Milwaukee Real Chili Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl of hearty, flavorful chili, look no further than the legendary Milwaukee Real Chili Recipe. This iconic dish, born in 1931 from the creative genius of Francis Honish, has become a staple of Milwaukee’s rich food culture.

From the humble beginnings at Marquette University’s Jesuit residence to its enduring legacy today, Real Chili has been delighting taste buds for generations.

In honor of this celebrated chili, here’s a recipe inspired by the original Real Chili – thick, flavorful, and packed with layers of spice that build intensity with each bite.

What Does Milwaukee Real Chili Taste Like?

The Milwaukee Real Chili recipe offers a rich and hearty flavor profile that strikes the perfect balance between savory, spicy, and comforting. The ground beef provides a satisfying depth, while the black beans add a robust, earthy richness.

The blend of spices—cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika—builds a complex heat that grows with each bite, but it’s never overwhelming. The crushed tomatoes contribute a slight sweetness, while the optional Tabasco sauce adds a subtle kick.

The result is a thick, velvety chili that’s both warming and satisfying, with layers of flavor that continue to unfold as you enjoy it.

Ingredients Required for Milwaukee Real Chili Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Milwaukee Real Chili at home

• ⅓ of a medium onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (fine ground for that signature texture)
• 24 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra depth of flavor)
• 1 tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Water (as needed for desired thickness)
• Tabasco sauce (optional, for an extra kick)

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Can opener
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle for serving

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour

Recipe for Milwaukee Real Chili

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Milwaukee real chili at home

1. Heat the Pan: Start by heating a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up before adding the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: Once the onions are ready, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat up as it cooks, ensuring that it browns evenly. This step adds a rich flavor base to the chili, so cook the beef until fully browned, about 5-6 minutes. Combine Tomatoes and Beans: Next, add the 24 oz. can of crushed tomatoes and stir to incorporate. Then, add the black beans for that extra punch. Black beans are the secret ingredient that gives this chili its unique depth, so don’t skip this!

3. Season the Chili: Add the spices: cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. At this point, the chili should be starting to look wonderfully thick and rich.

4. Simmer and Thicken: Add water slowly to reach your desired consistency (about 1-2 cups should do). Bring the chili to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and allow it to cook uncovered for about 45 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning.

5. Adjust for Flavor: Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a few dashes of Tobasco sauce for a little extra heat, or add more salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili has thickened to your liking, it’s ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, or jalapeños. For an authentic touch, you can even serve it over spaghetti, as it’s done at the famous Real Chili restaurant in Milwaukee.

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Milwaukee Real Chili

Chili over Spaghetti (a Main Dish): For a classic take, serve your chili over a bed of spaghetti noodles. Top with shredded cheese, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream or jalapeños for an extra kick.

1. Chili Cheese Fries: Serve your chili over crispy fries and top with melted cheese for a comfort food twist. This is perfect for game day or a hearty snack.

2. Chili Mac: Mix chili with elbow macaroni for a creamy, cheesy chili mac. You can stir in some sour cream or shredded cheese to make it extra creamy.

3. Chili in a Bread Bowl: For an irresistible presentation, serve your chili in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It soaks up the chili, adding extra flavor with every bite.

4. Taco Chili: Turn your chili into a taco filling by adding it to soft or crispy tortillas. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream for a fun, taco-inspired meal.

5. Chili with Cornbread: Serve your chili with a side of cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal. The slightly sweet cornbread complements the rich, spicy chili perfectly.

6. Chili-Stuffed Peppers: For a healthy twist, stuff bell peppers with chili and bake them until tender. Top with cheese and bake until melted for a satisfying and nutritious dish.

7. Chili on Hot Dogs: Make chili dogs by serving your chili on top of grilled hot dogs in soft buns, and add toppings like shredded cheese, onions, and mustard for a classic taste.

8. Chili Nachos: Layer chili over tortilla chips and top with melted cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for an indulgent nacho dish that’s perfect for sharing.

9. Chili with Rice: For a simple yet hearty meal, serve chili over steamed rice. The rice soaks up the chili’s flavorful broth, creating a filling and satisfying dish.

Some Tips on This Milwaukee Real Chili Recipe

1. Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika will enhance the chili’s flavor. Fresh spices release more oils, adding richness and depth.

2. Brown the Beef Well: Don’t rush the browning of the ground beef. The caramelization adds flavor and complexity to the chili base.

3. Add Extra Beans: If you love a heartier chili, try adding an extra can of black beans or even kidney beans for additional texture and flavor.

4. Low and Slow: Let the chili simmer for at least an hour. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, making it even more delicious.

5. Adjust the Heat: Customize the spice level by adding more cayenne or Tobasco sauce. For milder heat, stick to the cumin and paprika, and skip the extra hot spices.

6. Incorporate Dark Chocolate: For a deeper, richer flavor, add a small amount of dark chocolate (or Mexican chocolate) during the simmering process. It’ll bring out a subtle, savory sweetness.

7. Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: For a smoky flavor, opt for fire-roasted canned tomatoes. They’ll add a unique layer of taste to the chili.

8. Don’t Skip the Beans’ Rinsing: Always rinse canned beans to remove the excess salt and starch, which can make your chili overly thick or salty.

9. Serve with Toppings: Enhance your chili experience with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and jalapeños for an extra punch.

10. Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day, so make a big batch and store it in the fridge. The flavors have time to deepen, and the chili thickens beautifully overnight.

How to Store and Reheat Milwaukee Real Chili

To store your Milwaukee Real Chili, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Place the container in the refrigerator, where it can be stored for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili.

Common Queries on This Milwaukee Real Chili Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Milwaukee real chili recipe that people often ask.

1. What is the secret to really good chili?

The secret to really good chili lies in the balance of flavors. A well-seasoned chili includes a combination of spices like cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, which bring heat and depth to the dish. It’s also essential to cook the chili slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together, and using a rich base, such as ground beef or a mix of meat and beans, to add substance. The key is to layer the heat gradually rather than overwhelming the dish with too much spice at once.

2. Who is the owner of Real Chili Milwaukee?

The current owner of Real Chili Milwaukee is Steve Kastelic. He has worked at the restaurant since high school and eventually purchased the business in 2007. Steve is one of the two living souls who know the secret spice recipe and is a passionate advocate for Real Chili’s legacy.

3. What is the original chili made of?

The original Real Chili recipe is a hearty combination of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a secret blend of spices that create a rich and flavorful chili. The chili can be served mild, medium, or hot, with the level of spice determined by the amount of chili added to the dish.

4.Can I make Milwaukee Real Chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of the chili by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or additional beans. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture.

5. How spicy is Milwaukee Real Chili?

The spiciness of Real Chili can be adjusted depending on your preference. The recipe traditionally offers three spice levels—mild, medium, and hot. If you like it spicier, you can always add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase the heat.

6. How long does it take to cook Real Chili?

The preparation time for Milwaukee Real Chili is around 15-20 minutes, and cooking time typically ranges from 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how thick you want the chili and how long you simmer it. Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and the chili to thicken.

7. Can I freeze Milwaukee Real Chili?

Yes, you can freeze Milwaukee Real Chili for up to 3 months. Once it has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

8. What toppings are best for Milwaukee Real Chili?

Some classic toppings for Real Chili include shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You can also serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over spaghetti for a Marquette Special.

9. How do I make my chili thicker?

To make your chili thicker, you can reduce the liquid by simmering it longer, allowing it to cook off. Alternatively, you can mash a portion of the beans in the chili or add a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour to achieve your desired consistency.

10. Can I use different types of beans in Milwaukee Real Chili?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of beans in your chili. While black beans are commonly used for their rich flavor, you can also use kidney beans, pinto beans, or a combination of different beans depending on your personal taste preferences.

Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.

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