Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili

Have you ever craved a dish that combines warmth, heartiness, and nostalgia? The Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili is that dish for me. I remember the first time I tried it at Steak and Shake, sitting in a cozy booth, the rich aroma of spices wafting through the air. The combination of flavors was simply intoxicating! From the deep, savory notes of the chili to the perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe captures that experience right at home. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a gathering with friends. I also love how versatile this dish is, allowing for personal touches that make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients Required for Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili

When preparing the Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili, the ingredients work together harmoniously to create a comforting and hearty meal. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich flavor of the ground chuck to the robust spices that define chili. The combination of tomato sauce, kidney beans, and spaghetti ensures a satisfying balance of textures and flavors that is truly unforgettable.

• 2 pounds of ground chuck (coarsely ground): The star of the chili, providing richness and protein.
• 1 1/2 cups of onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon of celery salt: Enhances flavor and adds a slight savory note.
• 32 ounces of tomato sauce: The base that brings everything together, providing moisture and acidity.
• 1 cup of water: Adjusts the consistency of the chili.
• 28 ounces of light kidney beans: Adds fiber and a hearty texture to the chili.
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder: Infuses the chili with a wonderful garlic flavor.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic salt: Enhances the garlic flavor while seasoning the dish.
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder plus 1 teaspoon of chili powder: The main spice that gives chili its signature taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper: Adds a slight kick.
• 16 ounces of tomato paste: Thickens and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• 1 pound of spaghetti: Served as a base for the chili, adding heartiness.
• 12 ounces of Monterey Jack – Colby cheese blend: Melts beautifully, adding creaminess on top.
• 2 tablespoons of Heinz Chili Sauce: A flavorful addition that enhances the chili.

Preparation Steps for Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili

Making the Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili is a delightful journey that brings comforting aromas to your kitchen. With straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself savoring this delicious dish in no time. Follow these detailed steps to create a chili that warms the heart!

1. Start by preparing your ingredients. It’s always a good idea to have everything chopped and measured before you begin cooking. This will streamline the process and ensure you don’t miss any steps. For the onion, you can choose to leave it out if you prefer a smoother consistency, but I recommend including it for the added flavor.
2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the ground chuck and diced onion. Sauté them together, breaking apart the meat as it cooks. The goal is to achieve a nice brown color on the meat and soften the onion, releasing its natural sweetness. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Once the meat is cooked through, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial to keep the chili from being too greasy. Transfer the cooked mixture to a medium-large saucepan where your chili will simmer.
4. Now, it’s time to add the flavor! Into the saucepan, mix in celery salt, tomato sauce, kidney beans, garlic powder, garlic salt, chili powder, pepper, water, and salt. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the spices are well-distributed throughout.
5. Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for about one hour. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty combination.
6. While it simmers, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check the consistency. If it gets too thick, feel free to add a bit more water to achieve your desired texture.
7. After one hour, it’s time to introduce the tomato paste. Stir it in, which will add depth and a wonderful thickness to your chili. Replace the lid, and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain it and set it aside when done. This will serve as the base for your chili.
9. To serve, place generous helpings of spaghetti in a shallow bowl or plate, topping it with about three-quarters of a cup of the hearty chili. Drizzle with chili sauce and add chopped onions to taste. Finally, sprinkle on about half a cup of the melted Monterey Jack – Colby cheese blend for that perfect creamy finish.
10. Enjoy your delicious Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili with additional toppings as desired. Each bite is sure to take you back to that cozy booth at Steak and Shake!

Make It Your Own

Customize the Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili to make it uniquely yours with these helpful tips. You can play around with flavors, ingredients, and serving styles to create your perfect bowl!

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to match your taste. If you enjoy it spicier, add more chili powder or consider including cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: To create a vegetarian version, replace the ground chuck with plant-based meat or mushrooms for texture.
• Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This chili reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal!
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this chili! Portion it into containers and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Just defrost in the fridge and reheat when ready to enjoy.
• Pairing: This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a fresh side salad. Try serving it with crusty bread for dipping!
• Serving Variations: Consider serving it in a bread bowl for a fun twist or over hot dogs for a different take.

Serving Ideas for Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili

Finding the perfect way to serve your Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili can make all the difference. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience!

• Classic Chili Bowl: Serve in a deep bowl with a generous helping of spaghetti at the bottom, topped with a hearty scoop of chili.
• Cheesy Chili Delight: For cheese lovers, add a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack – Colby cheese blend on top, melting it slightly before serving.
• Chili Toppers: Provide a toppings bar with options like chopped onions, sour cream, jalapeños, and extra chili sauce, allowing guests to customize their bowls.
• Side Dishes: Pair your chili with homemade cornbread or a crunchy side salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Game Day Treat: Set out bowls of chili with tortilla chips for dipping, making it perfect for game days and casual gatherings.
• Comforting Serving: For a cozy family dinner, serve with warm bread rolls alongside the chili to soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Special Occasions: This chili works wonderfully for gatherings, potlucks, or even holiday meals. Just make a big batch and watch it disappear!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili is truly a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it’s the perfect choice for a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with friends. I encourage you to try making it yourself; you won’t regret the deliciousness that ensues. Enjoy every bite as you savor the memories this dish can create!

Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili

The ultimate comfort food, Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. A perfect blend of spices, beans, and ground chuck served over spaghetti, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to satisfy your cravings. Make it tonight and enjoy a bowl of pure joy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds ground chuck coarsely ground
• 1 1/2 cups onion diced
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 32 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 28 ounces light kidney beans
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 2 tablespoons chili powder plus 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 16 ounces tomato paste
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 onion onion diced
• 12 ounces Monterey Jack – Colby cheese blend
• 2 tablespoons Heinz Chili Sauce

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Blender
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. 1. Start by preparing your ingredients. It’s always a good idea to have everything chopped and measured before you begin cooking. This will streamline the process and ensure you don’t miss any steps. For the onion, you can choose to leave it out if you prefer a smoother consistency, but I recommend including it for the added flavor.
2. 2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add the ground chuck and diced onion. Sauté them together, breaking apart the meat as it cooks. The goal is to achieve a nice brown color on the meat and soften the onion, releasing its natural sweetness. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. 3. Once the meat is cooked through, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This step is crucial to keep the chili from being too greasy. Transfer the cooked mixture to a medium-large saucepan where your chili will simmer.
4. 4. Now, it’s time to add the flavor! Into the saucepan, mix in celery salt, tomato sauce, kidney beans, garlic powder, garlic salt, chili powder, pepper, water, and salt. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the spices are well-distributed throughout.
5. 5. Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for about one hour. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty combination.
6. 6. While it simmers, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check the consistency. If it gets too thick, feel free to add a bit more water to achieve your desired texture.
7. 7. After one hour, it’s time to introduce the tomato paste. Stir it in, which will add depth and a wonderful thickness to your chili. Replace the lid, and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
8. 8. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain it and set it aside when done. This will serve as the base for your chili.
9. 9. To serve, place generous helpings of spaghetti in a shallow bowl or plate, topping it with about three-quarters of a cup of the hearty chili. Drizzle with chili sauce and add chopped onions to taste. Finally, sprinkle on about half a cup of the melted Monterey Jack – Colby cheese blend for that perfect creamy finish.
10. 10. Enjoy your delicious Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili with additional toppings as desired. Each bite is sure to take you back to that cozy booth at Steak and Shake!

Notes

The chili sauce can be purchased at most grocery stores in the condiment area. It is sold in a glass bottle and looks somewhat like the old glass Heinz Ketchup bottles.

Any leftover chili can be placed on crisp tortilla chips for a light lunch or a great snack.

Store chili in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. Re-heat in the microwave.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.