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If you’re looking to cozy up with a bowl of chili that delivers a surprising depth of flavor, this Dr Pepper Chili Recipe is your new go-to comfort food. It blends the rich, hearty goodness of classic chili with the subtle sweetness and unique fizz of Dr Pepper soda, creating a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly different. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something soul-warming for dinner, this recipe strikes a perfect balance between spicy, sweet, and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this chili lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving its trademark flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the hint of smoky heat in the chipotle sauce, every component is essential for layering flavor and creating a hearty, satisfying chili experience.
- 2 pounds ground beef: Browning and draining the beef ensures a rich base free of excess grease.
- 1 cup frozen chopped peppers and onion: These add a fresh, colorful crunch and a natural sweetness to complement the spices.
- 2 cloves minced garlic: Garlic infuses warmth and depth, elevating the overall taste profile.
- 15 ounces red kidney beans (rinsed and drained): They bring hearty texture and earthy flavors that bulk up the chili.
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilis: These provide juiciness along with a subtle spicy kick.
- 28 ounces tomato sauce: A smooth, tangy base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 ounce chili seasoning: A blend of spices that introduces heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo: This smoky, spicy sauce adds a rich depth without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the acidity and heat.
- 12 ounces Dr Pepper: The star ingredient that brings unique sweet and spiced notes, enhancing every bite.
How to Make Dr Pepper Chili Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Combine Ingredients
Start by browning your ground beef on the stovetop and draining off excess fat to keep the chili hearty but not greasy. Once your beef is ready, add it into your slow cooker along with frozen chopped peppers and onions, minced garlic, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilis, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, chipotle adobo sauce, brown sugar, and the all-important Dr Pepper. This simple combination sets the stage for a complex and comforting chili.
Step 2: Stir Everything Together
Give all the ingredients a good stir in the slow cooker to ensure every bit gets coated with those delicious seasonings and that the flavors will meld beautifully. The Dr Pepper, in particular, will start to blend in, infusing the dish with its signature sweet fizz.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Seal your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for six hours or on high for four hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to develop fully while tenderizing the beef and melding all those great ingredients into one unforgettable chili. Patience here truly pays off!
How to Serve Dr Pepper Chili Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your chili experience, top your bowl with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, and sliced green onions for bright freshness. For an added crunch, try crushed tortilla chips or a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. These garnishes add texture and layers of flavor that amp up every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This Dr Pepper Chili Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like warm cornbread or buttery biscuits. A fresh green salad provides a crisp counterpoint, and for those who love extra comfort, a side of creamy mashed potatoes or rice can turn this chili into a complete, hearty meal that satisfies on every level.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your chili in hollowed-out bread bowls or over baked potatoes. You can also get playful by using the chili as a topping for nachos or hot dogs, turning one great recipe into multiple delicious meals. These creative serving ideas make your Dr Pepper Chili Recipe the star of any gathering, big or small.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a day, so you might find it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick after sitting. Alternatively, microwave leftovers in short intervals, stirring between, to ensure even heating without drying out.
FAQs
Can I make this chili without Dr Pepper?
You can substitute with another cola or root beer for a different twist, but the unique flavor balance of this Dr Pepper Chili Recipe might shift a bit. The key is the sweet-spiced notes Dr Pepper brings, so other sodas will create their own unique but tasty results.
Is this chili spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?
While this chili has a gentle kick thanks to the chipotle and green chilis, it is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat by using more or less chipotle sauce or adding fresh jalapeños if you love things hotter, or mild chili seasoning for a softer flavor.
Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the peppers, onions, and garlic, then combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer gently for at least an hour to meld the flavors. Stir occasionally and watch your delicious chili come together on the stovetop just as well.
What are good toppings to serve with the chili?
Classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro work wonders. For some crunch, try tortilla chips or crispy fried onions. Each topping adds an exciting element that complements the savory sweetness of this Dr Pepper Chili Recipe perfectly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your chili seasoning and canned goods to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten additives if you have dietary concerns.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Dr Pepper Chili Recipe that makes it a standout in the world of hearty, comforting meals. The unique addition of Dr Pepper transforms a classic chili into an unforgettable dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure, flavorful comfort that’s destined to become a family favorite!
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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
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe featuring ground beef simmered slowly with Dr Pepper soda, creating a unique blend of sweet and spicy tastes. This slow cooker chili combines tender meat, beans, and a blend of spices for a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef (browned and drained)
- 1 cup frozen chopped peppers and onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
Beans and Tomatoes
- 15 ounces red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilis
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 ounce chili seasoning
- 2 tablespoons sauce from chipotles in adobo
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 12 ounces Dr Pepper soda
Instructions
- Add ingredients to slow cooker: Place the browned and drained ground beef, frozen chopped peppers and onion, minced garlic, rinsed and drained red kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilis, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, chipotle adobo sauce, brown sugar, and Dr Pepper into your slow cooker.
- Combine the mixture: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors and spices throughout the chili.
- Cook the chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chili on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more chipotle sauce or chili seasoning as desired.
- Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
- This chili freezes well, making it convenient for meal prep or leftovers.
