Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili - CopyKat Recipes (2024)

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Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili is unlike any comfort food you’ve had before. It begins with a rich and flavorful chili made with high-quality beef. What makes it so remarkable is the hearty mix of tender spaghetti, savory onions, and shredded cheese that it’s served with. Don’t pass up the opportunity to make it at home!

Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili - CopyKat Recipes (1)

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What makes Steak and Shake 5 way chili unforgettable

Steak N Shake restaurant is known for its steak quality burgers. The burgers are made with all-natural, antibiotic-free, USDA-certified choice beef. And they use that beef for chili in the 5-way style.

The 5 way chili is one of Steak n Shake’s most beloved dishes since it allows for customization and satisfies anyone’s need for comfort food. It combines spaghetti, homemade chili, chili sauce, freshly grated cheddar cheese, and minced onions.

The chili is infused with delicious seasonings such as chili powder, garlic salt, and celery salt. It takes over an hour to cook, which enhances its flavor. The combination of high-quality ingredients and the simmering time is what makes this chili impossible to resist.

Why you’ll love this recipe

You’ll love the versatility and easy cooking methods of this recipe! Although it requires some cooking time, much of it is allowing the chili to simmer.

It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you need something more comforting to satiate your hunger. But it’s also ideal for small gatherings since it makes eight servings, and guests can choose which exact toppings they want.

Better yet, you can modify it further with new toppings to make it your own. Simply use this recipe as a base and add other toppings that you can’t get at Steak and Shake!

History of 5-Way Chili

The first bowl of chili was made in the state of Texas. But it wasn’t until the 1920s when 5-Way Chili was first introduced to the world in Cincinnati, Ohio.

You simply make your chili and add a series of toppings on top. Kind of like adding cheese or oyster crackers, but these add-ons are unique. They include spaghetti, onions, beans, and cheese.

Here’s how it works:

  • 2-Way Chili = Spaghetti and Chili
  • 3-Way Chili = Spaghetti, Chili and Cheese
  • 4-Way Chili = Spaghetti, Chili, Cheese, and Onions
  • 5-Way Chili = Spaghetti, Chili, Cheese, Onions, and Beans

How to assemble 5 way chili

While the Steak and Shake 5 way Chili may follow most of the original rules, you will follow these rules to put it together.

  1. Place generous helpings of Spaghetti into a bowl or plate.
  2. Add 3/4 cup of chili
  3. Top with 2 tablespoons chili sauce
  4. Next, add chopped onions
  5. Top off with 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack and Colby Cheese

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the chili:

  • Ground chuck
  • Onion diced
  • Celery salt
  • Tomato sauce
  • Water
  • Light kidney beans
  • Garlic powder
  • Garlic salt
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Tomato paste

Here’s what you’ll need for the add-ons:

  • Spaghetti
  • Onions
  • Monterey Jack & Colby cheese blend
  • Heinz Chili Sauce

Pick up your Chili sauce at your favorite grocery store. It comes in a glass bottle and looks somewhat like the old glass Heinz Ketchup bottles.

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How to make Steak and Shake Five Way chili

  1. Sauté ground beef and (optional) onions in a skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Once cooked, drain the beef and transfer it to a medium-large saucepan.
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  1. Add tomato sauce, kidney beans, water, and spices to the pot.
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  1. Simmer for 1 hour, covered with a lid, stirring frequently.
  2. Add tomato paste and simmer for another 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the spaghetti noodles.
  4. Serve the cooked chili over spaghetti with measured chili sauce, chopped onions, and shredded cheese.
Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili - CopyKat Recipes (5)

Recipe variations

  • Use a slow cooker. If you want to utilize your crockpot, you can slightly adjust the recipe to do so. First, either sauté the meat and onions on the stovetop or use the sauté function on the appliance (don’t forget to drain it!). Then, following the directions, add the required ingredients to the crockpot and cook it on low for 5-6 hours. You can add the tomato paste during the last hour.
  • Substitute the meat. Although the ground chuck is part of what makes this chili so special, you are free to substitute it for something else. For instance, ground turkey or pork!
  • Use a different type of cheese. Try using mild cheddar or even pepper jack to change it up.
  • Swap the spaghetti for a different pasta. Use shells, macaroni noodles, or penne pasta instead for a different look and texture.

How to turn this into chili mac

Steak n’ Shake’s chili mac is comprised of spaghetti, chili beef, and chili sauce. The easiest way to make it is to cook the ground meat with chili powder and other seasonings to flavor it instead of making the entire chili with the beans. Then, layer all of the components: the cooked noodles, store-bought chili sauce, and chili beef.

What to serve with homemade 5 way chili

On top of the chili, you can add other toppings, such as fresh diced jalapenos, sour cream, or green onions. This tastes amazing whether you serve the chili alone or as the 5-way!

Also, you can serve side dishes with it, such as a mixed greens salad. It is pretty hearty, so you don’t need a heavy side. You can also serve any leftover chili with crisp tortilla chips. It’s the perfect light lunch or afternoon snack.

How to store the leftovers

You can either refrigerate or freeze this chili. First, transfer it to an airtight container once it’s cool. Store in the refrigerator for three to four days or the freezer for four to six months.

What is the best way to reheat 5 way chili?

The easiest way to heat individual portions is in the microwave. Cover the bowl with a paper towel and heat it in intervals, stirring between cooking times.

If you want to reheat a larger amount, the stovetop is the way to go! Just make sure to heat over medium-low heat so you don’t burn the bottom.

Lean into chili 5 way and add chili mac

Make a fusion of chili 5-way and chili mac by layering spaghetti, chili sauce, and chili then cover it with toppings. Cook up some extra meat on the side to make chili beef. This makes it extra meaty! Then, you can add with the shredded cheese and raw diced onions.

Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili - CopyKat Recipes (6)

Love Steak and Shake? Try these copycat recipes:

  • Frisco Burger Recipe
  • Garlic Burger Recipe

More Chili Recipes

  • WW White Chicken Chili
  • Chili Verde Recipe
  • Coney Island Chili
  • Chili with Tomato Juice
  • Quick Chili Recipe
  • Midwestern Chili
  • Two Alarm Chili
  • Crockpot Chili
  • Pedernales River Chili
  • Texas Chili Beans
  • Carne Guisada

Be sure to take a look at more of my easy soup recipes and the most popular fast food copycat recipes.

What’s your favorite Chili Topping? Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook or Instagram or subscribe to my mailing list for the latest CopyKat recipes!

Steak and Shake 5 way Chili

Steak and Shake 5 way Chili combines all the flavors of chili with the added bonus of spaghetti.Yes, spaghetti and the steak quality burgers Steak N Shake is known for are the secret ingredients to this comfort food.

4.88 from 25 votes

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Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Steak and Shake Recipes

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 855kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

Chili Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground chuck coarsely ground
  • 1 1/2 cups onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • 32 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 cup Water
  • 28 ounces light kidney beans
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder plus 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 16 ounces tomato paste

5 Way Chili add ons

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1 onion diced
  • 12 ounces Monterey Jack – Colby cheese blend
  • 2 tablespoons Heinz Chili Sauce

Instructions

  • Please note the onions that are cooked in the chili are optional. You can leave them out. I personally love onions when cooked in the chili. Steak N Shake does not add onions to cooked chili. Chopped onions are served on top of the chili.

  • In a skillet on medium-low heat saute ground beef and onions. When the beef has been cooked, drain all grease and place in a medium-large saucepan. Add celery salt, tomato sauce, kidney beans, garlic powder, garlic salt, chili powder, pepper, water, and salt, mix all ingredients.

  • On low heat place a lid on the saucepan and simmer for one hour, stirring frequently. After the chili has been cooking for an hour add tomato paste and stir well. Place lid on the pan and simmer an additional half-hour. Prepare spaghetti as directed and drain.

5 Way Chili Assembly

  • To assemble: For individual serving: In a shallow bowl or plate place: Generous helpings of spaghetti 3/4 cup Chili 2 tablespoon Chili Sauce Chopped Onions (to taste) 1/2 cup Shredded Monterey Jack and Colby Cheese Mix Top with additional onions to your taste.

Notes

  • Chili sauce can be purchased at most grocery stores in the condiment area. It is sold in a glass bottle and looks somewhat like the old glass Heinz Ketchup bottles.
  • Any leftover chili can be placed on crisp tortilla chips for a light lunch or a great snack.
  • Store chili in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. Re-heat in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 855kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 2348mg | Potassium: 1940mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 2260IU | Vitamin C: 25.4mg | Calcium: 327mg | Iron: 9.4mg

Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili - CopyKat Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a chili 5 way at steak and shake? ›

Spaghetti topped with chili, our special chili sauce, extra chili beef, shredded Cheddar and Jack cheeses, and fresh diced onions.

What is the difference between 4 way and 5 way chili? ›

Four-way bean: spaghetti, chili, beans, and cheese. Five-way: spaghetti, chili, beans, onions, and cheese.

What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

Does Steak and Shake chili have onions? ›

Genuine Chili Chili Beef, and Chili Beans. Chili Deluxe Genuine Chili, Chopped Onions, and Shredded Cheddar-Jack Cheese.

What is the 6 way chili? ›

The chili at this Cincinnati institution can be served plain, 3-way, 4-way, 5-way or 6-way. Learning the lingo didn't take long for Guy Fieri. He ordered the 6-way, which includes everything: chili, spaghetti, beans, onions, cheese and fried jalapeno caps.

Who makes Steak and Shake chili? ›

Founded by Gus Belt on Route 66 in Normal, Illinois, this entrepreneur's personal mission was to create the best steakburgers and milkshakes. Soon after the opening, Belt-added chili to the menu by using his wife Edith's recipe.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Ideally, chili should simmer low and slow. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate and results in a thicker consistency and deeper, more complex flavor as the aromatics and spices release their superpowers.

What is in a five-way skyline chili? ›

5-Way: spaghetti, chili, onions, beans and cheese. Chili spaghetti: spaghetti with chili. Cheese coney: hot dog, bun, mustard, chili, and cheese. Chili cheese sandwich: a coney minus the hot dog.

What is the best cut of meat to make chili? ›

What is the best meat for chili? The best meat for chili depends on the type you're making, but professionals generally use a combination of ground chuck, brisket, short ribs, or diced tri-tip sirloin mixed with bacon and sausage to layer multiple textures and flavors.

What gives chili more flavor? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Ground cumin

It's hard to imagine Mexican chilli con carne without cumin. This spice is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and pairs nicely with hot peppers to round out the flavours of the dish.

Why put white vinegar in chili? ›

With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

What is chili 5 way at Steak n Shake? ›

Spaghetti topped with chili, our special chili sauce, extra chili beef, shredded Cheddar and Jack cheeses, and fresh diced onions.

What is Texas Roadhouse chili made of? ›

It's loaded with all the classic chili ingredients – ground beef, a variety of beans, and a few key spices – and just a hint of your favorite beer flavor!

What cheese does steak n shake use? ›

A single Steakburger topped with American cheese and choice of toppings.

What is the difference between Texas chili and Colorado chili? ›

So how do they differ? Well, besides the different chile peppers used, Texas chili is traditionally made without tomatoes, though you will find them in chile colorado. Likewise, fillers are verboten in Texas chili yet potatoes are welcome in chile colorado.

What is the difference between chili and Tex Mex chili? ›

What primarily distinguishes Texas chili from other chili recipes you might find is a lack of beans, but it also doesn't feature any tomatoes. It is, largely, a ground beef dish that's seasoned with a spicy chili paste made of dried peppers.

What do they call chili in Texas? ›

Chili Con Carne, a.k.a. Texas Red

The chili that was invented in San Antonio is said to be a bowl of "red": tender, individual stewed chunks of beef swaddled in a spicy, cumin-spiked sauce made from red chiles, which lend the dish an appealing russet hue. Texans take this heritage very seriously.

What is chili con carne vs chili? ›

'chili with meat or meat with chili'), also spelled chilli con carne or chile con carne and shortened to chili or chilli, is a spicy stew of Mexican origin containing chili peppers (sometimes in the form of chili powder), meat (usually beef), tomatoes, and often pinto beans or kidney beans.

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