🌟 The Hollywood Chili That Flew Across the Atlantic

Once upon a time in Beverly Hills, a cozy red-leather-booth restaurant called Chasen’s was the beating heart of Old Hollywood. It was where movie stars lingered over martinis, where Sinatra laughed too loudly, and where one dish became so beloved that Elizabeth Taylor had it flown across the ocean — packed in dry ice — to the set of Cleopatra in Rome.

That dish was Chasen’s famous chili — rich, meaty, and slow-simmered with a hint of coffee and spice. It wasn’t just dinner; it was comfort and glamour in a bowl.

Here at Sunday Kitchen, we’ve recreated that magic for today’s table — a modern twist on the original recipe, easy enough for a cozy weekend supper but elegant enough for the stars. Serve it with a side of cornbread, a sprinkle of cheddar, and maybe a toast to Liz. Because some recipes aren’t just food — they’re Hollywood history.

Step into Old Hollywood with this rich, slow-simmered chili inspired by Chasen’s — the Beverly Hills restaurant so adored by Elizabeth Taylor she had their chili flown to her movie set in Rome. A modern Sunday Kitchen classic for cozy weekends and glamorous gatherings alike.

🌟 Sunday Kitchen’s Hollywood Chili

(Inspired by Chasen’s Famous Recipe — Serves 6–8)

🛒 Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 pound beef chuck, finely diced (not ground)

  • 1 pound pork shoulder, finely diced

  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • ¼ cup brewed coffee (optional but adds rich depth)

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained (Chasen’s original had no beans, but ours will for that homey Sunday touch!)

  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar

  • ¼ cup sour cream + chopped scallions for serving

👩‍🍳 Directions

  1. Sear the meats:
    In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add diced beef and pork in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.

  2. Sauté aromatics:
    In the same pot, sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and peppers; cook until softened and fragrant.

  3. Build the base:
    Return meats to the pot. Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices for 1–2 minutes.

  4. Add liquids:
    Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and coffee. Stir in Worcestershire and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer.

  5. Simmer low and slow:
    Reduce heat, cover slightly ajar, and simmer for 1½–2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and luxurious.

  6. Final flourish:
    Stir in kidney beans and cook for another 10–15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  7. Serve like a star:
    Spoon into bowls, top with cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and scallions. Serve with warm cornbread or saltine crackers — just like they did at Chasen’s.

❤️Sunday Tip

For true decadence, stir in a tablespoon of butter and a splash of bourbon before serving. The aroma will be pure Beverly Hills nostalgia.