Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chili is hearty, filling, easy, and bold. It’s made with beef, beans, and a splash of Dr Pepper for a flavorful twist on classic chili! A SLOW COOKER CHILI RECIPE Take your classic chili recipe and turn it into something even more incredible when you make this Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chili. Don’t get me wrong, chili is delicious, but sometimes you want something a little different, a little unexpected. That’s exactly what this recipe gives you. The soda adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat of the seasoning and the tang of tomatoes and green chiles. With minimal prep and big flavor, this Slow Cooker Dr Pepper Chili is a weeknight dinner that will quickly find its way into your rotation. Plus, I love how easy it is to customize with your favorite toppings. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:  What does adding a soda do for this chili? I know it can seem like a weird concept to pour some soda in a recipe, but trust me, it has a purpose and it works. Depending on the recipe, it can do different things. It can add flavor but it can also tenderize meat (it’s especially good for things like pulled pork or pot roast.) But, it also adds a light sweetness to balance out the acid from the tomatoes. It adds that little extra flavor that you can’t quite put your finger on too. But, you don’t specifically taste Dr Pepper as a separate ingredient. Can I use a different soda? Yes, you can use Coke or Root Beer. It’s not my thing, but if you really wanted to, I suppose you could use a Diet Dr Pepper too. I don’t like packet seasoning, can I make my own homemade chili seasoning? Of course, it’s your chili, do what you want. Here is a recipe if you need one:1 tablespoon chili powder (use mild, not hot)1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon paprika1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder½ teaspoon dried oregano½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon black pepperOptional: ¼ teaspoon sugar What toppings are best? You’ll see I served it topped with sour cream, onions, and shredded cheese. But, you can top the chili with green onions, red onions, jalapenos, chives, cheese, and so much more or don’t top it with anything. Can I make this on the stove? You can make this on the stovetop in a large pot. Allow it to simmer for 30-45 minutes. Can I make this in the Instant Pot? You can make this in the Instant Pot for 12-15 minutes on high pressure. How can I make this vegetarian? You can make this vegetarian by doubling the beans and taking out the meat (obviously.) What can I add for a kick of spice? If you like spice, you can add adobo sauce, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapenos.  What to serve with Dr Pepper Chili? You can serve the chili with crackers, Cornbread, rice, Baked Potatoes, or have it over nachos or on hot dogs. As always, a good thing to serve with this chili is a big serving of your favorite salad and some crusty bread too. How should I store leftovers? You can keep this in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze the chili for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container. INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE) ground beef– ground turkey could be used. You can add double the beef for a heartier chili.  yellow onion – don’t like onion? Leave it out or season with a little onion powder (about a teaspoon.) garlic – I always prefer fresh garlic but use what is easiest for you and what you prefer. Jarred garlic or the squeeze stuff works in a pinch. finely diced green bell pepper– The green bell peppers have a little bite to them. If you want the peppers softer, you can cook them with the beef, onions, and garlic.  tri-color beans– I know I have Texan friends that always get mad about beans in chili but some of us need the fiber, okay? ? Just leave them out if it is not your thing. You don’t need to replace with anything. Also, you can use any beans, or leave them out altogether. Some other ideas are kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, or chili beans. I don’t drain or rinse my beans but if that is your thing – go for it. diced tomatoes and green chiles– You can use a can of Rotel. I drain this but you don’t have to if you don’t want. crushed tomatoes  packet chili seasoning – if you don’t have a packet on hand, check out the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section above where I shared a quick, homemade seasoning recipe. Dr Pepper– I shared another option in the FAQ section above. HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT DR PEPPER CHILI In a skillet, add the beef, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 7 minutes or until the juices run clear. Drain any excess grease. Transfer the beef mixture to a 5-6 quart crock pot. Add the remainder of the ingredients to the crock pot. Stir until combined. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.  Taste to see if any salt is needed. I find the ingredients provide enough salt.  CRAVING MORE RECIPES?  Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili Slow Cooker Chili Mac The Best Crock Pot Chili Frito Chili Pie Cafeteria Chili Cincinnati Chili Hot Dog Chili Print Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chili A flavorful, hearty new take on chili with a ton of flavor. Course Dinner, Lunch, Main CourseCuisine American Prep Time 10 minutes minutesCook Time 3 hours hours 7 minutes minutesTotal Time 3 hours hours 17 minutes minutes Servings 6 Calories 422kcal Author Brandie Skibinski Ingredients1 pound ground beef½ cup yellow onion2 garlic cloves minced1 cup finely diced green bell pepper2 cans tri-color beans 15-ounce cans, undrained15 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles drained (like Rotel)28 ounce can crushed tomatoes1.25 ounce packet chili seasoning12 ounce can Dr Pepper InstructionsIn a skillet, add the beef, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 7 minutes or until the juices run clear. Drain any excess grease.Transfer the beef mixture to a 5-6 quart crock pot.Add the remainder of the ingredients to the crock pot. Stir until combined.Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. Taste to see if any salt is needed. I find the ingredients provide enough salt. Notes Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions. NutritionCalories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 17g | Sodium: 635mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 18g