Dr Pepper Chili

Dr Pepper Chili is a cozy, easy slow cooker recipe made with ground beef, beans, and classic chili spices—all simmered in a sweet and smoky sauce thanks to Dr Pepper and adobo sauce. It’s bold, comforting, and about to become your new favorite chili.

Yes, Dr Pepper in chili is just as amazing as it sounds. There are so many fun ways to change up classic chili, like in slow cooker chili mac, crockpot frito pie, or even a chili cheese dog casserole—so why not add a little zip to your go-to chili recipe?

Traditional crockpot beef chili never gets old, but the addition of Dr Pepper and adobe sauce takes it to the next level. The flavor is rich, sweet, smoky, and just a little spicy—truly a game-changer!

This easy recipe comes together in just a few steps. If your slow cooker has a sauté function, it’s a true one-pot, dump-and-set dinner. Even if not, it’s still low-effort and big on flavor.

It’s perfect for feeding a crowd on game day, a Sunday supper, or a comforting weeknight meal. We always serve it with jiffy cornbread with creamed corn casserole for the ultimate comfort food combo.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Chili

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

• Lean ground beef – If you’re using fattier ground beef, be sure to drain the excess grease after browning.
• Bell peppers and onion – I love a good shortcut, so I often use frozen. No need to thaw, just chop them up just a little bit and toss them right in frozen.
• Minced garlic – Adds depth and savory flavor. Garlic really does make everything better.
• Red kidney beans and black beans – One can of each, drained and rinsed.
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles – Rotel is a popular brand. Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice preference.
• Tomato sauce – Regular canned tomato sauce works just fine for this recipe.
• Chili seasoning mix – A combination of spices including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, etc… I like to use my homemade chili seasoning mix but a store-bought packed works too.
• Adobo sauce – This adds smoky heat. Use the sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo. If you’re sensitive to spice you can use less.
• Brown sugar and Dr Pepper – For sweetness and a caramelized flavor. The acid in the soda also helps to tenderize the beef.

How to Make Crockpot Dr Pepper Chili

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below. 

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or meat masher until it crumbles. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Transfer the cooked beef to the basin of your slow cooker and pour in the rest of the ingredients. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir once more before spooning into bowls and serving.

Serve topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, crushed tortilla chips, or anything you like to top your chili with.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat: For large portions, return it to the slow cooker and use the warm setting. Smaller portions reheat well on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

In our home jiffy cornbread casserole on the side is a must. But a hunk of crusty bread is a classic choice too.

Fritos or tortilla chips make a fun, scoopable option.

Serve with your favorite chili toppings or you could even set out a DIY toppings bar with:

• Sliced avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Red Onion
• Tortilla strips
• Pickled jalapeños
• Chopped green onions or cilantro
• Shredded lettuce

Additions and variations

• Swap the Dr Pepper for Coke. Slightly different flavor, but it works just as well.
• Add chipotle peppers. For a smoky kick, toss in a chopped pepper or two along with the adobo sauce.
• Use a different protein. For a lighter version you could use ground turkey or ground chicken instead.
• Toss in extra veggies. Try mushrooms, spinach, carrots, or swap red bell pepper for green.

More Chili Recipes

• Pumpkin Chili
• 3-Ingredient Chili
• New York Chili
• 3-Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip