Just Like Steak And Shake Chili
Rich, hearty chili with savory beef, beans, and a hint of cocoa, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying comfort food lovers craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan and add crumbled ground beef with salt.
- Pack the beef firmly in the pan and cover.
- Cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, put the condensed French onion soup in a blender and blend for 1 minute.
- Add the blended soup to the beef in the pan.
- Mash the beef until it looks like rice, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add chili powder, cumin, pepper, and cocoa powder to the mixture.
- Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add kidney beans, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and cola soda.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. If you want to make it spicier, feel free to add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to fit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips. Consider serving alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal, or check out other American recipes for more delicious pairings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure it's evenly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Just Like Steak And Shake Chili contains roughly 905 calories, with 45g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and protein (90% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1637mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. The cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to check that the meat is fully cooked through. The flavors will still meld beautifully with the other ingredients.
How can I thicken the chili if it's too watery?
If your chili turns out too watery, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the chili, cooking until it thickens.
Can I make this chili in advance for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day ahead, as the flavors deepen overnight. Just store it in portions and reheat as needed. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).