I grew up in the San Fernando valley in the 70's and 80's, Tommy's and In-N-Out provided most of my nourishment for many of those years. I've since moved away from SoCal and always look to find something here that is anything like Tommy's. Sadly, I just can't. I'll be making this recipe this Labor Day weekend to relive some of my youth.
Like other places, Tommy's sells so much chili that they could never keep up making it from scratch. Establishments buy frozen chubs of brick chili and modify it to their liking. Tommy's buys their chili con carne from RC Provisions in L.A and adds their own ingredients to make the chili. Some Smart & Final stores sell the RC Provisions chili con carne. Dolores and XLNT are other good brick chilis. They make a roux or a flour water slurry and stir that in to create a chili gravy. You won't see a lot of meat in Tommy's chili sauce, the distinctive aroma from their spice mixture is wonderful.
I've learned over the years wrapping your homemade burgers especially the messy ones keeps all the goodness in and is a much better experience when making runny burgers with chili or lots of toppings.
That is what I use when doing my chili recipe. I also add a certain liquid to the pot to cover the raw hamburger meat first and using the masher to basically get the finest consistency possible. Works perfect.
I grew up going to the original Original Tommy’s in LA on Beverly & Rampart. Whenever we went to the Dodgers game, Tommy’s was a requirement. Back then, there were no fries, just bags of chips, and sodas were in bottles in refrigerator chests that you would reach into to take your choice. No tables, just shelves on the buildings walls surrounding the parking lot, where you ate your burger standing up. I now live a few miles away from a Tommy’s in Orange County, where I can get my Tommy’s fix anytime and also bring home their chili. I usually have a container in the fridge.
Used to eat at Tommy's regularly when I was in High School in Tujunga Cal. VHHS Class of 78. Ironically as I thought about those fond memories, I remember taking a date to the movies than grabbing a Tommy's chili burger afterward. Gary Wright was signing "Dream Weaver" on the radio in the joint. Not sure why the flashback to that event but there ya go! (Damn I'm old)
I like the chili recipe. Love a good chili sauce for a grilled dog with some chopped raw onion on top too. I've been using a wire pastry cutter to break up the 80/20. Works great and they are only 6 or 8 bucks. Thanks for the ideas.
OMG I forgot all about Tommy’s until I saw this! Spent a lot of time, and money at Tommy’s back in the day!!! Can’t wait to try this recipe too! Love your recipes Greg!!
In so cal a lot of groceries stores have XLNT chili bricks in the Mexican fridge section. While not identical it’s easily the closest thing I’ve had to Tommy’s Chili. And I’ve eaten hundreds of Tommy’s burgers and Chili Fries in my life.
Visited Tommy's No. 1 several years ago and it was truly an experience. A few months back, man I was craving a Tommy's Double Chili and not the usual What-a-Burger, everyday craving that I am now 189 miles away from. I came across the Tommy's Copycat recipe online and made a MAD dash to the Grocery. Followed the recipe to a tee and Damn, what a waste of time. Should have just bought a can of Wolf brand, no bean Chili, because that's what the copycat tasted like. Dumped the Chili and grilled-up the burgers. Since I am now living in Nashville TN, the best burgers around here are coming out of my Kitchen. Thanks for the New Channel! I'll give this a go!
Lee Cottingham I have cases of Wolf Brand Chili From Texas. No Beans❤️. The Best I Make Chili Cheese Burger. Hot Dogs & A Box of Kraft Mac & Cheese. With Wolf Chili mixed in. Chili Mac 😎 Absolutely delicious 😋
Right? How is it that there are no good burgers in Nashville?? No good burgers. No good Chinese food. Those are the only two things I dislike about living here. btw... I suspect Tommy's chili is blended at some point during the making. Could be wrong but I don't know how else they get that pasty, non-chunky consistency.
Also, Tommy's No. 1 may have actually been a knock-off. A lot of burger joints/diners in LA call themselves Tommy's #x. Some of them are pretty darn good, too. But there is no number after an original Tommy's and everything (even the breakfast sandwiches) comes with chili unless you ask for it plain.
@@Mickcotton No Knocks against Wolf Brand Chili....one of my go to cans of chili for a quick All Beef Chili Dog after a long day of work, needing a Cold Beer, don't feel like trashing the Kitchen and I'm Burned-Out on anything that Grub Hub has to offer. I am going to try your Chili Mac. Cheers
@@jdweberg Was hanging with some Musician friends of mine in L.A. ( back in the day) and they called in No. 1. Tommy's in West L.A. I thought it was just some cool Cali street slang. Maybe the Chili had been simmering for three days and loaded on that Burger made it a memory I'll never forget. Also, Pink's was killer too.
When I was a Set Dresser every once in awhile I’d wind up on a truck that was hitting Tommie’s on Western Ave... for breakfast. Chili burgers in a greasy bag. It was kind of an “oh shit everyone partied like it was Friday last night but it’s only Thursday!” type of run. (Los Angeles 1998-2016)
I'm jealous of you California guys. You have some of the best burger joints out there. Here in Ohio we have McDonald's on every corner. Although I do love me a big Mac.
Sup Greg, went back to video and made this chili burger, was awesome, the leftover chili I added a dash of allspice for hot dogs next day lunch👊, made like a Weiner sauce can only get in RI. Tyvm tc 🍔
This is one of those times that I wish I was filthy rich. I would right now get a flight out to Cali to try me some Tommy's. I've heard how awesome this place is.....and that Chili...oh my!
On the bottom bun you put mustard onion and pickles then you put the meat on top then you put the tomato on then you add the chili then they wrap the burger I ask for a 2nd scoop of chili I have been going to Tommy's since 1964 and I drove from Camarillo to Beverly and Rampart many times
Hmmm. th-cam.com/video/yz5FEsfVtnE/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/94aQtAz-yIA/w-d-xo.html Tommy's assembles the burger upside down, top bun down. The heal (bottom bun) is the last thing that goes on, after the chili. So, if one was to eat their burger heal up (upside down) it would be assembled exactly how you described.
Dang I love Tommy's. I wish they would open one up in the greater Phoenix area. I used to frequent the one in Santa Monica, and later the one in Long Beach. The long beach store had rats running along the other side of the windows inside of the store. I guess they contributed to the Epic Tommy's flavor LOL!
You can see most the videoes on his other channel Ballistic bbq, but seems like he is trying to reupload them here to have a burger only channel and other grilling stuff on the other channel
Looks good its missing something Tommy's looks greasier, maybe they use beef tallow? They break up the hamburger in the chili more as well besides that it looks good.
Sup Greg, burger looks great, that's a type of chili I would want on a burger, hope will get chance and time to make one lol, told friends will be by grills all night and about the ribeye steak burger we had last night, 2 came over at 2am and wanted one lol, was our lunch but they had beer🤣, roasted more marrow bones for butter out there, again sry so long but idk lol, chili recipe put in my book, might add msg sry lol, tyvm tc 🍔
i love how american food places put "world famous" in the name and nobody outside of their area or the us has ever heard of them. looks interesting though thanks.
The pickles they use aren't like the sweet pickles that you did. They use a smooth textured pickle with a hard casing around it which isn't good. I always get my tommys burger without pickles!
Brian Lee Yes Their Pickles are very tart and thin. But they do cut threw the grease with their acidity. I’ll have a couple bites then take them out. And I order. No Tomato 🍅. It makes The Burger To Mushy & watery. Right Now This Week. Tommy’s Has Buy One ! Get One Free ❤️🍔. 1- mile from my house
I don't know man IMO the only thing that belongs on a chili cheeseburger is chili and cheese, maybe onions. I would be willing to try the tomatoes but the pickles and mustard got to go!
I have done several on my other channel, and will definitely be posting some here. I know there are a couple at least in the Ballistic BBQ Burger playlist on this channel. Thanks for the request!
Tommy's is a weird place. Besides burgers, they also sell tamales and tamales drowning in chili! Their fries are good too. For heart health, once a month maximum :)
Chili on this burger is garbage and is used to cover the crappie dry patty they used. Good drunk food but just like in and out it is overrated crap fest once you are sober.
Is this a video you did years ago and re-posted it as new? You know yourself that this is NOTHING LIKE IT. Way off. HINT: One of the main ingredients is cloves. You know that smell, that very distinctive smell when you smell that chili, it’s cloves. Also think dried chili pepper’s. It’s not what you or any of these other peoples recipes on the Internet think it is. There ALL WAY OFF.
I grew up in the San Fernando valley in the 70's and 80's, Tommy's and In-N-Out provided most of my nourishment for many of those years. I've since moved away from SoCal and always look to find something here that is anything like Tommy's. Sadly, I just can't. I'll be making this recipe this Labor Day weekend to relive some of my youth.
Like other places, Tommy's sells so much chili that they could never keep up making it from scratch. Establishments buy frozen chubs of brick chili and modify it to their liking. Tommy's buys their chili con carne from RC Provisions in L.A and adds their own ingredients to make the chili. Some Smart & Final stores sell the RC Provisions chili con carne. Dolores and XLNT are other good brick chilis. They make a roux or a flour water slurry and stir that in to create a chili gravy. You won't see a lot of meat in Tommy's chili sauce, the distinctive aroma from their spice mixture is wonderful.
Spot on, I used to work at Tommy's . Rc provision's chili bricks + water/flour mix + a bag of premixed secret seasonings.
I've learned over the years wrapping your homemade burgers especially the messy ones keeps all the goodness in and is a much better experience when making runny burgers with chili or lots of toppings.
Guga foods brought me here and I don’t regret, simply best burger channel ever.
You’re recipes are so tasty!! Keep going good stuff!!
“Let’s dooo it” GUGA!!!
Potato masher works well to get the meat consistently one size.
That is what I use when doing my chili recipe. I also add a certain liquid to the pot to cover the raw hamburger meat first and using the masher to basically get the finest consistency possible. Works perfect.
I love me some hamburgers .. looks delicious 👍 the messier the burger the better ..mmmm good
Love it! I notice you couldn’t stop biting into the burger. Will try it.
I grew up going to the original Original Tommy’s in LA on Beverly & Rampart. Whenever we went to the Dodgers game, Tommy’s was a requirement. Back then, there were no fries, just bags of chips, and sodas were in bottles in refrigerator chests that you would reach into to take your choice. No tables, just shelves on the buildings walls surrounding the parking lot, where you ate your burger standing up. I now live a few miles away from a Tommy’s in Orange County, where I can get my Tommy’s fix anytime and also bring home their chili. I usually have a container in the fridge.
Used to eat at Tommy's regularly when I was in High School in Tujunga Cal. VHHS Class of 78. Ironically as I thought about those fond memories, I remember taking a date to the movies than grabbing a Tommy's chili burger afterward. Gary Wright was signing "Dream Weaver" on the radio in the joint. Not sure why the flashback to that event but there ya go!
(Damn I'm old)
I spent a lot of time at the Tommy's on Victory, just a couple blocks from campus.
I like the chili recipe. Love a good chili sauce for a grilled dog with some chopped raw onion on top too. I've been using a wire pastry cutter to break up the 80/20. Works great and they are only 6 or 8 bucks. Thanks for the ideas.
OMG I forgot all about Tommy’s until I saw this! Spent a lot of time, and money at Tommy’s back in the day!!! Can’t wait to try this recipe too! Love your recipes Greg!!
In so cal a lot of groceries stores have XLNT chili bricks in the Mexican fridge section. While not identical it’s easily the closest thing I’ve had to Tommy’s Chili. And I’ve eaten hundreds of Tommy’s burgers and Chili Fries in my life.
Agreed. One of my co-workers mixed a couple types 50/50 and it was pretty close. Greasy but close!
Visited Tommy's No. 1 several years ago and it was truly an experience. A few months back, man I was craving a Tommy's Double Chili and not the usual What-a-Burger, everyday craving that I am now 189 miles away from. I came across the Tommy's Copycat recipe online and made a MAD dash to the Grocery. Followed the recipe to a tee and Damn, what a waste of time. Should have just bought a can of Wolf brand, no bean Chili, because that's what the copycat tasted like. Dumped the Chili and grilled-up the burgers. Since I am now living in Nashville TN, the best burgers around here are coming out of my Kitchen. Thanks for the New Channel! I'll give this a go!
Lee Cottingham I have cases of Wolf Brand Chili From Texas. No Beans❤️. The Best I Make Chili Cheese Burger. Hot Dogs & A Box of Kraft Mac & Cheese. With Wolf Chili mixed in. Chili Mac 😎 Absolutely delicious 😋
Right? How is it that there are no good burgers in Nashville?? No good burgers. No good Chinese food. Those are the only two things I dislike about living here.
btw... I suspect Tommy's chili is blended at some point during the making. Could be wrong but I don't know how else they get that pasty, non-chunky consistency.
Also, Tommy's No. 1 may have actually been a knock-off. A lot of burger joints/diners in LA call themselves Tommy's #x. Some of them are pretty darn good, too. But there is no number after an original Tommy's and everything (even the breakfast sandwiches) comes with chili unless you ask for it plain.
@@Mickcotton No Knocks against Wolf Brand Chili....one of my go to cans of chili for a quick All Beef Chili Dog after a long day of work, needing a Cold Beer, don't feel like trashing the Kitchen and I'm Burned-Out on anything that Grub Hub has to offer. I am going to try your Chili Mac. Cheers
@@jdweberg Was hanging with some Musician friends of mine in L.A. ( back in the day) and they called in No. 1. Tommy's in West L.A. I thought it was just some cool Cali street slang. Maybe the Chili had been simmering for three days and loaded on that Burger made it a memory I'll never forget. Also, Pink's was killer too.
Willies in Sacramento MY FAVORITE Chili burger of all time.
When I was a Set Dresser every once in awhile I’d wind up on a truck that was hitting Tommie’s on Western Ave... for breakfast. Chili burgers in a greasy bag. It was kind of an “oh shit everyone partied like it was Friday last night but it’s only Thursday!” type of run. (Los Angeles 1998-2016)
"Could be ugly"
*Most beautiful thing I've ever seen
Miss SoCal. Will have to try out this to see how the chili comes out.
Wow! Never seen a chili recipe with carrot. Now I want to try it 😮
Loved the burger, loved the beer recommendation even more.
I'm jealous of you California guys. You have some of the best burger joints out there. Here in Ohio we have McDonald's on every corner. Although I do love me a big Mac.
That looks amazing. You can see how juicy that burger is.
Beautiful got to try it
Sup Greg, went back to video and made this chili burger, was awesome, the leftover chili I added a dash of allspice for hot dogs next day lunch👊, made like a Weiner sauce can only get in RI. Tyvm tc 🍔
Gotta try this! We don't have Tommy's in Finland (surprise), nor have I seen anything similar. Could be delicious.
This is one of those times that I wish I was filthy rich. I would right now get a flight out to Cali to try me some Tommy's. I've heard how awesome this place is.....and that Chili...oh my!
Subbed there, subbed here! Upside down, nice tomato pickles and onions with cheese melting upward burger, I love the chili! Thank you Greg!
Awesome recipe
Damn it! I'm now having to drive my Son n I to Tommy's. Argh ! Great job! Looks amazing 👏
Never seen chilli made like this, will be giving it a try
This one brings me back a couple years with the old format!
Now that is looking fresh and juicy !!!!! 👊🏼👊🏼
I was in the Navy in Southern California from 1988-1992. Never heard of Tommy’s.
Is the Coleman's mustard you get the same as we get in England? The amount you put on that bun would blow my head off, I'd have thought!
It is diluted with pickle juice, not that it would help but would be different
Our stuff is much weaker… mostly water colored by turmeric.
You gotta make the ballistic burger press available for resale!
Very nice🤤
Definitely gonna have a go at this one👌
A burger diaper...that is freakin hilarious! 🍔😆😆😆 New subscriber to both of your channels...keep up the good work! 👍🏻✌🏻🍔☘
Greg can you recreate a culvers butter burger? I love you showcasing beers from your area.
Look up his Wisconsin butter burger if you haven't. It's on his bbq channel.
Whoever first decided to put hotdog style chili on a burger was a genius!
NICE!!!!! Yes it’s a joint 🤣🤣 looks good
On the bottom bun you put mustard onion and pickles then you put the meat on top then you put the tomato on then you add the chili then they wrap the burger I ask for a 2nd scoop of chili I have been going to Tommy's since 1964 and I drove from Camarillo to Beverly and Rampart many times
Hmmm. th-cam.com/video/yz5FEsfVtnE/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/94aQtAz-yIA/w-d-xo.html Tommy's assembles the burger upside down, top bun down. The heal (bottom bun) is the last thing that goes on, after the chili. So, if one was to eat their burger heal up (upside down) it would be assembled exactly how you described.
Dang I love Tommy's. I wish they would open one up in the greater Phoenix area. I used to frequent the one in Santa Monica, and later the one in Long Beach. The long beach store had rats running along the other side of the windows inside of the store. I guess they contributed to the Epic Tommy's flavor LOL!
Wait! I need a clarification on the recipe! Is it 1/2 cup 50/50 flour/masa or 1/2 cup of each?!
I just had one Yesterday. ❤️. Most Excellent. One mile away. Every Day 😇🍔🍔
You've cooked and eaten more different kinds of burgers than I've ever even heard of.
You are an imposter. Texas BBQ could not say that.
@@briancmorrissey You eat what you like. Love carrots? Eat literally tons of carrots, and little else.
Add a bit of ancho, guajillo, and chipotle, and that chili would go great on a hot dog as well.
hi! Can i ask you a question, why you dont put some black pepper to the patty ? Thank you !
It really doesn't need any pepper with all of that chili, but it wouldn't hurt either!
@@BallisticBurgers thank you, sorry for the bad typing
Oh my god. I’m off to Tommy’s Again. ❤️. 2- times this week 😀😀😀. Thanks Greg. 1- Mile Drive 😀🍔. The Best Chili Cheese Burger Ever 😇⭐️
Whataburger was formed Aug. 8th 1950. So they build their burgers 🍔 upside down like Tommy’s you mean... So Cal in the house!
"One teaspoon paprika"
I swear that "one teaspoon" was bigger than the "two teaspoons" of dehydrated minced onion!
I hope he just misspoke and meant 1 tablespoon
Where do you buy your buns? Restaurant supply store?
Nice. How old is this video?
The original one was from Feb 2017
You can see most the videoes on his other channel Ballistic bbq, but seems like he is trying to reupload them here to have a burger only channel and other grilling stuff on the other channel
Tommy's at 1230am - yo
Jiyeah create that
Looks good its missing something Tommy's looks greasier, maybe they use beef tallow? They break up the hamburger in the chili more as well besides that it looks good.
If it was me making that chili that orange stuff would be finely minced habaneros.
Sup Greg, burger looks great, that's a type of chili I would want on a burger, hope will get chance and time to make one lol, told friends will be by grills all night and about the ribeye steak burger we had last night, 2 came over at 2am and wanted one lol, was our lunch but they had beer🤣, roasted more marrow bones for butter out there, again sry so long but idk lol, chili recipe put in my book, might add msg sry lol, tyvm tc 🍔
Haha, a burger diaper. LOL
What do George and Alvin say about it?
i love how american food places put "world famous" in the name and nobody outside of their area or the us has ever heard of them. looks interesting though thanks.
6665t6666
The pickles they use aren't like the sweet pickles that you did. They use a smooth textured pickle with a hard casing around it which isn't good. I always get my tommys burger without pickles!
Brian Lee Yes Their Pickles are very tart and thin. But they do cut threw the grease with their acidity. I’ll have a couple bites then take them out. And I order. No Tomato 🍅. It makes The Burger To Mushy & watery. Right Now This Week. Tommy’s Has Buy One ! Get One Free ❤️🍔. 1- mile from my house
That was far more than a teaspoon of paprika. It was literally the same volume as the oil that you claimed was a tablespoon.
Thought the same thing. Looked more like a tablespoon
You and Guga need to do a video together
I don't know man IMO the only thing that belongs on a chili cheeseburger is chili and cheese, maybe onions. I would be willing to try the tomatoes but the pickles and mustard got to go!
Can u try smash burger.......
I have done several on my other channel, and will definitely be posting some here. I know there are a couple at least in the Ballistic BBQ Burger playlist on this channel. Thanks for the request!
Nopedy nope nope!
Old video. Bummer!
All future uploads will be exclusive. Just needed a few vids to populate the channel before launching.
You: i just had this hamburger not two days ago...
Me: blink... blink........ so... yesterday...
That is a weird chili. So so weird.
Tommy's is a weird place. Besides burgers, they also sell tamales and tamales drowning in chili! Their fries are good too. For heart health, once a month maximum :)
There’s a problem. Your shirt was still clean afterwards.
damn you look like al
You: it has kind of a uhm corn smell.
Me: blink... blink... well. Its corn... so...
I bought the chili from them and I swear, when it is cold, it smells like your regular taco meat at home.
Wrong color,
Definitely is flour.
Also need side peppers
Chili on this burger is garbage and is used to cover the crappie dry patty they used. Good drunk food but just like in and out it is overrated crap fest once you are sober.
Is this a video you did years ago and re-posted it as new? You know yourself that this is NOTHING LIKE IT. Way off. HINT: One of the main ingredients is cloves. You know that smell, that very distinctive smell when you smell that chili, it’s cloves. Also think dried chili pepper’s. It’s not what you or any of these other peoples recipes on the Internet think it is. There ALL WAY OFF.
Tommys has the most disgusting food ive ever had in my life. How is it still in bussines?!
Haha, a burger diaper. LOL