If you’re searching for a chili that packs bold flavors with an unforgettable twist, the Dr Pepper Chili Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. This recipe combines hearty ground beef, smoky chipotles, and the unique sweetness of Dr Pepper soda to create a rich, complex chili that’s perfect for cozy nights or crowd-pleasing gatherings. The slow simmer melds every ingredient into a luscious bowl of flavor that’s both familiar and surprisingly delightful. Let me take you through how to whip up this unforgettable chili that always surprises and satisfies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients that each play their part in flavor, texture, and depth is the key to making this Dr Pepper Chili Recipe truly special. These pantry staples come together to create a chili you’ll want to make again and again.
- 2 pounds ground beef: Browning it first builds a rich, meaty base and controls excess fat.
- 1 cup frozen chopped peppers and onion: Adding sweetness and a bit of crunch to balance the chili.
- 2 cloves minced garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and depth with every spoonful.
- 15 ounces red kidney beans: Rinsed and drained for hearty texture and protein.
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilis: Adds a fresh tang and a mild kick of heat.
- 28 ounces tomato sauce: Gives the chili its luscious, saucy backbone.
- 1 ounce chili seasoning: The perfect blend of spices to bring that classic chili taste.
- 2 Tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo: Smoky and spicy, it adds complexity and depth.
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the sweetness from the Dr Pepper.
- 12 ounces Dr Pepper: The secret star that lends subtle caramel notes and a hint of sweetness, elevating this chili to a whole new level.
How to Make Dr Pepper Chili Recipe
Step 1: Combine All Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Start by adding the browned ground beef, frozen peppers and onions, garlic, beans, diced tomatoes with green chilis, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, chipotle adobo sauce, brown sugar, and the entire can of Dr Pepper directly into your slow cooker. This ingredient lineup sets the stage for an incredible layering of flavors.
Step 2: Give It a Good Stir
Make sure everything is well incorporated. Giving the ingredients a thorough mix ensures every bite gets a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, smoky, and spicy notes that define this Dr Pepper Chili Recipe.
Step 3: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the beef becomes tender while the chili thickens to the perfect consistency. Patience here rewards you with that deep, rich taste only a slow cooker can provide.
How to Serve Dr Pepper Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your chili with fresh garnishes adds brightness and texture. Try a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, shredded cheddar cheese for richness, and chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh pop of color. A squeeze of lime juice can bring just the right touch of acidity to balance the sweetness from the soda.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with classic sides like cornbread, tortilla chips, or even a warm baked potato. For something lighter, a crisp green salad brings nice contrast that keeps the meal satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Serve the chili in mini bread bowls or stuff it into baked potatoes for an interactive meal experience. You can also spoon it over rice or even use it as a hearty taco filling. The bold flavors of the Dr Pepper Chili Recipe lend themselves well to endless creative serving ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes for an easy lunch or dinner solution that only gets tastier with time.
Freezing
If you want to stock up, this chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stopping to stir every minute or so. If it’s too thick after reheating, a splash of broth or water can help loosen the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different soda instead of Dr Pepper?
While the unique flavor of Dr Pepper adds a special touch, you can experiment with similar sodas like root beer or cola. Just keep in mind the subtle spice notes in Dr Pepper enhance the chili’s complexity in a way other sodas may not.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this Dr Pepper Chili Recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your chili seasoning and chipotle adobo sauce don’t contain gluten. Always double-check ingredient labels if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then combine everything in a large pot and simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until thickened. The slow cooker just makes hands-off cooking easier.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe has a moderate heat level thanks to the chipotles in adobo and the green chilis in the tomatoes. If you prefer it milder, reduce the chipotle sauce or omit it altogether; add more if you like it hotter.
Can I add other types of beans?
Definitely! While red kidney beans are traditional, black beans or pinto beans work well too. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding, especially if using canned varieties.
Final Thoughts
This Dr Pepper Chili Recipe truly stands out as a warm hug in a bowl, blending comforting traditional chili flavors with that subtle, unexpected sweetness from the soda. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new signature chili dish!
Print
Dr Pepper Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dr Pepper Chili is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooker chili that combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a splash of Dr Pepper soda for a unique sweet and savory twist. Perfect for a cozy family meal or game day gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (browned and drained)
- 1 cup frozen chopped peppers and onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 15 ounces red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilis
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 ounce chili seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 12 ounce Dr Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain the excess fat. Mince the garlic and measure out the frozen chopped peppers and onions.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the browned ground beef into the slow cooker. Add the frozen chopped peppers and onion, minced garlic, rinsed and drained red kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilis, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, sauce from chipotles in adobo, brown sugar, and Dr Pepper soda.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir all the ingredients together well to ensure flavors are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Brown the ground beef first to reduce excess grease in the chili.
- Adjust the chili seasoning amount depending on preferred spice level.
- If desired, garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions before serving.
- Leftover chili can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
