Coca-Cola Chili
A flavorful chili with a hint of sweetness and depth from Coca-Cola, combining beef, beans, and spices for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 rib celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can beef broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. Coca-Cola ⓘ
- 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 3-quart Dutch oven or pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped celery over medium-high heat until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and ground cumin to the pan.
- Stir in drained kidney beans, Coca-Cola, hot pepper sauce, and unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative. Using low-sodium beef broth can help control the saltiness of the dish. For added depth, try incorporating a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce alongside the Coca-Cola.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Coca-Cola chili with cornbread or over rice for a satisfying meal. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. It also pairs beautifully with Meatball Subs for a hearty dinner. For a complete meal, include a side salad or tortilla chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coca-Cola Chili contains roughly 1146 calories, with 61g protein, 192g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (229% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and protein (121% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2279mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor. Just make sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the chili.
What can I do if the chili is too sweet?
If your chili turns out too sweet from the Coca-Cola, you can balance it by adding a bit of acidity. A splash of vinegar or the juice of a lime can help cut through the sweetness. Adding more spices or a pinch of salt can also enhance the overall flavor.
Is it necessary to use Coca-Cola in this recipe?
While Coca-Cola adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with a similar amount of Dr. Pepper or root beer for a different twist. Alternatively, using beef broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar can also mimic the sweet and tangy profile without the soda.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).