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Copycat Sonic Chili Recipe

Copycat Sonic Chili Recipe (No Beans, Perfect for Coneys)

This Copycat Sonic Chili Recipe (No Beans, Perfect for Coneys) features finely crumbled ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with garlic and savory spices. Easy to make on the stovetop, this hearty bean-free chili is perfect for topping hot dogs, burgers, fries, and baked potatoes. Make a batch for family dinners, game day, or an easy comfort-food meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar optional

Instructions
 

  • Brown the beef and onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, breaking the beef into very small crumbles, until browned and the onion softens. Drain excess grease.
  • Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook briefly until fragrant, then mix in the tomato paste.
  • Add the tomato sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir well until the beef is evenly coated and the ingredients are combined. Add the optional sugar if desired.
  • Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chili thickens. Add a little broth if it becomes too thick.
  • Taste and serve: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Spoon the warm chili over hot dogs, burgers, fries, or baked potatoes and add your favorite toppings.

Notes

 
  • Fine texture: Break the beef into very small crumbles for a chili topping that spreads easily over coney dogs.
  • Control the thickness: Simmer uncovered to thicken the sauce, or add beef broth a little at a time if it becomes too thick.
  • Adjust the flavor: Taste before serving and adjust the salt, chili powder, and pepper to your preference.
  • Serving ideas: Serve over hot dogs with diced onions and shredded cheese, or use as a topping for burgers, fries, nachos, and baked potatoes.
  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in sealed, freezer-safe containers for 2–3 months for best quality.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until the chili reaches 165°F (74°C) throughout.
  • Food safety: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
  • Disclaimer: This is a homemade Sonic-inspired recipe and is not an official Sonic Drive-In recipe.
 

Nutrition Facts

 
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 g
  • Total Sugars: 8 g
  • Protein: 23 g
 
Note: These are estimated nutrition values per serving. Actual values may vary depending on the ground beef, tomato sauce, and beef broth used. Toppings and hot dog buns are not included.