Make Culver’s Copycat Chili Like George’s at home. It has the perfect combination of spices and meat to make it taste just like the original.
The best thing about winter is coming home to a warm bowl of chili. Thick and hearty, the perfect dish on a cold winter day. But what do you do when your favorite restaurant isn’t in walking distance? You can make this copycat recipe just like George’s right at home.
Culver’s has become one of our favorite restaurants over the years. This is one of those copycat culvers recipes that taste like homemade. It is also a healthy way to get more fiber in your diet. If you have never had this delicious dish, I urge you to order this menu item the next time you visit your local Culver’s Restaurant. It is a Culver’s Family Specialty and the flavor of this chili for me is just right.

Have you tried Culver’s Chili?
A while ago, my husband and I stopped at Culvers to eat, and it was a cool fall day, so chili sounded good to me. I had never tried their chili before; it was a delicious chili. It was thick and hearty with just the right amount of spice. Since this was the first time I had this chili, I had to go on a hunt for the recipe so I could make it at home anytime we wanted to enjoy this special chili recipe.
Did you know that Craig’s dad George developed this chili?
Well, now you can make it at home with this copycat recipe. Have fun and enjoy the taste of Culver’s. You deserve it.
When it rains, it pours. The perfect storm for chili is when you have a dad who loves to cook and spends his days perfecting this hearty dish made with simmered homestyle beef; diced tomatoes; dark red kidney beans (a must in any good bowl), peppers, onion celery—and that secret peppery spice blend.
This signature creation is easier than you think to make. You can make the real thing in your own kitchen in less than an hour of your time.

What is in Culver’s chili?
Culver’s chili is a medium-spicy chili con carne without noodles. It is a signature recipe that includes ground beef, onions (can be yellow onion or sweet red onion), green bell pepper, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, peppers, onions, celery, and secret blend of peppery spices to give this chili just the right amount of flavor and heat.
If you are not from Wisconsin, you may have never had the chance to try Culver’s chili. While the fast food restaurant locations are throughout United States there might not be one in your hometown. We have quite a few of their restaurants located close to us and they are quite popular restaurants.
Is Culver’s chili good?
Yes, it is a great chili. I have enjoyed many a delicious cup of George’s chili that was perfectly spiced and served hot. A great price for a delicious bowl of chili.

How to Make the Perfect Spicy Chili
Make this in one pot. No need to create more dishes to wash. Here is how I make my chili.
Begin by browning the ground beef on medium-high heat in a kettle with olive oil. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
Add the onion, bell pepper cook until the onions are translucent. Then add the tomato sauce, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
Add the spice ingredients, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, chili powder, salt and black pepper.
If you would like a bit more heat, add hot sauce or ground cayenne pepper.
Simmer 20 minutes.
Serve with your favorite toppings.
Make this in a Slow Cooker
Brown the ground beef with olive oil in a skillet. Drain off the excess fat and transfer to a slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients.
Mix to combine. Set the slow cooker on high and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Is Chili Healthy?
Chili is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made with different types of beans, ground beef, chicken, or even just vegetables. This wonderful dish has many health benefits including being low in calories and high in fiber. So don’t let anyone tell you that chili isn’t healthy; it most definitely is.
Serving Ideas for this Chili
Top this chili with diced onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, salsa, or tobacco.
Chili can also be used as an ingredient to make other dishes like chili dogs, chili French fries, or stuffed peppers.
Hollow out a sourdough bread and fill it with this chili. Top with some American cheese and bake until the cheese is all melty. Enjoy the chili with pieces of the bread that you scooped out of the middle.

What to Serve with Chili?
There are so many delicious sides that compliment a hot bowl of chili.
- Corn Chips
- Corn Bread
- Crackers
- Grilled Cheese
Serve this with a salad for a complete meal.
Strawberry Spring Mix Salad with Oriental Dressing

Storing and Freezing Chili
This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you like meal prepping, this is the perfect make ahead recipe.
It can easily be frozen into smaller portions. It will last in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Just thaw and reheat when you are ready to enjoy.
When making this ahead of time, you can serve this family favorite anytime within minutes. This is one of our favorite chili recipes. It is one of those easy recipes to make when you want comfort food that is hearty and filling.
Culver’s Copycat Chili Like George’s
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Pounds Ground Beef I Prefer Ground Chuck
- 1 Cup Bell Pepper 1 Medium, diced
- 1 Cup Onion 1 Medium, diced
- 30 Ounces Tomato Sauce 2 cans
- 14 Ounces Kidney Beans 2 cans, drained
- 14 Ounces Pinto Beans 2 cans, drained
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 2 Teaspoons Ground Coriander
- 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 Teaspoons Chili Powder
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make this in one pot. No need to create more dishes to wash. Here is how I make my chili.
- Begin by browning the ground beef on medium-high heat in a kettle with olive oil. Drain off any excess fat if needed.
- Add the onion, bell pepper cook until the onions are translucent. Then add the tomato sauce, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
- Add the spice ingredients, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, chili powder, salt and black pepper.
- If you would like a bit more heat, add hot sauce or ground cayenne pepper.
- Simmer 20 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Your Own Private Notes
Video
Notes
Make this in a Slow Cooker
Brown the ground beef with olive oil in a skillet. Drain off the excess fat and transfer to a slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients.Mix to combine. Set the slow cooker on high and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours.