Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Blue Dog Tavern›The Cooper Recipe

The Cooper Recipe

Inspired by Blue Dog Tavern
Time45m
Serves4

chili, cheese sauce, onion

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Ingredients

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Chili

Cheese Sauce

Toppings

Method

Chili Preparation

  1. 1

    Cook the Beef

    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until soft.

  2. 2

    Brown the Meat

    Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

  3. 3

    Add Ingredients

    Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Then add the drained kidney beans and diced tomatoes.

  4. 4

    Simmer

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cheese Sauce Preparation

  1. 5

    Make a Roux

    In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.

  2. 6

    Add Milk

    Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

  3. 7

    Add Cheese

    Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add salt to taste.

Assembly

  1. 8

    Serve

    In a bowl, ladle the chili, then pour the cheese sauce on top. Garnish with diced onion.

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