Hello, Good News! If you are a fan of Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants, you probably love their famous chili. It’s thick, tangy, and full of warm and toasty flavors. But did you know that you can make it at home with simple ingredients? Yes, you can!
In this article, we will show you how to make a copycat version of Frisch’s chili that tastes just like the real thing. You will also learn some interesting facts about Frisch’s history, nutrition, and variations. So, get ready to enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that will make you feel like you are at your favorite restaurant.
What is Frisch’s Chili?
Frisch’s chili is a regional specialty that originated in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is a type of Cincinnati-style chili, which is very different from the typical Tex-Mex chili. Cincinnati-style chili is very fine and very thick, and it has a unique blend of spices that gives it a sweet and savory flavor. It is usually served over spaghetti or hot dogs, and topped with shredded cheese, onions, and beans.
Frisch’s chili was created by Dave Frisch, who founded Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants in 1939. He was inspired by a double-decker hamburger called the “Big Boy” that he saw at a convention in California. He decided to adopt the concept and add his own twist by dressing it with a special tartar sauce. The Big Boy sandwich became an instant hit at his first restaurant in Cincinnati, which was a drive-in with room for eight customers inside and sixty cars outside.
How Frisch’s Chili Became Popular
As Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants expanded throughout the Midwest and the South, so did the popularity of Frisch’s chili. Dave Frisch was always innovating and leading the industry in areas of menu development, personnel training, and advertising. He also stayed close to his customers by busing tables during the lunch hour at one of his restaurants.
One of the reasons why Frisch’s chili became so popular was because it was affordable and convenient. Frisch’s had a large commissary operation that allowed them to produce and distribute their chili in large quantities. They also offered drive-thru service and take-out options for customers who wanted to enjoy their chili at home or on the go.
How Frisch’s Chili is Different from Other Cincinnati-Style Chilis
Although Frisch’s chili is a type of Cincinnati-style chili, it has some distinctive features that set it apart from other brands. For example, Frisch’s chili uses finely crushed tomatoes instead of tomato paste or sauce, which gives it a smoother texture and a richer flavor. It also uses more cumin than other chilis, which adds a warm and earthy note to the spice mix.
Another difference is that Frisch’s chili does not use chocolate or cinnamon, which are common ingredients in other Cincinnati-style chilis. Instead, Frisch’s chili relies on onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and chili powder to create its signature taste. Some people prefer Frisch’s chili because it is less sweet and more savory than other chilis.
How to Order Frisch’s Chili at the Restaurant
If you want to order Frisch’s chili at the restaurant, you have several options to choose from. You can order it by itself in a bowl or a cup, or you can order it as part of a combo with fries or onion rings. You can also order it as a topping for your Big Boy sandwich, burger, hot dog, or grilled cheese.
Another way to order Frisch’s chili is to get it as a “way”. A way is a term used to describe how Cincinnati-style chili is served over spaghetti with different toppings. The most common ways are:
- Two-way: spaghetti topped with chili
- Three-way: spaghetti topped with chili and cheese
- Four-way: spaghetti topped with chili, cheese, and either onions or beans
- Five-way: spaghetti topped with chili, cheese, onions, and beans
You can also customize your way by adding extra cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or oyster crackers.
How to Make Frisch’s Chili at Home
If you want to make Frisch’s chili at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cups beef broth or stock
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
The steps to make Frisch’s chili at home are:
- In a large soup pot, combine the ground beef, onion, and broth. Mash the ground beef to a fine texture.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and place over medium-high heat. When the mixture comes to a boil, turn the heat down to medium.
- Simmer until the ground beef is cooked thoroughly, about 30 minutes.
- Add the kidney beans and heat through. Remove from heat and serve with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Facts of Frisch’s Chili
Frisch’s chili is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. However, it is also high in calories, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of your portion size and your toppings when you eat Frisch’s chili.
According to the official website of Frisch’s Big Boy, one cup of Frisch’s chili (without any toppings) contains 260 calories, 13 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 980 milligrams of sodium, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber, 9 grams of sugar, and 15 grams of protein. [^8^]
If you add cheese, onions, beans, or other toppings to your Frisch’s chili, you will increase the calorie and nutrient content accordingly. For example, one ounce of shredded cheddar cheese adds 110 calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 30 milligrams of cholesterol, 180 milligrams of sodium, 1 gram of carbohydrate, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 7 grams of protein. [^8^]
How to Make Frisch’s Chili Healthier
If you want to make Frisch’s chili healthier, you can make some simple modifications to the recipe or the way you serve it. Here are some tips to reduce the calories, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates in Frisch’s chili:
- Use leaner ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken.
- Use low-sodium beef broth or stock instead of regular.
- Use no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce instead of regular.
- Reduce the amount of salt and chili powder in the recipe or season to taste.
- Use low-fat or fat-free shredded cheese instead of regular.
- Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping.
- Serve Frisch’s chili over whole-wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles instead of regular spaghetti.
- Serve Frisch’s chili with a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side instead of fries or onion rings.
How to Store and Reheat Frisch’s Chili
Frisch’s chili is a great dish to make ahead and enjoy later. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat Frisch’s chili from the refrigerator, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl for about two minutes or until hot. To reheat Frisch’s chili from the freezer, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then microwave it as above or heat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot.
How to Serve Frisch’s Chili
Frisch’s chili is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. You can serve it as a main course over spaghetti or hot dogs, or as a side dish with sandwiches or burgers. You can also serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or crackers. Some other ideas for serving Frisch’s chili are:
- Spoon Frisch’s chili over baked potatoes or sweet potatoes and top with cheese and sour cream.
- Mix Frisch’s chili with cooked macaroni and cheese and bake in a casserole dish until bubbly.
- Layer Frisch’s chili with corn tortillas and cheese in a baking dish and bake until melted for a Tex-Mex lasagna.
- Fill taco shells or lettuce wraps with Frisch’schili and top with cheese, salsa, and cilantro.
- Add Frisch’s chili to a slow cooker with chicken broth, corn, and green chilies and cook on low for four hours for a hearty soup.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frisch’s Chili
Is Frisch’s chili gluten-free?
No, Frisch’s chili is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour as a thickener. If you have a gluten intolerance or allergy, you should avoid eating Frisch’s chili or ask for a gluten-free version at the restaurant.
Is Frisch’s chili vegetarian or vegan?
No, Frisch’s chili is not vegetarian or vegan. It contains beef as the main ingredient and cheese as a common topping. If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, you should avoid eating Frisch’s chili or ask for a meatless and dairy-free version at the restaurant.
Is Frisch’s chili keto-friendly?
No, Frisch’s chili is not keto-friendly. It contains beans, tomatoes, and sugar, which are high in carbohydrates. If you are following a keto diet, you should avoid eating Frisch’s chili or limit your portion size and toppings.
Is Frisch’s chili spicy?
Frisch’s chili is mildly spicy. It has a tangy and savory flavor that comes from the chili powder and cumin. However, it is not very hot or overpowering. If you like your chili spicier, you can add more chili powder to the recipe or some hot sauce to your serving.
How many calories are in Frisch’s chili?
One cup of Frisch’s chili (without any toppings) contains 260 calories. However, the calorie count can vary depending on how you serve it and what toppings you add. For example, one cup of Frisch’s chili over spaghetti with cheese and onions (a three-way) contains 580 calories.
How long does Frisch’s chili last in the refrigerator?
Frisch’s chili can last up to four days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. However, it is best to consume it within two days for optimal freshness and flavor.
How long does Frisch’s chili last in the freezer?
Frisch’s chili can last up to three months in the freezer if stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. However, it is best to consume it within one month for optimal quality and texture.
How do you reheat Frisch’s chili?
You can reheat Frisch’s chili in the microwave or on the stovetop. To reheat it in the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about two minutes or until hot. To reheat it on the stovetop, place it in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until hot.
What goes well with Frisch’s chili?
Frisch’s chili goes well with many dishes and snacks. You can serve it with bread, crackers, cornbread, biscuits, or muffins. You can also serve it with salad, coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni salad, or fruit salad. You can also pair it with drinks such as water, milk, tea, coffee, soda, beer, or wine.
Where can I buy Frisch’s chili?
You can buy Frisch’s chili at any of the Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Florida. You can also order it online from their official website or from other delivery services such as DoorDash or Uber Eats . You can also find it at some grocery stores such as Kroger or Walmart .
Conclusion
Frisch’s chili is a delicious dish that has been enjoyed by many people for decades. It is a type of Cincinnati-style chili that has a unique flavor and texture. It is easy to make at home with simple ingredients and can be served in many ways.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about Frisch’s chili. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might also love this dish. And don’t forget to check out our other articles on how to make copycat recipes of your favorite restaurant foods.