Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chili Recipe
Introduction
This Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chili is a delicious twist on a classic comfort meal. With the sweetness of Dr Pepper balancing the savory spices and hearty beans, it’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for busy days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 2 cans tri-color beans (15-ounce cans, undrained)
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained (like Rotel)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1.25 ounce packet chili seasoning
- 1 can (12 ounces) Dr Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat for about 7 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
- Step 2: Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Step 3: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a 5-6 quart crock pot.
- Step 4: Add the tri-color beans (with liquid), diced tomatoes and green chiles, crushed tomatoes, chili seasoning, diced green bell pepper, and Dr Pepper to the crock pot.
- Step 5: Stir everything until well combined.
- Step 6: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.
- Step 7: Taste the chili and add salt if needed, though the seasoning and other ingredients typically provide enough.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other ingredients.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Adding a splash of lime juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use diet or caffeine-free Dr Pepper in this recipe?
Yes, you can use diet or caffeine-free Dr Pepper; however, the flavor may be slightly less sweet and rich. The chili will still taste great.
Do I need to pre-cook the beans before adding them to the crock pot?
No, the recipe uses canned beans that are already cooked, so they can be added directly to the crock pot without pre-cooking.
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Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and hearty Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chili combining ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a hint of sweetness from Dr Pepper, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 2 cans tri-color beans (15-ounce cans, undrained)
- 15 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles (drained, like Rotel)
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
Seasoning and Liquid
- 1.25 ounce packet chili seasoning
- 12 ounce can Dr Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is browned and the juices run clear, ensuring the beef is fully cooked and the aromatics are softened.
- Drain excess grease: Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy chili and retain the rich flavors.
- Transfer to crock pot: Move the cooked beef mixture into a 5-6 quart crock pot to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the finely diced green bell pepper, tri-color beans with their liquid, drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, crushed tomatoes, chili seasoning, and the can of Dr Pepper to the crock pot.
- Mix well: Stir all the ingredients together in the crock pot until evenly combined to distribute flavors throughout.
- Slow cook the chili: Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken to desired consistency.
- Season to taste: Before serving, taste the chili and add salt if necessary, although the combination of ingredients usually provides sufficient seasoning.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding additional chili powder or hot sauce during cooking.
- For a thicker chili, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Brown the beef thoroughly to enhance the chili’s flavor profile.
- This chili freezes well—store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dr Pepper chili, crock pot chili, slow cooker chili, ground beef chili, easy chili recipe, comfort food
