As the excitement of game day approaches, the anticipation is not only for the thrilling match but also for the delicious spread of football food. Among the array of snacks and treats, one dish often stands out as a crowd favorite: chili. But this isn’t just any chili — this is a game-day chili with a twist! Dr. Pepper adds a depth of flavor that transforms a classic dish into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re hosting a football party at home or traveling to tailgate outside the game, this easy Dr Pepper chili recipe is sure to be a winner!

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three football themed paper bowls of chili

EASY DR. PEPPER CHILI RECIPE

DR. PEPPER CHILI INGREDIENTS

This is an incredibly easy recipe that requires only a handful of ingredients. The secret ingredient is the complex flavor and sweetness of Dr. Pepper! The chili recipe also doubles well so you can easily make it for a crowd.

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Large Soup Pot
Ground Beef
Diced Tomatoes
Tomato Sauce
Dr. Pepper
Kidney Beans
Cheddar Cheese
Chili Seasoning (packet or a mixture of chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, cayenne, salt and pepper)

EASY DR. PEPPER CHILI RECIPE

view of 3 small bowls of chili near a can of Dr. Pepper

The recipe below calls for making the chili in a large soup pot, but you can also brown the meat on the stovetop and then add the beef and the remaining ingredients into a crock pot to cook. That may make the chili more portable for parties or tailgates. We don’t want a Kevin from The Office situation!

EASY DR. PEPPER CHILI RECIPE

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Equipment

large pot

Ingredients

1 Pound Ground Beef
14 oz Diced Tomatoes
15 oz Tomato Sauce
1/2 Cup Dr. Pepper
1 Can Kidney or Chili Beans
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Packet Chili Seasoning

Instructions

In a large pot, brown the ground beef.
Stir in the chili seasoning, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans.
Pour in the Dr. Pepper.
Bring to a boil.
Then turn to low, add the lid and simmer (stirring occasionally) for 30 minutes.
Serve with cheddar cheese.

DR. PEPPER CHILI SERVING SUGGESTIONS

3 bowls of chili topped with cheese and a mini cornbread muffin

You can often find football-themed bowls at the dollar store or a party store. These fun paper bowls are from Dollar Tree.

Serve and garnish this chili as you would any other chili. I love to have a chili bar set up so that guests can customize their bowls however they would like. Here are some of my favorite chili bar fixings: