Last updated on October 7th, 2023 at 10:29 am
Culver Copycat Chili Like George Makes Recipe right 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 great 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 nutritious benefits including being low in calories and high in fiber. So don’t let anyone tell you that chili isn’t good food; it most definitely is.
How many calories are in Culver’s small chili?
According to the Culver’s website, there are 300 calories in their small bowl of chili.
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.2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 2 Pounds Ground Beef
- Add the onion, bell pepper cook until the onions are translucent. Then add the tomato sauce, kidney beans, and pinto beans.1 Cup Bell Pepper, 1 Cup Onion, 30 Ounces Tomato Sauce, 14 Ounces Kidney Beans, 14 Ounces Pinto Beans
- Add the spice ingredients, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, chili powder, salt and black pepper.2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin, 2 Teaspoons Ground Coriander, 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano, 2 Teaspoons Chili Powder, Salt and Pepper to taste
- 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
Notes
There is a Short Video for This Recipe
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.
Make This Chili Hotter
If you like your chili with a bit more heat, try adding 1 Tablespoon of Hot Sauce or ¼ Teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper.Nutrition
What is the best meat for chili?
The best meat for chili is a matter of personal preference, and there are several options to choose from. The most common choices for chili meat include:
- Ground Beef: Ground beef is a classic choice for chili. It provides a hearty and familiar flavor. You can choose lean ground beef for a healthier option or use ground chuck for more flavor and juiciness.
- Ground Turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner and lower-fat alternative to ground beef. It works well in chili and can be a healthier option.
- Ground Pork: Ground pork adds a unique and slightly sweet flavor to chili. It’s often used in combination with other meats for a richer taste.
- Ground Chicken: Ground chicken is another lean option that can be used in chili. It has a milder flavor compared to beef but can still be delicious when seasoned well.
- Cubed or Ground Chicken or Turkey Sausage: Using sausage meat can add a lot of flavor to your chili. You can either use ground or remove the casings and use the sausage meat in crumbled form.
- Bison or Venison: For a lean and gamey flavor, you can use bison or venison in your chili. These meats can provide a unique and rich taste.
- Combination: Many chili recipes use a combination of meats, such as a mix of ground beef and pork, to create a complex flavor profile.
Ultimately, the best meat for chili depends on your taste preferences.
Additionally, some chili recipes incorporate multiple types of meat for a more layered and flavorful dish. Experiment with different meats and combinations to find your favorite chili recipe.
Make Chili Vegetarian
You can even make vegetarian chili using plant-based meat substitutes or a variety of beans and vegetables.
What are the best beans for chili?
The choice of beans for chili is a matter of personal preference, but there are several types of beans commonly used in chili recipes. Here are some of the best beans for chili:
- Kidney Beans: Red kidney beans are one of the most traditional choices for chili. They have a hearty texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. You can use light or dark kidney beans based on your preference.
- Black Beans: Black beans are another popular option for chili. They have a creamy texture and a slightly earthy flavor. They can add a nice contrast in color and taste to your chili.
- Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are often used in southwestern-style chili recipes. They have a creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavor that pairs well with chili spices.
- Cannellini Beans: Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a good choice if you prefer a milder flavor and a creamier texture in your chili.
- Great Northern Beans: Great Northern beans are similar in texture and flavor to cannellini beans and work well in chili recipes.
- Chili Beans: Some canned varieties of chili beans are specially seasoned and designed for making chili. They often contain a mix of kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans, along with chili spices.
- Anasazi Beans: Anasazi beans are a unique choice for chili. They have a nutty flavor and maroon and white coloring. They can add a visually striking element to your chili.
- Navy Beans: Navy beans are smaller and more delicate in texture compared to some other beans. They can be used in chili if you prefer a softer texture.
You can use a single type of bean or a combination of different beans in your chili, depending on your taste preferences and the texture you desire. Some chili recipes even omit beans entirely, focusing solely on the meat and spices. Customize your chili to suit your preferences and enjoy experimenting with different bean varieties to find the one you like best.
