Steak & Shake Chili: A Culinary Throwback

The scent of simmering chili always takes me back to childhood, to a small-town diner with red vinyl booths and the promise of a treat after a long day of errands. While my tastes have certainly evolved over the years, there’s a certain comfort food charm that can’t be denied, especially when it evokes happy memories. This recipe seeks to capture that warm, slightly sweet, and wonderfully mild flavor profile of Steak & Shake’s classic chili – a dish perfect for both picky eaters and nostalgic adults.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-6 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes – 6 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 2-4
• Yield: Varies
• Dietary Type: Not specified, but can be adjusted (see Variations)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can Campbell’s French onion soup
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons cocoa
• 2 (15 ounce) cans ranch style beans or 2 (15 ounce) cans chili beans
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup cola (not diet!)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or pot
• Blender
• Crock-Pot or Dutch oven

Instructions

1. Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the salt while the beef is browning, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. If your ground beef is lean, you’ll need to add 2 tablespoons of oil to prevent sticking. If using ground beef with a higher fat content, you can omit the added oil.
2. While the beef is browning, prepare the French onion soup. Carefully pour the contents of the can into a blender. Blend the soup for approximately 1 minute, until it reaches a smooth consistency. This helps to incorporate the onion flavor throughout the chili without any large pieces.
3. Once the ground beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important for achieving the right texture and preventing the chili from becoming greasy.
4. Transfer the browned and drained ground beef to your crock-pot.
5. Add the blended French onion soup, chili powder, ground cumin, pepper, cocoa, ranch style beans (or chili beans), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and cola to the crock-pot.
6. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are well combined.
7. Cover the crock-pot and set it to simmer on low for 6 hours, or on high for 2 hours. The longer simmering time on low will allow the flavors to meld together more deeply, resulting in a richer, more complex chili. If you’re short on time, the high setting will still deliver a delicious result, though the flavors may not be quite as developed.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an even smoother chili, consider using an immersion blender directly in the crock-pot towards the end of the cooking time. Be careful to avoid splattering.
• The quality of your chili powder can significantly impact the final flavor. Opt for a fresh, high-quality chili powder for the best results.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your personal preference. If you prefer a spicier chili, add an extra half-tablespoon or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the chili during the last hour of cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This chili is perfect served in a bowl, topped with your favorite garnishes. Classic options include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and a dollop of plain yogurt. A side of cornbread or crackers complements the chili beautifully.

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if the chili has thickened too much during storage.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (Approximate)
Calories	1503	N/A
Calories from Fat	655	N/A
Total Fat	72.8 g	112%
Saturated Fat	22.9 g	114%
Cholesterol	231.3 mg	77%
Sodium	6328.6 mg	263%
Total Carbohydrate	120.2 g	40%
Dietary Fiber	26.2 g	104%
Sugars	53 g	N/A
Protein	95.7 g	191%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or a combination of lentils and diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
• Vegan: In addition to substituting the ground beef, ensure your ranch-style beans are vegan-friendly.
• Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño pepper to the chili during the simmering process.
• Bean-Free: Omit the beans entirely and add more ground beef or plant-based substitute, and perhaps some extra diced vegetables.
• Sweeter: For an even sweeter chili, add a tablespoon of brown sugar along with the other ingredients.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use diet cola instead of regular cola?
A: No, regular cola is crucial for the intended flavor profile. Diet cola contains artificial sweeteners that will not produce the same result. The sugar in the cola contributes to the unique slightly sweet taste.

Q: Can I make this chili on the stovetop if I don’t have a crock-pot?
A: Yes, you can simmer the chili on the stovetop over low heat for at least 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Q: Is it necessary to blend the French onion soup?
A: Blending the soup is recommended to create a smoother texture and distribute the onion flavor more evenly throughout the chili. However, if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step.

Q: Can I use different types of beans?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for ranch-style beans or chili beans, you can experiment with other varieties such as kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.

Q: How do I know when the chili is ready?
A: The chili is ready when the flavors have melded together and the ground beef is tender. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will become.

Final Thoughts

This Steak & Shake chili recipe is more than just a simple dish; it’s a comforting journey back in time. I encourage you to try it, experiment with variations to suit your own tastes, and share it with friends and family. Food has a remarkable power to connect us, evoke memories, and create new traditions. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your culinary repertoire, bringing warmth and joy to your table for years to come.