Copycat McAlister's Chili Recipe | Two Pink Peonies (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Audrey · This post may contain affiliate links

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Do you love the hearty, warm, and bean free chili at McAlister’s? This copycat McAlister’s chili recipe is super close to the real deal and will satisfy your craving!

Copycat McAlister's Chili Recipe | Two Pink Peonies (1)

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I love a cup of McAlister’s chili, there’s something so comforting about it. It also goes great on one of their giant baked potatoes! It took a little research and some experimentation but I think I’ve cracked the code on this copycat recipe.

Copycat McAlister's Chili Recipe | Two Pink Peonies (2)
Jump to:
  • What do we know about this recipe?
  • What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
  • Tips and tricks for this recipe
  • Can I use my slow cooker for this recipe?
  • Copycat McAlister’s Chili

What do we know about this recipe?

It’s not spicy, but it does have a kick to it and there’s no beans in McAlister’s chili. Oh, and it’s delicious!

What ingredients are needed for this recipe?

For this recipe, you will need:

  • Ground beef: I used 85/15 ground beef. You’ll want to brown it and then drain off the fat.
  • Celery and white onion: The base of our chili.
  • Canned stewed tomatoes: You’ll want to run these through a food processor before adding them to the mix.
  • Canned diced tomatoes: Such as Rotel. I used a can of the mild spice version since this original does have a small kick to it. You will also want to run these through a food processor so your chili is very smooth like the original.
  • Tomato paste: You’ll need just one tablespoon.
  • Chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder: To season our chili with.
  • White wine vinegar: This will help mellow the chili out. You’ll need just a teaspoon.
  • Salt and pepper: I recommend salt and pepper to taste. I do think McAlister’s chili is a bit on the saltier side.

You will also need a food processor or blender for this recipe.

Tips and tricks for this recipe

  • Add some more spice, if you like a spicy chili! You can add a diced jalapeño without the seeds.
  • Let your chili simmer for awhile. I think around 2 hours on a very low temperature is best.
  • Try using a special meat spatula like this one. This will help you get the ground beef down to very small chunks, just like the original version.

Can I use my slow cooker for this recipe?

If you want to use your slow cooker for this recipe, you absolutely can! Brown the ground beef and drain the fat, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, plus ⅓ cup of water. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Other McAlister copycat recipes:

  • Copycat McAlister’s Club Sandwich
  • Copycat McAlister’s Mac and Cheese
  • Copycat McAlister’s Sweet Tea
  • Copycat McAlister’s Tortilla Soup
  • Copycat McAlister’s Chicken Salad

Copycat McAlister's Chili Recipe | Two Pink Peonies (10)

Copycat McAlister’s Chili

Audrey

This copycat McAlister's chili recipe is super close to the real deal and will satisfy your craving!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 149 kcal

Equipment

  • Large cooking pot

  • food processor

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef I used 85/15
  • 1 stalk celery (one single stalk, not a bunch) ends removed
  • 1 large white onion finely diced
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes about 14 ounces
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Rotel) about 10 ounces
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, brown and then drain the fat off of your ground beef. Set aside.

  • Run the stewed tomatoes through a food processor and add to a large pot.

  • Next, run your diced tomatoes with green chiles and add them.

  • Run your celery stalk through the food processor next and add it to the chili.

  • Add the ground beef and onion. Stir well.

  • Add the tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. Stir well.

  • Bring to a low boil and then reduce to a low heat let simmer for about two hours. Stir occasionally.

Notes

  • If chili seems too thick, add ⅓ cup of water.
  • If you want to use your slow cooker for this recipe, you absolutely can! Brown the ground beef and drain the fat, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, plus ⅓ cup of water. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Nutritional information is an estimate only.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 149kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 18gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 253mgPotassium: 625mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 673IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 4mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lori

    Ok thanks for the information. I’m making the chili tomorrow.

    Reply

  2. Lori

    Do you cover (lid) the pot to simmer?

    Reply

    • Audrey

      Hi Lori, I left mine uncovered to simmer.

      Reply

  3. Brittney

    Copycat McAlister's Chili Recipe | Two Pink Peonies (11)
    This was amazing! My boyfriend says it takes just like McAlester’s. I didn’t have celery on hand and it still came out fantastic. Thank you!

    Reply

  4. Rusty

    I just now had the opportunity to try McAlister’s chili. You’re correct…it Great.
    As I found your copycat recipe, I cant wait to try it as I live in California, a long ways from any McAlister’s.
    I have two questions; Did you cook the onions with the ground beef or add them in after and let them soften as it simmers for two hours? Next, did you mean to say Mild Rotel as I dont see that they make a medium only Mild, Original and Hot. Thanks for getting this recipe out there as I will be making this often.

    Reply

    • Audrey

      Hi Rusty, I did mean mild, thank you for pointing that out. I am only human and sometimes I make mistakes! You can add whatever spice level of Rotel you want but I like the mild. I added the onions after the meat since it simmers but you can cook them with the meat. I hope you enjoy the recipe if you try it.

      Reply

      • Rusty

        I made this recipe last night…Great Copycat!! Thank you for sharing this recipe as otherwise I would have spent hours in the kitchen trying to figure this one out. Very simple to follow and the taste and consistency was right on target.
        Thanks again

        Reply

        • Audrey

          I am so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you so much for taking time to comment after making it.

          Reply

Leave a Reply

Copycat McAlister's Chili Recipe | Two Pink Peonies (2024)

FAQs

Does McAlister's chili have beans in it? ›

What do we know about this recipe? It's not spicy, but it does have a kick to it and there's no beans in McAlister's chili.

What is chili seasoning made of? ›

Chili Seasoning ingredients include simple basic pantry spices, with chili powder and cumin making up the base of the blend. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper round out the ingredients. Cayenne pepper is also a great addition if you like a spicier chili seasoning.

How many carbs are in McAlister's chili? ›

Chili
CaloriesTotal FatCarbohydrates
2501122

How long does it take to simmer chili? ›

Add diced tomatoes, tomato juice, ketchup, beans, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic salt, pepper, paprika, cumin and cayenne. Simmer: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring, then reduce the heat and simmer over medium-low heat for at least one hour, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

What kind of beans are in chili? ›

The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

Are pink beans chili beans? ›

Another common term for pink beans is chili beans. These pinkish brown beans have a sweet meaty texture to them. Available dried or canned. Found in the local grocery store where other types of beans may be found.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Season Early and Often. Herbs and spice blends are all key to flavoring chili, but many cooks wait until the very end to add in their spices. Instead, season early and often so flavors mix and mingle to develop an even richer taste.

Is Mccormick chili seasoning the same as chili powder? ›

Is chili powder the same thing as chili seasoning? No. Chili powder is made with ground chilis and sometimes the addition of paprika, cumin and Mexican Oregano. Chili seasoning is a combination of 8 spices used to make chili or other recipes that call for chili seasoning.

How do you make chili taste better? ›

How to Give Chili a Flavor Boost
  1. Add something acidic. ...
  2. Try to identify what about your chili is boring. ...
  3. Add tomato paste. ...
  4. Drop in some chocolate. ...
  5. Embrace pickling liquid. ...
  6. Stir in some molasses.

Does McAlister's veggie chili have meat in it? ›

A hearty, meatless, all-bean chili that has all the seasoning you love.

How many calories in a bowl of McAlister's chili? ›

There are 370 calories in 1 serving of Mcalister's Deli Traditional Chili - Bowl. * The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Is a bowl of chili high in carbs? ›

Chili with beans and meat, homemade (1 cup) contains 23.5g total carbs, 16.3g net carbs, 9.1g fat, 18.2g protein, and 242 calories.

What is the best meat for chili? ›

What is the best meat for chili? The best meat for chili depends on the type you're making, but professionals generally use a combination of ground chuck, brisket, short ribs, or diced tri-tip sirloin mixed with bacon and sausage to layer multiple textures and flavors.

Does chili get better the longer you cook it? ›

A low and slow cook time—at least an hour total—is key for drawing out the most flavor in a pot of chili. Yes, a quick chili is most welcome on weeknights, but it won't have quite the same results. A slow cooker works wonders, but if you're short on time, try a pressure cooker.

Should I stir chili while it simmers? ›

It depends on the cooking method. In the crock-pot/slow cooker I would never stir it or even take off the lid until it should be close to done. In a pressure cooker, the same thing. On the stove top, I stir often because as it thickens, you want to stir to prevent possible scorching on the bottom of the pot.

Does chilli have beans in it? ›

While chili can be made with any kind of bean, kidney beans have emerged as the favorite. The comparison can (and has) been made that chili without beans is really just a meat sauce, like a spicier Italian-style sauce you would serve over spaghetti.

Does chili include beans? ›

Small red or pink common beans are commonly used for chili, as are black beans, black-eyed peas, kidney beans, pinto beans, great northern beans, or navy beans. Most commercially prepared canned chili includes beans.

Does regular chili have beans? ›

The ICS defines Traditional Red Chili as "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients. Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed."

Does official chili have beans? ›

Real Texas chili does not have beans. Other tasty chilies do have beans.

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