Steak n Shake Chili (Copycat Recipe)

Steak n Shake chili is a rich, finely textured diner-style beef chili with a mild, slightly sweet spice blend, famous as the base for chili mac and 5-way chili. This copycat Steak n Shake chili recipe recreates that smooth, hearty chili at home, so you can pile it over spaghetti, fries, or a bowl any night of the week.

Below you will find what Steak n Shake chili is, exactly what goes into it, how to make it step by step, plus variations like chili mac and 5-way, serving ideas, and answers to common questions.

What Is Steak n Shake Chili?

Steak n Shake chili, also spelled steak and shake chili, is the diner chain’s signature chili: a smooth, finely textured beef chili with a mild, slightly sweet, and well-balanced spice blend. Unlike chunky Texas-style chili, it has a soft, almost saucy consistency that clings perfectly to spaghetti. It is the base for the chain’s beloved chili mac and 5-way chili, and it is just as good in a bowl or over fries. This copycat version brings that same comforting flavor to your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes like the diner classic — mild, rich, and slightly sweet.
• Smooth, saucy texture — perfect over spaghetti or fries.
• Simple pantry ingredients — nothing fancy required.
• Versatile base — for chili mac, 5-way, or chili cheese fries.
• Freezer friendly — make a big batch and save some.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is what goes into this dish. Exact amounts are in the printable recipe card below.

• Ground beef — broken up very finely for that signature texture.
• Onion and garlic — the savory base.
• Chili powder, cumin, and paprika — a mild, warm spice blend.
• Tomato sauce and tomato paste — for a smooth, rich base.
• Beef broth — to thin the chili to a saucy consistency.
• Kidney beans — classic and hearty.
• A touch of sugar — for the subtle sweetness.

How to Make Steak n Shake Chili

1. Brown the ground beef with the onion, breaking it up very finely, then drain the fat.
2. Add the garlic and spices and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and sugar.
4. Add the beans and simmer, partially covered, 30 to 40 minutes until thick and rich. Ground beef should reach 160°F per FoodSafety.gov.
5. Serve over spaghetti, fries, or in a bowl with your favorite toppings.

Tips for the Best Chili

• Break the beef up finely for the smooth, signature texture.
• Do not skip the sugar — it balances the spices with subtle sweetness.
• Simmer low and slow so the flavors meld and the chili thickens.
• Adjust the broth to keep it saucy, not dry.
• Make it ahead — the flavor is even better the next day.

Chili Mac, 5-Way, and More Variations

• Chili mac: serve the chili over cooked spaghetti and top with shredded cheese.
• 5-way chili: layer spaghetti, chili, beans, diced onions, and cheese.
• Chili cheese fries: spoon the chili over fries with melted cheese.
• Spicier: add cayenne or a diced chili for more heat.
• Beanless: leave out the beans for a classic diner-style bowl.

What to Serve With It

This chili is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with classic sides:

• Cooked spaghetti for chili mac
• Crispy fries or tater tots
• Shredded cheddar and diced onions
• Oyster crackers or cornbread

How to Store and Reheat

Store the chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; the flavor deepens overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened. This chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, so make a double batch and freeze half for a quick future dinner. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Steak n Shake Chili Recipe

Here is the full printable recipe. Save it for your next cozy chili mac night.

Steak n Shake Chili (Copycat)

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 330

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
• 1 can kidney beans, drained 15 oz
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef with the onion in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it up finely, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
4. Add the kidney beans, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook, partially covered, for 30 to 40 minutes until thick and rich, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot over spaghetti for chili mac, over fries, or in a bowl with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For the signature smooth, fine texture, break the beef up very finely as it cooks. Serve over spaghetti for chili mac, or 5-way with beans, onions, and cheese.

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• Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel
• Ground Chicken Recipes
• Chicken Pot Pie

Frequently Asked Questions