If you’re searching for a chili recipe that bursts with unique flavor and effortless comfort, look no further than this Crockpot Root Beer Chili Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic chili, where the sweetness and spice of root beer mingle perfectly with savory beans, ground beef, and a medley of veggies, all slow-cooked to cozy perfection. This recipe is a delicious surprise that brings warmth and a touch of whimsy to your dinner table, ensuring each bite is wonderfully rich and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is your first step to an unforgettable meal. Each component plays a vital role: from the hearty beans providing texture and protein, to the savory spices and tangy root beer that elevate this chili well beyond the ordinary.
- Lean ground beef (2 pounds): Browning it first brings out rich, meaty flavor crucial for a hearty chili base.
- Chopped peppers and onion (2 cups): Using frozen saves prep time while adding vibrant color and sweetness.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): Adds a punch of aromatic depth that livens each spoonful.
- Red kidney beans (1 15-ounce can): Rinsed and drained for creamy texture and classic chili taste.
- Chili beans (1 15-ounce can): Undrained to contribute additional seasoning and sauciness.
- Black beans (1 15-ounce can): Rinsed to balance the chili with earthiness and a pop of color.
- Mexi corn (1 11-ounce can): Drained, it brings a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 10-ounce can): Offers a bit of spice and juicy freshness.
- Tomato sauce (1 15-ounce can): Lends a smooth, tangy canvas for all the flavors to meld.
- Tomato paste (1 6-ounce can): Concentrates tomato richness and thickens the chili.
- Chili seasoning (1-ounce envelope): The secret blend of spices for authentic chili flavor.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity with a subtle caramel sweetness.
- Root Beer (12 ounces): This unexpected star ingredient infuses the chili with a gentle fizz and sweet warmth.
- Scallions, cheese, sour cream (optional toppings): Perfect finishing touches for creamy, fresh, and savory notes.
How to Make Crockpot Root Beer Chili Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Base Ingredients
Start by adding your browned and drained ground beef straight into the slow cooker. Then toss in the chopped peppers, onions, garlic, and all the beans, corn, and tomatoes with green chilies. No need to fuss here—just pile everything in so the flavors can mingle during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Magical Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili seasoning, brown sugar, and the root beer. This sauce is what sets the Crockpot Root Beer Chili Recipe apart, giving it that signature sweet and tangy twist that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Step 3: Combine and Stir
Pour the velvety sauce all over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir just enough to distribute the sauce without breaking down the beans, allowing each bite to deliver a perfect balance of textures.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. During this time, the flavors deepen, the chili thickens, and you’ll be treated to a warm, comforting aroma that will have your whole home in hungry anticipation.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chili is rich, thick, and cozy, ladle it into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes like scallions, cheese, and sour cream. It’s ready to be enjoyed as a heartwarming meal that tastes like a comforting hug on a chilly day.
How to Serve Crockpot Root Beer Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings like freshly chopped scallions, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream add layers of texture and cool creaminess to the hearty, spicy chili. Feel free to sprinkle on a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for an extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread or crusty bread to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can also balance the richness of the dish, brightening your plate and palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve the chili in mini bread bowls or alongside a build-your-own topping bar to make serving interactive and fun. You might also spoon the chili over baked potatoes for a satisfying twist on a loaded spud.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the chili cool to room temperature before transferring any leftovers into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a convenient and tasty option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months—perfect for times when you want a no-fuss, hearty meal ready to reheat.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored chili, thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave until steaming hot. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of soda instead of root beer?
Absolutely! While root beer gives this chili its signature sweetness and caramel notes, you can experiment with cola or cream soda for a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the unique balance might shift a bit.
Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Browning the beef first helps develop deeper flavors and gets rid of excess fat. It also prevents the chili from becoming greasy. Although you can skip this step, taking the extra time really elevates the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with hearty veggies like mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth. Be sure to check your chili seasoning for any animal-derived ingredients or substitute with your favorite spice mix.
How thick should the chili be when it’s done?
You want the chili to be thick and hearty, but not dry. It should spoon easily without running like a soup. If it’s too watery, cook it a bit longer with the lid off to let some liquid evaporate.
What are the best toppings for this chili?
Classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped scallions work beautifully. You can also get creative by adding avocado slices, jalapeños for heat, or even crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Root Beer Chili Recipe is a little culinary gem that transforms an everyday meal into a cozy occasion. Its wonderful balance of sweet and savory, coupled with the ease of slow cooking, makes it a reliable favorite for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Give it a try—you’ll soon find this comforting dish stealing the spotlight at your table time and time again!
Print
Crockpot Root Beer Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (including browning beef and prep)
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 4 hours (high) in slow cooker
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (using low setting)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Root Beer Chili is a flavorful and hearty slow-cooked chili that combines lean ground beef, a variety of beans, peppers, and onions with a unique twist of root beer for a subtly sweet and rich flavor. Perfect for a cozy meal, it cooks low and slow in the crockpot for a thick, comforting dish topped with scallions, cheese, and sour cream.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (browned and drained)
- 2 cups chopped peppers and onion (frozen recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Beans and Corn
- 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
Tomato Base and Seasonings
- 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 1-ounce envelope chili seasoning
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Liquid
- 12 ounces root beer
Toppings
- Chopped scallions
- Grated cheese
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the browned and drained ground beef, chopped peppers and onions, minced garlic, rinsed and drained red kidney beans, chili beans (with liquid), black beans (rinsed and drained), drained Mexi corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies directly into your slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili seasoning, brown sugar, and root beer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Sauce with Ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir gently to distribute the sauce evenly among the other ingredients.
- Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours. Cook until the chili becomes rich, thick, and cozy, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with your choice of scallions, cheese, and sour cream, then serve immediately and enjoy your hearty meal.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- The root beer adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor; do not substitute with soda of a different flavor for best results.
- Use frozen chopped peppers and onions to save prep time.
- Beans can be swapped or added based on preference; no-drain beans add more flavor and body to the chili.
- Adjust chili seasoning amount according to your spice tolerance.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
