Tim Hortons Chili Recipe (Copycat Version)

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Are you craving a warm bowl of Tim Hortons chili but can’t get to the restaurant? You can make it at home with this easy copycat recipe. This homemade version tastes just like the original and takes only 10 minutes to prep. The recipe makes a big batch, perfect for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.

You’ll love how simple and tasty this chili is. It’s packed with ground beef, veggies, and beans in a flavorful tomato base. The mix of spices gives it that classic Tim Hortons flavor. In about 90 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to enjoy on a cold day.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this yummy Tim Hortons-style chili:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2-3 onions, diced
• 3 celery ribs, sliced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 (19-ounce) can dark red kidney beans
• 2 (10-ounce) cans mushroom pieces
• 2 (10-ounce) cans tomato soup
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1-2 garlic cloves or 3 teaspoons garlic powder

Make sure to rinse and drain the kidney beans. Drain and chop the mushrooms too. Don’t drain the diced tomatoes – you’ll want that extra liquid for the chili.

This recipe makes a big batch, perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers. You can always cut the amounts in half if you want a smaller portion.

Instructions

Get ready to make some tasty chili! First, heat up a big pan and cook the beef in oil until it’s no longer pink. This takes about 5 minutes. Put the cooked beef in a large pot.

Next, use the same pan to cook the onions, celery, and green pepper. Add some chili powder for extra flavor. Once the onions look clear, add these veggies to the pot with the beef.

Now comes the fun part! Gently mix in the beans, mushrooms, soup, and tomatoes. Be careful not to squish the beans. Add the rest of the spices and stir it all up.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for an hour. Stir it now and then. After that, take the lid off and cook for 30 more minutes until it gets nice and thick.

Your chili is now ready to enjoy! Serve it up hot and dig in. This recipe makes enough for 15-30 servings, so you can share with friends or have leftovers for later.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily tweak this Tim Hortons chili recipe to suit your tastes. Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Vegetarians can use crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitutes.

Don’t have kidney beans? Use black beans or pinto beans instead. For a veggie boost, add diced carrots or zucchini. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, simply leave them out.

No tomato soup? Use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes with a bit of extra seasoning. Spice lovers can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Here are some fun variations to try:

• Cincinnati-style: Serve over spaghetti with cheese and onions
• Tex-Mex: Top with sour cream, cheese, and tortilla chips
• Loaded: Add corn, bacon bits, and a dollop of guacamole

Feel free to play around with spices too. Try cumin, paprika, or even a touch of cinnamon for unique flavors. Remember, the best chili is the one you enjoy most!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and texture in your chili. It has enough fat to keep the meat juicy without being greasy.

Let your chili simmer for a long time. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will blend. If you have 2 hours to spare, that’s ideal.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your taste. Add more chili powder if you like it spicier, or less if you prefer a milder flavor.

Storing your chili is easy. Let it cool, then put it in airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

This chili freezes well too. Put single servings in freezer bags for quick meals later. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. Heat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.

Try topping your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for extra flavor. Serve it with cornbread or crackers on the side.