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What better way to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Disneyland than creating one of Walt’s favorite recipes at home – Chili and Beans. Not one for highly seasoned or spicy cuisine, Walt enjoyed food that was hardy and filling, and this dish fit the bill. 

Several variations of Walt’s personal Chili and Beans recipe can be found in the Walt Disney Archives – with the first recipe dating back to around 1958. Over the years, Disney chefs have refined the recipe for park guests, and today we are sharing the recipe served at Carnation Café at Disneyland park. Their version adds a bit more seasoning than the original recipe from Walt … for a subtle, spicy kick!

When you dish up this bowl of nostalgia, be sure to serve with saltine crackers – just the way Walt liked it.

Walt’s Chili and Beans from Carnation Café at Disneyland Park

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 3/4 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder 
• 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste 
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced 
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes 
• 2 tablespoons beef base 
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• Coarse salt, to taste

Garnish:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 diced tomatoes, for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in large Dutch oven, over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add stew meat and sauté for 10 minutes, until meat is browned on all sides. Remove stew meat from pan and set aside.  
2. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to pan, heat for 3 minutes over medium heat.
3. Add onions and green pepper. Sauté 8-10 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and sauté one minute longer, until garlic is fragrant. 
4. Add ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally to break up large chunks of beef, for 10-12 minutes, until beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat. 
5. Return stew meat to the Dutch oven with ground beef mixture. Add ground cumin, chili powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, tomato paste, fresh, diced tomatoes, beef base, and water. 
6. Bring chili to a simmer. Cover and simmer over low heat for 3 hours, until stew meat is tender. 
7. Add pinto beans. Simmer for 10 minutes, until beans are warm. 
8. Season with salt, as needed. 
9. Garnish with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced tomatoes.

Note: This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. As a reminder while preparing this recipe, please supervise children who are helping or nearby.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Stay connected with Disney Parks Blog for more delicious Disney recipes and be sure to share the magic with other Disney fans using the hashtag #DisneyMagicMoments. Happy cooking!

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disneyland Resort, Dining, DL, DLR, Recipe

On this day, 65 years ago, a new form of entertainment came into the world. Successful movie producer and animation pioneer, Walt Disney, had long dreamt of a place where family members of all ages could have fun together. Drawing on his own vivid imagination, as well as those of his talented colleagues, Walt created a magical place that has been beloved since opening day.

A star-studded television special broadcasted the inaugural day to the world. 18 attractions were unveiled, many of which still thrill guests, including the Disneyland Railroad, Jungle Cruise and Fantasyland favorites King Arthur Carrousel, Peter Pan’s Flight and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.  

Disneyland quickly generated a loyal following with more guests arriving enthusiastically in the days that followed, as well as carrying word of this magical place to others. Soon it was the de rigueur place to be seen by celebrities, dignitaries and even heads of state. 

Over the years, the park has evolved, with the first major expansion in 1959, which included three new state-of-the-art attractions (including the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster). Other notable expansions included 1966 with New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown in 1993, and most recently, the successful opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019. Today, the Disneyland Resort encompasses two theme parks, three resort hotels and the Downtown Disney District.

But beyond the attractions, the sparkling façade of Sleeping Beauty Castle and the iconic snacks of corn dogs, popcorn and churros, or perhaps embedded in them, many guests find a treasured nostalgia, and this love of Disneyland is handed down from generation to generation as a beloved gift.

To commemorate the occasion, “A Pre-Opening Report from Disneyland” is now available on Disney+. Originally aired on July 13, 1955, Walt provides a final look at the many details necessary to ensure that the park will be ready. He begins by showing the audience a large map of the site, then introduces Winston Hibler, who provides a behind-the-scenes tour of how Studio technicians went about designing and building the unusual rides and shows about to open.

With the eternal optimism that is the heart of Disneyland, we look forward to welcoming you back and celebrating this milestone together soon.

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Disney History, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort