Frisch’s Chili Recipe

What is Frisch’s Chili and How Does It Taste?

Frisch’s chili, also known as big Boy chili, is a legendary Cincinnati-style comfort dish that’s been warming hearts for decades. This bob’s big boy chili recipe features a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional Texas-style chili.

The taste is rich and complex-a harmonious blend of savory ground beef and pork, aromatic spices including cumin and smoked paprika, with subtle undertones of cocoa and cinnamon that create an almost mole-like depth. The chipotle peppers add a gentle smoky heat, while brown sugar and honey balance the acidity perfectly.

The texture is thick and hearty, loaded with tender kidney beans, and the finish is satisfyingly warming without being overwhelmingly spicy. It’s the kind of chili that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Meats

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
• 1 lb (450g) ground pork

Aromatics & Vegetables

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 green onions (scallions), sliced (white + green parts)
• 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste (or 4–5 cloves minced)

Seasonings & Spices

• 2–3 tsp all-purpose seasoning (divided)
• 1–2 tsp beef bouillon powder (divided)
• ½–1 tsp MSG (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2–3 tablespoons chili powder (mild or hot to taste)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt (pink Himalayan or regular) to taste

Secret Ingredients

• 1 (7 oz / 198g) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, blended smooth
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup
• 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey

Liquids

• 1–2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 cup (240ml) Mexican beer (e.g., Modelo, Dos Equis) or beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (plus more if needed)
• 1 (28 oz / 794g) can crushed tomatoes

Beans

• 1 (15–16 oz) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15–16 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

For Serving

• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced fresh jalapeños
• Crispy fried onions
• Chopped chives or green onions

Kitchen Utensils

1. Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Slotted spoon
4. Chef’s knife and cutting board
5. Can opener
6. Blender or food processor (for chipotle peppers)
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Ladle for serving

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1–3 hours (minimum 1 hour, best at 2–3 hours)
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8–10 generous bowls

Copycat Frisch’s Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat your Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1–2 tablespoons avocado oil. Add the ground pork first, spreading it flat across the bottom. Let it develop a deep, caramelized crust without stirring too much-this creates incredible flavor. After 3–4 minutes, add the ground beef. Season with 1–2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning, 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder, and optional ½ teaspoon MSG.

Break up the meat and cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes total. Using a slotted spoon, remove the browned meat and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot with the leftover rendered fat, add the diced yellow onion, sliced green onions, and finely diced jalapeños. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, translucent, and fragrant. This builds the aromatic foundation for your copycat frisch’s chili recipe.

Step 3: Bloom the Spices

Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and cocoa powder directly to the vegetables. Stir constantly for 30–60 seconds until the spices become fragrant and slightly toasted. This blooming technique releases essential oils and creates that signature mole-like depth reminiscent of authentic big boy chili.

Step 4: Deglaze

Pour in 1 cup of Mexican beer (or substitute with beef broth if preferred). Use your wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned, caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pot-these bits are pure flavor gold. Let the beer come to a vigorous boil and reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off while concentrating the flavors.

Step 5: Build the Chili Base

Stir in the blended chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, crushed tomatoes, and the can of condensed tomato soup. The tomato soup might seem unusual, but it’s a secret weapon that gives this wendy’s copycat chili its signature silky, smooth texture. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 6: Add Beans and Adjust Liquid

Fold in both cans of drained and rinsed kidney beans, pour in 1 cup of beef broth, and add a generous pinch of salt, another teaspoon of all-purpose seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon powder. The mixture will appear quite thick at this stage-this is intentional. If it looks too dry or paste-like, add an extra splash of beef broth.

Step 7: Balance the Flavor

Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of honey. These sweeteners are crucial for cutting through the heat and acidity, creating the balanced, craveable flavor that makes this bob’s big boy chili recipe so addictive.

Step 8: Simmer

Return all the browned meat back to the pot and stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover with a lid and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, though 2–3 hours is ideal. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The extended simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the chili to develop its characteristic thick, rich consistency.

Step 9: Final Seasoning

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in 1 tablespoon of garlic paste. Adding garlic at the end preserves its bright, pungent flavor. Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning-add more salt if needed, additional chili powder for heat, or a touch more honey if it’s too spicy.

Step 10: Serve

Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top generously with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, sliced fresh jalapeños, crispy fried onions for texture, and chopped chives or green onions for a fresh finish.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Cincinnati-Style Chili Mac: Transform your frisch’s chili into an authentic Cincinnati three-way by serving it over a bed of spaghetti or elbow macaroni, topped with a mountain of shredded cheddar cheese. For a four-way, add diced raw onions; for a five-way, include kidney beans. This regional specialty turns your big boy chili recipe into a complete meal that’s beloved throughout Ohio.

2. Chili Cheese Fries Supreme: Pour this hearty chili over crispy French fries or waffle fries, then smother with nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, bacon bits, and jalapeños. This loaded comfort food combination makes an incredible game-day appetizer or indulgent dinner that rivals any restaurant offering.

3. Frisch’s-Style Chili Dogs: Nestle grilled hot dogs in toasted buns and top with this copycat chili, shredded cheddar, diced onions, and yellow mustard for an authentic Big Boy experience. Add crispy fried onions for extra texture and crunch that elevates these chili dogs to the next level.

4. Chili-Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Split open fluffy baked russet potatoes and load them with this rich chili, then top with butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives. This hearty meal-in-one satisfies even the biggest appetites and makes excellent use of leftover wendy’s copycat chili.

5. Chili Nachos Deluxe: Layer tortilla chips on a large platter, drizzle with this warm chili, then pile on queso, guacamole, pico de gallo, black olives, pickled jalapeños, and cilantro. These loaded nachos are perfect for parties and showcase the versatility of your homemade big boy chili.

6. Cornbread and Chili Pairing: Serve this chili alongside warm, slightly sweet cornbread or corn muffins with honey butter. The subtle sweetness of cornbread complements the savory, spiced chili beautifully, and it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth.

7. Chili Breakfast Bowl: Reimagine breakfast by serving this reheated chili over scrambled eggs or a fried egg, with crispy hash browns on the side, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of hot sauce. This protein-packed morning meal will keep you satisfied for hours and puts a creative spin on your leftover bob’s big boy chili recipe.

Essential Tips for Perfect Frisch’s Chili

1. Don’t Skip the Meat Browning Step: Achieving a deep, caramelized crust on your ground beef and pork is crucial for developing complex flavor. Resist the urge to constantly stir-let the meat sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes at a time to develop that gorgeous brown color.

2. Embrace the Unconventional Ingredients: The condensed tomato soup, cocoa powder, and cinnamon might seem strange in a chili recipe, but these ingredients are what give big boy chili its distinctive character. The tomato soup adds body and silky texture, while cocoa and cinnamon create depth without being identifiable.

3. Adjust Heat Levels to Your Preference: This recipe is moderately spiced but highly customizable. For milder chili, use only 1 jalapeño, reduce the chipotle peppers to half a can, and stick with mild chili powder. For fire-breathers, add extra jalapeños, use hot chili powder, include the chipotle seeds, and finish with your favorite hot sauce.

4. Let Time Work Its Magic: While this chili is good after 1 hour of simmering, it becomes absolutely spectacular after 2–3 hours. The extended cooking time allows the spices to fully bloom, the meat to become incredibly tender, and all the flavors to meld into that signature big boy chili taste.

5. Control Consistency with Liquid Management: This copycat big boy chili recipe should be thick and hearty, not soupy. If your chili becomes too thick during simmering, add beef broth ¼ cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, continue simmering uncovered for 20–30 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors while thickening the texture naturally.

6. Layer Your Seasonings: Notice how the recipe adds seasonings at different stages? This layering technique builds complex, dimensional flavor. Season the meat while browning, add spices during blooming, incorporate bouillon with the beans, and finish with garlic at the end.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover frisch’s chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore consistency, or microwave in 90-second intervals, stirring between each.

Common Queries and FAQs

Can I make this frisch’s chili recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! After completing steps 1–7 (browning meat, sautéing vegetables, blooming spices, and combining all ingredients), transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the garlic paste during the last 30 minutes of cooking for best results.

What makes this a copycat big boy chili recipe instead of regular chili?

The signature elements include the combination of ground beef and pork, the use of condensed tomato soup for silky texture, the addition of cocoa powder and cinnamon for depth, and the balance of sweet and savory with brown sugar and honey. These ingredients create the distinctive flavor profile that mimics the beloved Frisch’s Big Boy restaurant version.

Can I substitute the Mexican beer in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use beer, simply replace it with an equal amount of beef broth. The beer adds a subtle malty depth and helps deglaze the pan, but beef broth works wonderfully and won’t significantly alter the final flavor of your wendy’s copycat chili.

Is this chili recipe spicy or mild?

As written, this big boy chili recipe has a medium heat level-flavorful and warming without being overwhelming. The heat comes primarily from the chipotle peppers and jalapeños, but the brown sugar and honey provide balance. You can easily adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and type of chili powder you use.

Why do you add the garlic at the end instead of the beginning?

Adding garlic paste in the final 10 minutes of cooking preserves its bright, pungent flavor. When garlic cooks for extended periods (2–3 hours), it becomes mellow and sweet but loses its characteristic sharpness. By adding it near the end, you get the best of both worlds-the depth from long-cooked ingredients plus the vibrant garlic punch.

Can I use all ground beef instead of beef and pork?

Yes, you can use 2 pounds of ground beef instead of the beef-pork combination. However, the ground pork adds a subtle sweetness and richer flavor that’s characteristic of the authentic bob’s big boy chili recipe. If you do substitute, consider using a slightly fattier beef blend (80/20) to compensate for the richness the pork would provide.

Do I have to use kidney beans, or can I substitute other beans?

While kidney beans are traditional in frisch’s chili and big boy chili recipes, you can substitute with pinto beans, black beans, or even a mixture of different beans. Each variety will slightly alter the texture and flavor, but the chili will still be delicious. Some people prefer to make it without beans entirely for a more Texas-style approach.

What’s the purpose of MSG in this recipe?

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a flavor enhancer that boosts the savory, umami taste in your chili. It’s completely optional but adds depth that mimics the restaurant quality of the original Frisch’s version. If you prefer not to use it, simply increase the beef bouillon powder by ½ teaspoon or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.

This copycat frisch’s chili recipe brings the iconic taste of big boy chili straight to your kitchen with authentic flavors and restaurant-quality results. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood visits to Frisch’s, comparing it to your favorite wendy’s chili, or simply craving the ultimate comfort food, this hearty, perfectly spiced bowl delivers every time.

Camila Markson

Frisch’s Chili Recipe

5 from 4 votes

If you’ve ever enjoyed the rich, hearty flavor of frisch’s chili at Frisch’s Big Boy, you’ll love how easily you can bring that same classic taste into your own kitchen. This frisch’s chili recipe is a warm, satisfying blend of spices, ground beef, and savory aromatics that perfectly mirrors the restaurant’s trademark style. Designed as a copycat frisch’s chili recipe, it delivers the comforting, slow-simmered goodness fans have cherished for generations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb 450g ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
• 1 lb 450g ground pork
• 1 large yellow onion diced
• 4 green onions scallions, sliced (white + green parts)
• 1 –2 jalapeños seeded and finely diced (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste or 4–5 cloves minced
• 2 –3 tsp all-purpose seasoning divided
• 1 –2 tsp beef bouillon powder divided
• ½ –1 tsp MSG optional
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 –3 tablespoons chili powder mild or hot to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt pink Himalayan or regular to taste
• 1 7 oz / 198g can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, blended smooth
• 1 10.75 oz can condensed tomato soup
• 2 –3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 –2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 cup 240ml Mexican beer (e.g., Modelo, Dos Equis) or beef broth
• 1 cup 240ml beef broth (plus more if needed)
• 1 28 oz / 794g can crushed tomatoes
• 1 15–16 oz can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15–16 oz can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced fresh jalapeños
• Crispy fried onions
• Chopped chives or green onions

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Slotted spoon
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Can opener
• Blender or food processor (for chipotle peppers)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Method

 

1. Heat your Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1–2 tablespoons avocado oil. Add the ground pork first, spreading it flat across the bottom. Let it develop a deep, caramelized crust without stirring too much-this creates incredible flavor. After 3–4 minutes, add the ground beef. Season with 1–2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning, 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder, and optional ½ teaspoon MSG. Break up the meat and cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes total. Using a slotted spoon, remove the browned meat and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot.
2. In the same pot with the leftover rendered fat, add the diced yellow onion, sliced green onions, and finely diced jalapeños. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, translucent, and fragrant. This builds the aromatic foundation for your copycat frisch’s chili recipe.
3. Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, and cocoa powder directly to the vegetables. Stir constantly for 30–60 seconds until the spices become fragrant and slightly toasted. This blooming technique releases essential oils and creates that signature mole-like depth reminiscent of authentic big boy chili.
4. Pour in 1 cup of Mexican beer (or substitute with beef broth if preferred). Use your wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned, caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pot-these bits are pure flavor gold. Let the beer come to a vigorous boil and reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off while concentrating the flavors.
5. Stir in the blended chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, crushed tomatoes, and the can of condensed tomato soup. The tomato soup might seem unusual, but it’s a secret weapon that gives this wendy’s copycat chili its signature silky, smooth texture. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
6. Fold in both cans of drained and rinsed kidney beans, pour in 1 cup of beef broth, and add a generous pinch of salt, another teaspoon of all-purpose seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of beef bouillon powder. The mixture will appear quite thick at this stage-this is intentional. If it looks too dry or paste-like, add an extra splash of beef broth.
7. Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of honey. These sweeteners are crucial for cutting through the heat and acidity, creating the balanced, craveable flavor that makes this bob’s big boy chili recipe so addictive.
8. Return all the browned meat back to the pot and stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover with a lid and let it simmer for at least 1 hour, though 2–3 hours is ideal. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The extended simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the chili to develop its characteristic thick, rich consistency.
9. About 10 minutes before serving, stir in 1 tablespoon of garlic paste. Adding garlic at the end preserves its bright, pungent flavor. Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning-add more salt if needed, additional chili powder for heat, or a touch more honey if it’s too spicy.
10. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and top generously with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, sliced fresh jalapeños, crispy fried onions for texture, and chopped chives or green onions for a fresh finish.

Video

Notes

Store leftover frisch’s chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to restore consistency, or microwave in 90-second intervals, stirring between each.

The combination of carefully selected spices, secret ingredients, and patient simmering creates a chili that’s even better than you remember. Gather your ingredients, fire up that Dutch oven, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of nostalgia that tastes like home.