Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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!
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.