This Crockpot Root Beer Chili is a fun twist on a classic dish! It combines ground beef, beans, and a splash of root beer for a sweet and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
Using a slow cooker makes it super simple. Just toss everything in and let it do its magic! Plus, it’s perfect for serving at game day or family gatherings. Enjoy it with some cornbread for an extra treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base of your chili. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, try swapping for lentils or veggie crumbles.
Root Beer: The sweetness of root beer adds a unique flavor. If you don’t have it, any dark soda like cola can work, or for a twist, use apple cider for sweetness.
Beans: Kidney and black beans give great texture. You can swap them for pinto beans or chickpeas if you prefer. Just ensure you rinse them to remove excess sodium.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are key. If you’re out, use taco seasoning as a substitute to keep the flavor profile similar. Smoked paprika adds depth, but you can omit it if you don’t have any.
How Do You Make Sure Your Chili is Packed with Flavor?
To elevate the flavor, start with browning the ground beef. It adds wonderful depth. Also, cooking the onions, bell pepper, and garlic with the beef releases their natural sweetness.
- Use a skillet on medium heat and cook until the beef is browned and veggies are softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- In the crockpot, mix all your ingredients thoroughly. This helps the flavors combine as it cooks.
- Cooking low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don’t rush it!
Remember to taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A little extra salt or spice can make all the difference!
How to Make Crockpot Root Beer Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup root beer (regular, not diet)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crockpot Root Beer Chili will take about 10 minutes of prep time. Cooking takes around 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, which allows all the wonderful flavors to come together. Perfect for a lazy day at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
2. Add Vegetables:
Stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic into the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. This step enhances the flavors!
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your crockpot. This is where all the flavors come together!
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
To the crockpot, add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, root beer, tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together. It will thicken as it cooks.
6. Final Touches:
Once done, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, if you think it needs it.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chili hot in bowls, topped with your choices of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions. Enjoy this unique chili with its rich, subtly sweet root beer flavor!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner option that works well in this chili. Just be sure to brown it as you would the ground beef to ensure it has a good flavor base.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with a mix of lentils or veggie crumbles for heartiness. You might also want to add some chopped mushrooms or more beans for additional texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave!
What Should I Serve with This Chili?
It’s delicious on its own, but you can pair it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a heartier meal. Adding a side salad can also balance the flavors nicely!