The authentic Steak 'n Shake chili recipe features a distinctive blend of ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a signature spice mix including cumin, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce. This copycat version replicates the restaurant's famous meaty, slightly sweet chili with the right balance of texture and flavor. The key to authenticity lies in the specific ratio of ingredients and the slow simmering process that develops the rich, complex taste beloved by customers since 1934.
If you've ever wondered how to make Steak 'n Shake chili at home, you're in the right place. This beloved American diner chain has been serving its signature chili since the 1930s, and its distinctive flavor profile has developed a devoted following. The secret to Steak 'n Shake's chili isn't one single ingredient but rather the careful balance of meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices that creates that unmistakable taste.
Unlike many chili recipes that focus primarily on beans or rely heavily on heat, Steak 'n Shake's version strikes a perfect balance between meaty richness, subtle sweetness, and mild spice. The texture is hearty but not overly thick, with just the right amount of liquid to make it spoonable yet substantial.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 50 minutes | 6 servings |
What Makes Steak 'n Shake Chili Unique
Before diving into the Steak 'n Shake chili ingredients list, it's important to understand what sets this chili apart from other recipes. The restaurant's version features:
- A higher meat-to-bean ratio than traditional chili recipes
- A distinctive sweet element that balances the savory flavors
- A smooth yet textured consistency that's neither too thick nor too soupy
- A mild heat level that appeals to a broad audience
- A rich umami depth from the combination of beef and Worcestershire sauce
Many copycat recipes miss the mark by making the chili too spicy or too bean-heavy. The authentic experience is about comfort and balance, not heat.
Authentic Steak 'n Shake Chili Recipe Ingredients
For the most accurate Steak 'n Shake style chili cooking instructions, you'll need these ingredients:
Meat Base
- 2 lbs ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid Components
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Beans and Sweet Element
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Signature Spice Blend
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for mild heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Steak 'n Shake Chili Recipe Instructions
Follow these Steak 'n Shake chili recipe copycat instructions for the most authentic results:
- Brown the beef: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine liquids: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add beans and sweet element: Mix in the kidney beans and brown sugar.
- Season: Add all the spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne if using), plus salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently for 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The long, slow cooking time is essential for developing the complex flavors.
- Adjust consistency: If the chili is too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Final seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. For the most authentic flavor, let the chili rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Pro Tips for Perfect Steak 'n Shake Style Chili
To achieve the most authentic Steak 'n Shake chili recipe copycat, consider these professional tips:
- Meat selection matters: Use 80% lean ground beef for the right fat content that contributes to flavor without being greasy.
- Don't skip the vinegar: The apple cider vinegar provides a subtle tang that balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- Low and slow: Resist the urge to rush the cooking process. The extended simmering time is crucial for flavor development.
- Resting time: Letting the chili sit for 30 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to fully integrate.
- Texture check: The finished chili should have a consistency that holds its shape briefly when spooned but isn't overly thick.
Serving Steak 'n Shake Chili Like the Restaurant
For the complete how to make Steak 'n Shake chili at home experience, serve it the way the restaurant does:
- Serve in a deep bowl with a side of saltine crackers
- Offer shredded cheddar cheese as a topping (though the original restaurant version doesn't include cheese)
- Pair with a side of cornbread for a complete meal
- For the classic Steak 'n Shake experience, serve it as a topping for hot dogs
Storage and Reheating Instructions
One of the benefits of this authentic Steak 'n Shake chili recipe is that it tastes even better the next day. Here's how to store and reheat it properly:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months
- Reheating on stove: Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency.
- Reheating in microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Steak 'n Shake chili different from other chili recipes?
Steak 'n Shake chili stands out for its higher meat-to-bean ratio, distinctive sweet element from brown sugar, mild heat level, and smooth yet textured consistency. Unlike many traditional chili recipes that focus on heat, Steak 'n Shake's version emphasizes balance between savory, sweet, and umami flavors with just a subtle hint of spice.
Can I make this Steak 'n Shake chili recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans, and replacing the beef broth with vegetable broth. However, the Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so you'll need a vegetarian alternative for that ingredient as well to maintain authenticity in the flavor profile.
Why does my homemade Steak 'n Shake chili taste different from the restaurant version?
Several factors could affect the taste: the specific ratio of ingredients, cooking time, quality of spices (freshness matters), and the type of beef used. The restaurant likely uses commercial equipment that distributes heat differently than home stovetops. For best results, follow the recipe precisely, use fresh spices, allow the full simmering time, and let the chili rest before serving.
Does Steak 'n Shake chili contain coffee or chocolate like some chili recipes?
No, the authentic Steak 'n Shake chili recipe does not include coffee or chocolate. These ingredients are sometimes used in other chili recipes to add depth, but Steak 'n Shake's version relies on the combination of Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and the specific spice blend to create its distinctive flavor profile.
How can I make my Steak 'n Shake style chili thicker or thinner?
To thicken your chili, simmer it uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate. To thin it, add small amounts of beef broth until you reach the desired consistency. The authentic Steak 'n Shake chili has a consistency that holds its shape briefly when spooned but isn't overly thick or soupy.
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