This hearty, meaty chili gets bold flavor from a splash of Dr. Pepper – one simple pour adds incredible flavor and depth to this comfort food classic.

Dr. Pepper Chili Recipe

What’s inside: A quick and easy chili recipe perfect for entertaining, today’s Dr Pepper Chili recipe uses a simple can of Dr Pepper to add sweetness, acidity and complexity to this hearty beef and bean chili so you can spend more time watching the game and less time in the kitchen!

One of my personal claims to fame is that I have not one, not two – but THREE recipes in Brian Baumgartner’s Seriously Good Chili Cookbook. (Brian played Kevin in the TV show The Office – IYKYK.)

I normally spend a good amount of time chopping and measuring and getting my chili recipes just right, but sometimes, you just need a “throw it all in the pot and pray for the best” recipe – especially when you’re entertaining or want to join in the fun of watching the game.

That’s where today’s super simple chili recipe comes in.

Thanks to a packet of chili seasoning and a can of Dr Pepper, we get to skip a lot of extra ingredients and time, allowing them to take care of the flavor and complexity of this chili recipe and allowing us to not be stuck in the kitchen!

This chili comes together in about 30 minutes, but it can be prepared the day before – in fact, it tastes even better the next day.

Serve with a sprinkle of cheese and a cornbread muffin for a hearty meal on game day!

— Jennifer

Dr Pepper Chili Ingredients

For your convenience, I’ve provided ad links to supplies used to make this recipe; see our disclosure policy here.

• Ground Beef
• Diced Tomatoes
• Tomato Sauce 
• Dr. Pepper soda
• Kidney or Chili Beans 
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese 
• Chili Seasoning 

Scroll down to our free printable recipe card for the full measurements and directions.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Frying Pan or Skillet
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula

Instructions

To Prep: Assemble ingredients and set out bowls and toppings.

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet.
2. Stir in chili seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and beans.
3. Pour in the Dr Pepper and bring the chili to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Video Demo

Prep Tips

• Drain excess grease if needed. If your beef is on the fattier side, pour off a little fat so the chili doesn’t taste heavy.
• Bloom the seasoning. Stir the chili seasoning into the hot beef for 30 to 60 seconds before adding liquids to wake up the spices.
• Use regular Dr Pepper, not diet. The sugar helps round out the acidity and won’t leave a bitter aftertaste once simmered.
• Simmer uncovered if it’s thin. Leave the lid slightly ajar to help the chili thicken naturally.
• Let it rest. Chili tastes better after sitting for 10 to 15 minutes, giving the flavors time to settle before serving.
• Serve with – Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or your favorite chili toppings.

More Game Day Recipes

• Bacon-Wrapped Mac and Cheese Bites
• Pizza-Stuffed Crescent Rolls
• Sweet and Spicy Buffalo Chex Mix
• Chicken and Waffle Sliders
• Easy Fried Pickles
• Dr Pepper Hot Corn Dip
• Football Charcuterie Board
• French Dip Sliders
• Pita Football Appetizer

Dr Pepper Beef Chili Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

If you tried this recipe and loved it too, please rate it! We’d also love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Pin this Dr Pepper Chili recipe on Pinterest

You might also like our Bacon-Wrapped Mac and Cheese Bites or our Sweet and Spicy Buffalo Chex Mix: