Steak’n Shake’s chili has an almost cult following. Serve it with oyster crackers, shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and sour cream.
Steak ‘n Shake Chili is a delicious and hearty chili recipe that has become a signature dish at the popular fast-food chain Steak ‘n Shake. Packed with flavorful ingredients and a comforting blend of spices, this chili is a favorite among chili lovers.
The Steak ‘n Shake Chili starts with a base of ground beef cooked to perfection. The ground beef is browned until it’s nicely crumbled and then combined with a medley of diced onions and other aromatic ingredients. These ingredients add depth and flavor to the chili, creating a savory and satisfying taste.
One of the distinguishing features of Steak ‘n Shake Chili is its rich and robust tomato-based sauce. The chili is made with a combination of tomato paste, tomato sauce, and various seasonings, including chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. These ingredients infuse the chili with a delightful balance of tangy and smoky flavors.
To enhance the texture and heartiness of the chili, Steak ‘n Shake adds red beans to the mix. These beans provide a creamy and velvety consistency, as well as a good source of protein and fiber. The beans complement the ground beef and other ingredients, making the chili a complete and satisfying meal on its own.
Whether enjoyed as a topping for Steak ‘n Shake’s famous Steakburgers or served as a standalone dish, Steak ‘n Shake Chili is a comforting and flavorful choice for chili enthusiasts. With its robust flavors, tender meat, and satisfying bean texture, it’s no wonder this chili has become a beloved favorite for many.
SERVES: 4
INGREDIENTS:
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- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ small diced onion
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can Campbell’s French onion soup
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cocoa
- 2 (15-ounce) cans chili beans
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup cola
INSTRUCTIONS:
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- Place 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, diced onion, and ground beef in a large stockpot over medium heat.
- Cook the ground beef for 7–9 minutes, until it has browned. Drain the excess oil.
- Add the Campbell’s French onion soup to the pot and simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the salt, chili powder, ground cumin, black pepper, and cocoa to the pot.
- Stir in the chili beans, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and cola.
- Simmer the chili on the stove for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to blend and the chili to thicken.
- Serve the chili hot and enjoy!
VARIATIONS:
- Vegetarian Chili: For a meatless version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute or add a variety of diced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. You can still incorporate the same seasonings and beans for a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a spicier chili, amp up the heat by adding additional chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. Adjust the spice level to your preference and enjoy a zesty and fiery kick.
- Smoky Flavor: Enhance the smoky undertones by adding a teaspoon or two of smoked paprika to the chili. This will give it a rich, smoky flavor reminiscent of barbecue.
- Beer-infused Chili: For an extra layer of flavor, substitute a portion of the liquid with your favorite beer. The beer will add a unique depth and complexity to the chili. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning and liquid quantities accordingly.
- Chunky Chili: If you prefer a chunkier chili, consider adding additional diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or celery. These vegetables will add texture and substance to the chili, creating a heartier meal.
- Toppings Galore: Customize your chili by serving it with a variety of toppings. Classic options include shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro. You can also experiment with sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor.
