Walt Disney Chili: The 1 Simple Bowl the Man Behind Disneyland Loved, and How to Make It Tonight

Walt Disney chili is suddenly one of the most searched recipes in America. This week Google Trends lists “walt disney favorite chili recipe” as a Breakout search, as cold weather sends people looking for a pot of something warm. The story behind it is sweet and a little surprising: the man who built Disneyland could have eaten anything he wanted, but what he loved most was a plain, hearty bowl of chili and beans. Here is the true story, where fans can still taste it, and our own easy recipe to make at home tonight..

Why Walt Disney Chili Was His Favorite Comfort Food

According to the Disney Parks Blog, Walt Disney had a simple palate. He liked fried chicken and bread pudding, and he was known to enjoy a hearty chili made with just a few ingredients. The Walt Disney Archives have two of his chili recipes on record, and the first one dates back to around 1958.

When Disneyland shared his Chili and Beans recipe for the park’s 65th anniversary in July 2020, the park explained that Walt was “not one for highly seasoned or spicy cuisine.” He liked food that was filling and comforting, and a big pot of beef and beans fit the bill. He reportedly liked his bowl with saltine crackers on the side.

That is what makes this recipe so lovable. It is not fancy and it is not fiery. It is the kind of chili a busy family would make on a Sunday, with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, pink beans and a gentle mix of chili powder, paprika and dry mustard. The version shared by D23, the official Disney fan club even calls for only about a teaspoon of chili powder, adjusted to taste.

Where Fans Can Still Taste It

Disneyland’s Carnation Cafe on Main Street, U.S.A. has served a version of Walt’s chili, so fans can taste a little piece of history between rides. At Walt Disney World, chefs used one of his original recipes as a nod to Walt for the resort’s 50th anniversary celebration, with menu items like Walt’s Chili on a foot-long cheese dog, cheese fries with Walt’s Chili and his favorite chili served in a bread bowl.

You do not need a park ticket to enjoy it, though. Walt Disney chili is easy to make at home with grocery store ingredients, and it tastes even better the next day. If you love a good bowl of red, browse our chili recipes so good you will go back for a second bowl for more ideas to keep you warm all winter.

Our Easy Walt Disney Chili Recipe

This is our own home version inspired by the simple style Walt loved. Disney’s original calls for dry pink beans soaked overnight and simmered for hours. We give you both options: use dried pinto or pink beans if you have time, or canned beans for a weeknight. It serves 6 to 8, so there is plenty for leftovers.

You will need:

• 2 lb coarse ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 to 2 tsp chili powder, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 3 cans (15 oz each) pinto or pink beans, drained, or 1 lb dried beans, soaked overnight and cooked until tender
• 1 to 2 cups water or beef broth, as needed
• Saltine crackers, shredded cheddar and chopped onion for serving

How to make it:

1. Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions and celery and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until soft.
2. Add the ground beef and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it is no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Spoon off extra fat if you like.
3. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, dry mustard and salt and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the tomatoes and 1 cup of water or broth. Bring to a simmer, cover partly and cook on low for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring now and then.
5. Add the beans and simmer 30 minutes more, adding a splash of water if it gets too thick. Taste and adjust the salt and chili powder, then serve hot.

Slow Cooker Walt Disney Chili, Toppings and Sides

Slow cooker: brown the beef with the onions, celery and garlic in a skillet first, then add everything to a 6 quart slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Electric pressure cooker: brown the meat on the saute setting, add the rest of the ingredients with canned beans, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a natural release.

Toppings: keep it Walt style with a few saltine crackers on the side. Modern favorites include shredded cheddar, chopped raw onion, a spoon of sour cream, sliced green onions or a few pickled jalapenos for anyone who likes heat. Set them out in small bowls so everyone can build their own.

What to serve with it: warm cornbread with butter and honey, a crunchy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a party, spoon the chili over hot dogs or baked potatoes, the way the Walt Disney World chefs did for the 50th celebration.

Make Ahead and Freezing Tips

Like most chili, this one is even better on day two, when the flavors have had time to come together. Cool it quickly, then keep it covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, pack it in freezer bags or containers, leaving a little room at the top, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove with a splash of water.

Walt Disney chili proves that the best comfort food does not need to be complicated. Would you make it the classic way with saltines, or load it up with cheese and onions? And what is the one simple dish your family asks for again and again?