Steak N Shake Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili with ground beef, kidney beans, and rich spices, perfect for comforting gatherings or weeknight dinners with bold, savory taste.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 10 1/2 oz. can condensed french onion soup ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder ⓘ
- 15 oz. can kidney beans ⓘ
- 15 oz. can kidney beans ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven; add ground beef and salt. Cook over low heat until the beef is cooked thoroughly and resembles rice.
- Drain the beef. Put the condensed French onion soup in a blender; blend for 1 minute.
- Add the blended onion soup to the cooked beef.
- Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add chili powder, undrained kidney beans, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and cola soda.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground pork. If you're out of chili powder, you can substitute it with a mix of paprika and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Adding a tablespoon of sugar can help balance the acidity from the tomatoes. For extra depth, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chili with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and chopped green onions on top. It goes well with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For an additional side, pair it with a fresh green salad or serve alongside the comforting Super Beef And Squash Casserole. This chili is perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, making sure to stir to ensure even heating. Consider freezing portions for later enjoyment.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Steak N Shake Chili contains roughly 1365 calories, with 74g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (192% of the Daily Value), and protein (148% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2361mg per serving (103% 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 make this chili in advance?
Yes, this chili benefits from being made ahead of time. Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months for a quick meal later.
Can I use different beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can use black beans or pinto beans as substitutes. Each type will lend a slightly different flavor and texture to the chili, so feel free to mix and match based on your preference.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also stir in some hot sauce just before serving. Adjust the spice level according to your taste for the perfect kick!
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).