Category: Chili

According to USDA grading, beef quality depends heavily on marbling and the animal's maturity. This grading system is crucial for determining what grade of beef is best for chili, as the ideal cut needs a good balance of fat for flavor and tenderness for slow cooking.

While Sonic Drive-In keeps its official chili recipe a closely guarded trade secret, the most popular copycat recipes consistently reveal a rich blend of ground beef, kidney beans, and a unique mix of seasonings. The distinct flavor profile comes from specific spices and savory sauces, which fans have worked to reverse-engineer.