This Hearty Culver's Side Dish Is A Decades-Old Family Recipe

Culver's is probably best known for its luxurious frozen custard and legendary ButterBurgers, which sets it apart from other fast food joints. But the Wisconsin-based chain boasts an extensive menu beyond delicious treats and sandwiches. For example, one often-overlooked Culver's menu item that's well worth an order is George's Chili, a comforting side dish with a surprisingly sweet backstory. The chili is a beloved recipe created by George Culver, who co-founded the family-owned fast food restaurant along with his wife, son, and daughter-in-law.

According to company lore, chili was George's longtime signature dish, but he truly perfected the recipe after opening the first Culver's location in 1984. George's Chili (named in honor of its creator, naturally) started out as a seasonal item, available only during the chillier winter months, but it was such a hit that it quickly became a year-round staple. Over the past few decades, Culver's has transformed from a regional chain into an American fast food powerhouse with north of 1,000 locations across the country, but the beef-and-bean-loaded, subtly spicy side dish still offers the same nostalgic flavor.  

Not many fast food items are developed from old family recipes. However, the unique origin story of George's Chili makes total sense, because the hearty stew is a quintessential dad food. It might not be as attention-grabbing as limited-edition items like Culver's jalapeño cheese curds (read our review here), but what it lacks in glamour, it makes up for in consistency and nostalgia. The medium-spiced chili is loaded with beef, red kidney beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, celery, and a closely guarded secret spice blend.

There's no accounting for taste, especially when it comes to chili. However, George's Chili is generally regarded as a solid take on a classic. The thick chili is satisfying and nourishing, and it's an especially welcome option in the middle of a frigid Midwestern winter. The family recipe can be ordered plain or "supreme," which means loaded up with cheese, sour cream, and onions. You can also enjoy it as a topping on Culver's chili cheddar fries for a must-try Midwest comfort meal. No matter how you savor George's Chili, the sweet story behind this hearty side dish makes it all the more comforting.