does this make cleanup a breeze, but it also helps the meatballs bake up evenly and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Mix Up the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine your ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork), breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, finely minced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. The real secret: mix gently with clean hands or a fork just until everything comes together. Avoid over-mixing to keep your Coca Cola meatballs super tender.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Scoop out the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls—they’ll shrink a little as they cook, so smaller is perfect for appetizers, while you might go bigger for dinner. Arrange your meatballs in rows on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even browning.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for meatballs that are cooked through but juicy, with a little golden color on top. If unsure, cut one open to check, or use a meat thermometer (160°F for beef is perfect).

Step 5: Simmer the Legendary Sauce

While your meatballs are baking, whip up that irresistible Coca Cola sauce! In a large pot or deep skillet, whisk together Coca Cola (not diet), ketchup, Worcestershire, brown sugar, and the optional soy sauce for extra umami. Bring the whole mix to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Let Meatballs and Sauce Marry

Once your meatballs are out of the oven, carefully transfer them—all those juices included—straight into the simmering sauce. Give the pan a good stir so every meatball is coated. Simmer everything together for 10–15 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens and glazes each meatball in sticky, shiny perfection.

Step 7: Serve Them Up!

Serve your Coca Cola Meatballs piping hot, straight from the pot. They’re fantastic speared with toothpicks as crowd-pleasers at a party, or dished over rice or noodles for a cozy meal. Don’t forget to spoon plenty of extra sauce over the top!

How to Serve Coca Cola Meatballs

Garnishes

For that little extra touch, sprinkle a shower of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top—just before serving. A sprinkle of sesame seeds delivers a hint of crunch and visual flair, while a pinch of red pepper flakes hits those sweet-and-spicy notes beautifully, if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

Coca Cola Meatballs are endlessly versatile. Serve them with steamed jasmine rice or a buttery mashed potato base to soak up all the sauce. If you’d like something lighter, try a crisp, simple salad or roasted veggies on the side. Soft dinner rolls are wonderful for mopping up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, pile them up on a platter with party picks, or tuck them into slider buns for playful mini sandwiches. If you’re feeling adventurous, stuff them into hoagie rolls with melty cheese for Coca Cola Meatball subs. You can even go full meal-prep mode and layer them in lunchbox containers over rice or pasta for easy work lunches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Coca Cola Meatballs keep brilliantly! Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce actually gets even more flavorful as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch just as exciting as dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze both the baked but unsauced meatballs, or the finished dish! To freeze meatballs alone, cool and stash in freezer bags for up to 3 months. For freezing with sauce, let everything cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Coca Cola Meatballs in a covered pot over low heat until hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce seems thick. For single portions, the microwave works too—just cover to prevent splatters and heat in short intervals, stirring often.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well for Coca Cola Meatballs if you’re after a lighter version. Just keep an eye on the texture—these meats are leaner, so you might want to add a splash more milk to keep your meatballs juicy.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Double check your soy and Worcestershire sauces, too, to be sure they’re gluten-free, and you’ll be set!

Is it okay to make Coca Cola Meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely. You can bake the meatballs a day or two ahead and store them chilled, then warm them in the sauce right before serving. They also freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch when you have time and enjoy them anytime.

Will diet cola work instead of regular?

For best results, stick to regular Coca Cola. Diet versions don’t caramelize the same way and can end up tasting thin or artificial in the sauce.

How do I keep my meatballs tender and moist?

The keys are not over-mixing the meat, using plenty of breadcrumbs and milk, and not over-baking. Always let the mixture come together just until combined, and watch your baking time—juicy is best!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Coca Cola Meatballs yet, you’re in for something truly special. There’s something about that sweet-tangy sauce and those tender bites that always makes people smile. Give them a go, and don’t be surprised if they become your go-to recipe for making memories at the dinner table!