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Dr Pepper Chili Recipe

Dr Pepper Chili Recipe

4.9 from 5 reviews

Dr Pepper Chili is a rich and flavorful slow-cooked chili that combines lean ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a unique twist of Dr. Pepper soda. This recipe blends traditional chili ingredients with a hint of sweetness and smoky heat, resulting in a deliciously hearty dish perfect for gatherings or comforting weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers and onion (fresh or frozen)

Beans and Tomatoes

  • 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can tomato sauce

Seasonings and Extras

  • 1 (1 ounce) packet chili seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from canned chipotles in adobo)
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 (12-ounce) can Dr. Pepper soda

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chopped bell peppers and onions, red kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, adobo sauce, light brown sugar, and Dr. Pepper. Stir everything well to combine all flavors evenly.
  3. Slow Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chili on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, deep taste. Stir the chili once more before serving to distribute the ingredients and juices.

Notes

  • You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less adobo sauce or chili seasoning based on your heat preference.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
  • This chili pairs well with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and omit the brown sugar if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dr Pepper Chili, chili recipe, slow cooker chili, ground beef chili, easy chili, Tex-Mex chili