Copycat Steak ‘n Shake Chili Recipe (Easy Chili Mac Favorite)

Craving a bowl of Steak ‘n Shake chili? This copycat recipe brings the diner classic right to your kitchen. It’s thick, hearty, and loaded with ground beef and kidney beans, with a rich, slightly sweet and smoky flavor that sets it apart from ordinary chili.

The secret? Two unexpected ingredients: French onion soup and a splash of cola. Together, they create that deep, savory, just-a-little-sweet flavor Steak ‘n Shake fans love. Serve it in a bowl with cheese and crackers, spoon it over spaghetti for classic chili mac, or pile it on fries for the ultimate chili cheese fries.

What Makes Steak ‘n Shake Chili Different?

Steak ‘n Shake chili is a longtime diner menu staple, known for being thicker and a little sweeter than typical homemade chili. It’s also famous for how it’s served. Beyond a simple bowl, fans love it as chili mac (chili over spaghetti) and “3-Way” style, with spaghetti, chili, and shredded cheese piled together.

This copycat version recreates that flavor with simple pantry ingredients. French onion soup adds savory depth, cola brings subtle sweetness, and a touch of liquid smoke gives it that slow-simmered, smoky taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It tastes like the diner favorite. Rich, smoky, and slightly sweet, it’s everything you love about Steak ‘n Shake chili.

It uses simple pantry staples. Canned soup, beans, tomato sauce, and everyday spices are all you need.

It’s thick and hearty. This is a stick-to-your-ribs chili that works as a full meal.

It’s so versatile. Serve it in a bowl, over spaghetti, on hot dogs, or over crispy fries.

It’s even better the next day. The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

It’s budget-friendly. One pot feeds eight people for a fraction of the restaurant price.

It works in the Instant Pot or slow cooker. Choose the method that fits your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The exact measurements are in the recipe card below, but here’s a closer look at each ingredient and why it matters.

• Ground beef: The hearty base of the chili. An 85/15 blend gives great flavor, while leaner beef keeps it lighter.
• Oil: Just a little helps the beef brown and develop flavor.
• Condensed French onion soup: This is one of the secret ingredients. It adds rich, savory, slow-cooked onion flavor without chopping a single onion.
• Dark red kidney beans: They add a hearty texture, extra protein, and that classic chili look.
• Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich tomato base that’s thicker than using diced tomatoes.
• Cola: The second secret ingredient! Coke or Pepsi adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices and gives the chili its signature flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami flavor.
• Liquid smoke: A small amount gives the chili a smoky, simmered-all-day taste.
• Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder: The classic chili spice blend for warmth and earthy flavor.
• Salt: Brings all the flavors together. Taste before adding more, since the soup is already salty.

How to Make Steak ‘n Shake Chili

Step 1: Brown the beef. Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain the excess grease.

Step 2: Bloom the spices. Stir in the salt, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the liquids. Pour in the French onion soup, tomato sauce, cola, and liquid smoke. Stir well.

Step 4: Add the beans and simmer. Stir in the kidney beans and bring the chili to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook uncovered for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.

Step 5: Taste and serve. Adjust the seasoning, then ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, diced onions, and crackers.

Instant Pot Steak ‘n Shake Chili

Use the Sauté function to brown the beef in oil, then drain the grease. Stir in the spices and Worcestershire sauce for 1 minute. Add the French onion soup, cola, and liquid smoke, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the beans, then pour the tomato sauce on top without stirring to help prevent a burn warning. Pressure cook on High for 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. Stir and let it simmer on Sauté for a few minutes if you’d like it thicker.

Slow Cooker Steak ‘n Shake Chili

Brown the beef on the stovetop and drain the grease. Transfer it to a slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, and stir. Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours.

How to Serve Steak ‘n Shake Chili

Chili mac: Spoon the chili over cooked spaghetti for a diner-style chili mac.

3-Way style: Layer spaghetti, chili, and a big pile of shredded cheddar cheese.

Chili cheese fries: Pour it over Air Fryer Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries and top with melted cheese.

Chili dogs: Spoon it over grilled hot dogs with mustard and onions.

With bread: Serve with warm cornbread or Air Fryer Sourdough Bread for dipping.

Complete the diner meal: Pair it with a Steak and Shake Frisco Patty Melt and finish with a Ninja Creami Steak ‘n Shake Banana Shake.

Tips for the Best Copycat Chili

• Drain the grease. It keeps the chili thick and rich instead of greasy.
• Don’t skip the cola. It’s what gives this chili its signature sweetness. Use regular cola, not diet.
• Simmer low and slow. The longer it simmers, the thicker and more flavorful it gets.
• Taste before salting. French onion soup and Worcestershire are both salty, so add salt at the end.
• Balance the sweetness. If it tastes too sweet, stir in a small splash of vinegar.
• Adjust the heat. Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicier bowl.
• Make it a day ahead. Chili always tastes better after the flavors have time to meld.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Refrigerator: Let the chili cool, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Label with the date.

Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1 to 2 minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.

Leftover idea: Use leftover chili to make 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip for game day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s in Steak ‘n Shake chili? This copycat version uses ground beef, kidney beans, tomato sauce, French onion soup, cola, and classic chili spices. The soup and cola give it a savory, slightly sweet flavor like the restaurant version.

Why is there cola in Steak ‘n Shake chili? Cola adds a subtle sweetness and caramel flavor that balances the spices and gives the chili its signature taste.

What is Steak ‘n Shake chili mac? Chili mac is chili served over spaghetti noodles. Top it with shredded cheese for a “3-Way” style bowl.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works well for a leaner chili. Brown it thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.

Can I make it spicier? Absolutely. Add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne, or diced jalapeños.

Can I make it vegetarian? Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetarian Worcestershire and a vegetable-based onion soup.

How long does it take to cook? About 1 to 2 hours on the stovetop, 25 minutes in the Instant Pot (plus release time), or 6 to 8 hours on Low in the slow cooker.

More Steak ‘n Shake Copycat Recipes

• Steak and Shake Frisco Patty Melts: Juicy beef, melted cheese, and tangy sauce on buttery toasted sourdough.
• Steak ‘n Shake Frisco Sauce: The creamy, tangy signature sauce for burgers, melts, and fry dipping.
• Ninja Creami Steak ‘n Shake Banana Shake: A thick, hand-dipped-style banana shake made with real bananas.

More Chili Recipes You’ll Love

• McCormick Chili: The classic back-of-the-packet chili with crockpot, no-bean, and Tex-Mex options.
• 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip: Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for game day.

If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment below. It helps other readers find it, and I love hearing how it turned out!