Ultimate Steak-N-Shake Inspired Chili
This rich and flavorful chili recipe pays tribute to the nostalgia of enjoying fast-food favorites at Steak-N-Shake. After years of savoring their delightful menu, this homemade version captures the essence of their beloved chili. Packed with hearty ground beef, kidney beans, and an irresistible blend of spices, this chili is perfect for a casual lunch or a cozy family gathering. It's not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that remind us of the good ol' days at the drive-in. Serve it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions for an ultra-comforting experience!
6
Servings
367
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 (tablespoons)
ground beef
1.5 (lbs)
salt
0.5 (teaspoon)
French onion soup
1 (10 ounce can)
chili powder
1 (tablespoon)
ground cumin
2 (teaspoons)
black pepper
0.5 (teaspoon)
cocoa powder
2 (teaspoons)
kidney beans
2 (14 ounce cans, drained and rinsed)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce can)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce can)
cola
1 (cup)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Brown the beef until cooked through and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
2
Transfer the cooked ground beef to a crockpot. In a blender, blend the can of French onion soup for about 1 minute until smooth.
3
Add the blended soup along with the chili powder, ground cumin, black pepper, cocoa powder, kidney beans, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and cola into the crockpot.
4
Stir to combine all ingredients well. Cover and let the chili simmer on low for 6 hours or on high for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy your Ultimate Steak-N-Shake Inspired Chili with your choice of toppings!
Nutrition Information
18
Fat
25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind this chili recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the classic chili served at Steak-N-Shake, capturing the nostalgia of the drive-in.
How many servings does this Steak-N-Shake inspired chili make?
The recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the primary protein used in this chili?
The primary protein is 1.5 lbs of ground beef.
How long should I cook the chili in a crockpot on low?
You should cook the chili on low for 6 hours.
Is there a faster cooking option for the crockpot?
Yes, you can cook the chili on high for 2 hours.
What secret ingredient adds a unique sweetness to this chili?
One cup of cola is added to the recipe for a unique flavor profile.
Why is cocoa powder used in this recipe?
Two teaspoons of cocoa powder are used to add depth and a rich color to the chili.
How should I prepare the French onion soup for the recipe?
The 10 ounce can of French onion soup should be blended for about 1 minute until smooth before adding it to the crockpot.
What type of beans are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 14 ounce cans of kidney beans, which should be drained and rinsed.
How many calories are in one serving of this chili?
There are approximately 367 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 18 grams of fat in each serving.
What spices are used to season the beef while browning?
The beef is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt during the browning process.
What other spices are added to the crockpot?
The chili is seasoned with 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Should the ground beef be drained after cooking?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the beef in the skillet.
What size can of tomato paste is required?
The recipe requires one 6 ounce can of tomato paste.
What size can of tomato sauce is used?
You will need one 8 ounce can of tomato sauce.
How much oil is needed to brown the beef?
You need 2 tablespoons of oil.
Can I add toppings to this chili?
Yes, it is recommended to serve it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
Yes, this is specifically designed as a crockpot recipe.
How do I ensure the flavors meld together properly?
Allowing the chili to simmer for the full 6 hours on low or 2 hours on high ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is heating oil in a large skillet and browning the ground beef with salt.
What should I do before serving the chili?
Before serving, you should taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a hearty meal.
What equipment is needed for the soup preparation?
A blender is needed to smooth out the French onion soup.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a cozy family gathering.
What is the texture of the finished chili?
It is a rich, flavorful, and hearty chili with beef and beans.
Can I use any type of cola?
The recipe simply specifies cola, but standard classic cola is typically used for this style of recipe.
Are there any specific preparation instructions for the beans?
Yes, the kidney beans must be drained and rinsed before being added to the crockpot.