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Recreate Sonic’s famous chili in your kitchen with this easy, cozy recipe made with ground beef, peppers, spices, and beans. Finish it off with a sprinkle of cheese for an ultimate comfort food indulgence.
One-Pot Chili That Tastes Like Sonic’s (But Better)
Sonic’s chili is a drive-thru favorite. It’s packed with perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender peppers, hearty beans, and the perfect blend of spices that bring all the warmth and flavor to this savory chili. It comes together quickly and easily, making it ideal for busy nights, chilly evenings, or when you want something comforting. Topped with a handful of cheese, it’s total comfort in a bowl, without needing to head to Sonic to get it.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make this chili and some simple substitutions.
- 1 lb ground beef – This is the savory base of the chili. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter taste.
- 1 small onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the chili. Use onion powder if you do not have an onion.
- 1 large green pepper – This adds a slight crunch to the chili’s texture. Use any color pepper.
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Worcestershire sauce brings a savory depth that makes it seem slow-cooked.
- 1 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes – Helps create the tangy base of the chili.
- 1 can of red kidney beans – Adds a good protein. Substitute black or pinto beans.
- ½ cup beef broth – Use chicken or vegetable broth as a substitute if needed.
- 1 Tablespoon mustard – Mustard adds a sharp bite to balance out the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon cumin – Cumin has an earthy taste that adds to the savory flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder – Use fresh garlic as an alternative.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder – Adds a mild heat to give the chili that classic flavor we love.
- 1 teaspoon oregano – Use Italian seasoning if you do not have oregano.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the chili.
- 1 teaspoon pepper –
- Cheddar cheese – Adds creaminess to the irresistible chili.
How To Make Sonic Chili Recipe
This recipe is made in a few simple steps. Brown the beef, cook the veggies, add the sauce, spices, and the remaining ingredients. Cook, top with cheese, and serve. Let me show you how:
Brown the beef and sauté the veggies
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over high heat until browned. Transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess fat.
Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the diced onion and green pepper to the same pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften and brown.
Add the flavor
Return the browned beef to the pan. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and oregano. Let it cook together for 2 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to really soak in.
Simmer and serve
Turn the heat to medium. Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and simmer for 5 minutes, until the mixture is thick and bubbling.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with shredded cheddar, and dig in.
Top Recipe Tips
Don’t skip the mustard – It gives this chili its Sonic-style zing.
Brown the beef well – Color means flavor. Don’t rush this step.
Use crushed tomatoes, not diced – This keeps the texture smooth and cohesive, like the original Sonic chili.
Make It A Meal
This Easy Strawberries and Cream makes a delicious treat after enjoying this chili.
Sonic Chili Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
FOR THE CHILI:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 28- oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 16 oz can of red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
GARNISHES:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef in a large skillet on high heat. When it is browned, transfer it to a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb the fat.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high, add the onion and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onions and peppers start to brown.
- Add the ground beef back in, sprinkle the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and oregano over the mixture, and cook for 2-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the stove, sprinkle with cheese, and serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Sonic Chili Recipe FAQs
The chili tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge the day before you are ready to serve it.
Sure, add some cayenne pepper to taste or some diced jalapeno peppers to add some heat to the chili.
Serve it over fries, nachos, a baked potato, or rice. Or in true Sonic style, serve it with tater tots. (recipe coming soon!)
More Comfort Food Classic Recipes
Here are a few more cozy meals you will love as much as this Sonic Chili.
