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Chili is a game day favorite and this flavorful chili recipe, Dr Pepper Chili, with warm spices, a hint of cocoa powder and sweet Dr Pepper is sure to be a fan favorite!
Grab the recipe below for this Dr Pepper Chili or PIN IT for later!
Originally published January 2014 and updated August 2024
Normally I am not a big professional football fan (college football is just so much more my thang) but of course, like 90% of all Americans, I will be tuning in to watch the “the big game” on Sunday.
And this year, I am actually pretty excited to watch the game!
Most years I am happy to just watch the much-anticipated commercials and stuff my face with football food, because the reality is, I am usually picking ‘my team’ based on their mascot, colors or what city they represent… read: I really don’t care. But this year I actually have a team that I am eager to cheer on.
Whether you root for the Broncos or Seahawks on Sunday, I am sure we can all agree that football watching wouldn’t be complete without all the yummy food!
When I think of football food for a crowd I always turn to chili. It is easy to whip up a big batch and during the harsh cold of the winter months will warm you right up! Hands down a fan favorite!
This Dr Pepper Chili is a great twist on a classic chili recipe, and I am happy to add to my chili repertoire!
Not only is Dr Pepper (and its 23 flavors) a secret ingredient to its success, but there is cocoa powder in this chili too!
The cocoa gives this chili richness and body, and the sweet Dr Pepper helps balance the spiciness of the chili.
It’s just too bad that no Texas football teams ever make it made it to the big bowl game this year, because this chili, served with Fritos Corn Chips, represents the state of Texas well (home of Dr Pepper and Fritos)! Maybe one day….
HELPFUL RECIPE TIPS AND INFORMATION:
What side dish to serve with chili:
We like to keep things pretty simple and serve this Dr Pepper Chili with just classic corn chips.
However, saltine crackers, this cheesy Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread or this Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes are all fantastic side dishes for chili.
If you are looking for a fresh side dish for chili, try this Pear and Pomegranate Salad or this Apple Pecan Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing.
What are the best toppings for chili made with Dr Pepper:
- Pepitas
- Corn Chips
- Cheddar cheese
- Green onions
- White onions
- Avocado
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Pico de gallo
- Lime wedges
If you like this Dr Pepper chili recipe, then you will love these other dinner ideas:
Chorizo and Black Bean Chili – This vegan Chorizo and Black Bean Chili is an easy weeknight dinner! Pair it with an assortment of chili bar toppings and you have a meal everyone loves!
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Pork Chili – “Ban the Bland” with this spicy Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Pork Chili! It’s a perfect meal for a busy fall day or gearing up to watch the big game!
Cajun Pork and Black-Eyed Pea Chili – This Cajun Pork and Black-Eyed Pea Chili is hearty and a little spicy and packed with Cajun flavors and ingredients.
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Dr Pepper Chili
Chili is a game day favorite and this flavorful chili recipe, Dr Pepper Chili, with warm spices, a hint of cocoa powder and sweet Dr Pepper is sure to be a fan favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (12 -ounce) can Dr Pepper (1 ½ cups)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili beans (do not drain)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili or Mexican diced tomatoes
- --
- For serving:
- cheddar cheese, grated
- sour cream
- green or white onions, chopped
- corn chips
Instructions
- In a large, heavy bottomed pot, heat ½ tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes or until no longer pink; using a wooden spoon to break up meat as it cooks. Drain the cooked ground beef and set aside.
- To the same pot, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add bell peppers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Return cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste has dissolved. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dr Pepper and beef broth.
- Add the beans and tomatoes. Reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, as needed before serving.
- Serve, as desired, with cheese, sour cream, green onions and corn chips.
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