Slow Cooker Root Beer Chili

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 4 hours

This Slow Cooker Root Beer Chili is a fun twist on the classic comfort dish.

Lean ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices simmer together with a splash of root beer, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the bold chili flavors.

The result is a hearty, smoky, slightly sweet chili that’s perfect for game day, cozy weeknights, or feeding a crowd.

Pile it high with cheese, scallions, and sour cream for the ultimate bowl of goodness.

How To Make Slow Cooker Root Beer Chili

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef, browned and drained
• 2 cups chopped peppers and onion (I use frozen)
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, do not drain
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 (11 ounce) can mexi corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilis
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (1 ounce) envelope chili seasoning
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 12 ounce Root Beer
• Scallions, cheese, sour cream for topping

Step-by-Step Guide

1. To the slow cooker add your ground beef, peppers and onions, garlic, beans, corn and tomatoes with green chilies.

2. In a mixing bowl whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili seasoning, brown sugar and root beer.

3. Pour into the slow cooker.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.

5. Garnish with your favorite topping and serve!

6. Serve!

Tips & Tricks

• Brown the beef first – This adds flavor and prevents excess grease from making the chili too heavy.
• Don’t skip the root beer – It doesn’t make the chili taste “soda-like,” but instead enhances the depth of flavor and sweetness.
• Use a liner – Chili can stick to the crock, so a slow cooker liner makes cleanup easy.
• Adjust thickness – If you like a thicker chili, leave the lid off during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it ahead – Chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Substitutions

• Ground beef – Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter option.
• Beans – Use pinto beans, white beans, or whatever beans you have on hand.
• Root beer – Dr Pepper, Coke, or even ginger ale can be used instead for a different sweet twist.
• Tomatoes with green chilies – Regular diced tomatoes plus a can of green chilies works too.
• Chili seasoning – Use homemade seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne) if you don’t have a packet.

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for more heat.
• Smoky Flavor – Stir in a bit of chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika.
• Meaty Version – Use half ground beef and half ground sausage for extra richness.
• Vegetarian – Omit the beef and add extra beans, lentils, or quinoa.
• Chili Mac – Spoon over macaroni noodles and top with cheddar for a chili mac dinner.