Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili combines all the flavors of chili with the added bonus of spaghetti and other great add-ons. Spaghetti, onions, cheese, and the Steak N Shake steak quality burgers are the secret ingredients to this comfort food.
What Makes Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili Unique
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.
This delicious dish combines spaghetti, homemade chili, chili sauce, freshly grated cheddar cheese, and minced onions.
History of 5-Way Chili
The first bowl of Chili was made in the state of Texas. But it wasn’t until the 1920’s when 5-Way Chili was first introduced to the world in Cincinnati, Ohio.
You simply make your chili and add a series 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
Steak and Shake 5 Way Chili Assembly
While the Steak and Shake 5 way Chili may follow most of the original rules, you will follow these rules to put it together.
- Place generous helpings of Spaghetti into a bowl or plate.
- Add 3/4 cup of chili
- Top with 2 tablespoons chili sauce
- Next, add chopped onions
- Top off with 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack and Colby Cheese
Recipe Notes
- Serve any leftover chili with crisp tortilla chips. It’s the perfect light lunch or afternoon snack.
- 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.
- Store chili in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. Re-heat in the microwave.
Love Steak and Shake? Try these copycat recipes:
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
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.
RMS
Instead of chili sauce simply add 3 parts ketchup to 1 part Worcestershire sauce. The recipe for it is on every SnS chili can.
Richelle
Just like SnS Chili Mac Supreme!! I was pleasantly surprised and even our 13-year old son, a very picky eater, ate it minus the kidney beans. The addition of the chili sauce and the cheese made it spot on. I did add a tablespoon or more, of dried diced onions being as I don’t like onions but wanted to punch it up a bit. We will be making it again and I will be freezing the rest for my cravings.
Donna Wolf
Went to Steak and Shake years ago. This dish stuck with me since then. Thanks for helping me relive a positive food experience. My chili is made and just waiting for BF to come home to enjoy! I can’t wait 💜
Tara
What kind of tomatoe sauce do you use?
Stephanie Manley
I buy HEB brand or I buy the Kirkland brand.
Shavonne
My kids loved this~
Newton
Loved this chili!