ISO Steak n Shake Chili

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:55:05 GMT

PapaJoe8

Mellow, maybe we need a copycat recipe for that Varsity Slaw! I have never had the pleasure but if you like it that much i'm game.

I'm experimenting.

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:53:25 GMT

Hey, wait. This IS page 4!!!!!!!

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:51:08 GMT

Hmm, what questions, Chili-Rice Breath? D'oh! I mean PapaJoe8!!!! I'll try to find them.

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:39:56 GMT

Tcas38, welcome to Roadfood! Did you take a look at the recipe I mentioned above that uses Coke? I think it is back on P1 of this thread. Some folks around the net think it comes close to tasting like SnS chili.

Yes, great story Howdy! I think SnS chili has drifted far away from the recipe Ray lost in that poker game though. That is not to say that SnS does not have it's good quilities. Have you had a bowl of SnS chili lately?

Mellow, we still have those 2 pesky unanswered SnS chili questions from back on P 4.
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 02:55:26 GMT

That's a great story.

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (Howdy Doodat)

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:01:52 GMT

Back in the 1940s Ray DeFrates and Gus Belt (founder of Steak & Shake) were in a big poker game. Ray (who was holding a full house of Jacks over sevens) needed to see a raise in the pot by Gus. And he was out of cash in a table stakes game. So, he offered the recipe for his well know and hot selling chilli. Ooooops, Gus Belt was holding a Queen-high straight flush in Clubs. Thus was born Steak & Shake's chilli. While it has mutated some over the years - the basis is still the old Ray's Chilli recipe.

You can get the spices and a recipe "This mix contains the finest ingredients and recipe card for both cubed and ground meat to make a pot of chilli that can compete with world champions. In fact, this mix contains the same ingredients found in the 2009 International Chili Society World Champion's pot of traditional Red chilli."

You can buy the spices or the chilli (already canned) from: http://www.rayschilli.com

And shipping/handling/taxes are already included in the prices posted.

I don't work there, nor own stock. But, Jay and Rex (the owners) are friends and competitors on the ICS Chili Cook-off circuit. Good folks with great products.

By visiting their web site to confirm what I was going to post I also learned something that Jay ought to brag about more - but, doesn't, at least not in person ... "New York Times hands down Taste Test WINNER!"

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (tcas38)

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 11:32:24 GMT

Hi y'all! This is my very first post here ever. I stumbled upon this this thread while googling Steak & Shake chili recipes. I've read through and unless I've just missed it, I'm wondering if anyone has a recipe for something very similar to just a bowl of chili. Its the only kind of chili my husband likes and I'd love so much to be able make him something very close.

Thanks!!
Edited because I can't spell!

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:26:31 GMT

Mellow, maybe we need a copycat recipe for that Varsity Slaw! I have never had the pleasure but if you like it that much i'm game.

Now about that SnS chili. I'm kinda wantin to try that kinda famous copycat recipe that uses Cola. What yall think?
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:29:01 GMT

That's because it's sold in the restaurant. If it ever gets to supermarkets, the price there will be much lower, like Sticky's or Montgomery Inn bbq sauce, Skyline Chili, and scores of other products. As for being worth it, that's strictly personal opinion. I can make excellent hot dog chili at home, and cheaper, when I have the time. But, on occasion, there's a certain amount of pleasure opening a can of Varsity chili when I know I'm 90 miles away from their nearest dining room. I only wish I could buy their coleslaw by the quart.

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:15:38 GMT

Yep, pretty sneaky Mellow! :~) Hey, that Varsity chili is almost 4 bucks a can. Well worth it if it's that good though.
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:29:08 GMT

An associate had to pass Varsity Town Center in Kennesaw on the way back from a business trip, so I sent him a text message: "Free lunch in Kennesaw. Call for details." Baha! He returned with 5 cans of chili and I paid for his Varsity lunch. (I'm almost as sneaky as PapaJoe8.)

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 17:21:09 GMT

Mellow, so did you buy the canned Varsity chili at the restaurant? Or do they sell in in stores locally?

Looks like I have stumped my fellow Roadfooders w/ the 2 questions back on P 4.

And, we are still looking for a tried and true copycat SnS chili recipe.
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 07:58:46 GMT

Yes, the canned version was introduced September 24. Naturally, the freshly prepared chili in the restaurant is better, but the canned version is very good. And no preservatives. A particularly welcome product since I'm 90 miles from the nearest Varsity.

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 19:28:54 GMT

Wow, this Varsity canned chili is kinda new Mellow. Yours is the only review I could find. Glad you liked it. Sounds like a great meal!
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:09:42 GMT

Just opened the first of five cans of Varsity Chili, and had two chili cheese dogs and a miniature chili pie. Very, very good. Thumbs up to the gang at The Varsity.

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:52:33 GMT

Ok yall... we have solved several SnS Chili mysterys on this thread. And we have discovered a hidden menu Chili item. Two things still remain in question;

1. Does each SnS make their Chili fresh each day or do they just heat up their canned product.

2. Does the Chili Mac have a much larger portion of pasta than the Chili 3/5 Way?

Oh, there was link posted to a copycat recipe back on P.1. Does anyone have a tried and true recipe that they think is close to the Chili that Steak n' Shake serves?
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:52:01 GMT

Oh, the pasta, and the Chili, Chili Meat, Chili Sauce, issues are the reason you should NOT ask the difference between a 3-Way and Chili Mac at the Drive-Thru. And... do so at your own risk, from your server, inside the restaurant. :~)
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 16:39:09 GMT

Hi Mellow! That statement didn't say that some stores might be effected by the recall. What I think it said was that SnS restaurants would not be effected by the recall since their chili was made fresh in the restaurants. Read it and see what you think. It's easy to find w/ a google. It could very well be right that all stores made their chili in 2007 but now some do not. Or..? all do not. Hey, things change. That would make what you have said earlier correct.

We have solved some mysteries here but there is still work to be done. We still have the mystery of the pasta portions of a Way and a Mac. I am betting that a Mac has more pasta. I also bet the cooks know exactly how much goes on each menu item. Say 5oz on a Way and 9oz on a Mac. I'm not saying they weigh each order but...they know.

And now we have this canned vs fresh made in a kettle chili deal.
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:42:34 GMT

Don't know, but I think it's quite possible that it depends on the store. The manager at a different location said they make theirs in the store. I give up. However, I believe we have cracked the chili mac mystery, in that it doen't have the chili.

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:01:51 GMT

HD, those chili cheese fries do sound good but didn't look so good from the picture at Bill's link. I think I would ask that the gooey cheese stuff be put under the chili. Or, get the grated cheese like comes on a 3-Way or like on a Chili Mac. Sara and Tristen, from the link, agreed that the chili had a "more tradetional flavor than that of a Chili Mac". No wonder because a Chili Mac has NO chili on it! Only the Chili Beef and Sauce. Much about SnS chili dishes remains a secret to most folks! But... we are gonna fix all that! :~)

And oh HD, kinda sorta a recipe for Shanghai Jimmy's Chili Rice now on the SJ thread.

Calling Mellow... I treid to sent the Prime Minesters but they were all too busy. We need some blood hound work here. While reading about the 2007 SnS canned chili recall I came across this... "The chili served at Steak n Shake stores is NOT affected by the recall. The product served at the Steak n Shake restaurants is made from fresh ingreadients in a kettle in each store. The product made by Castleberry foods is made from different ingreadient suppliers using a completly different production process in their canning faciality." This quote was posted at several web sites on the net. Is this not true or... have things changed since 2007, or???
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (HDtravlr1)

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 08:43:23 GMT

bill voss

Hey Papa, just read about a hidden menu item at S&S,
Chili Cheese Fries.
Indianapolis, Indiana's Hidden Steak and Shake Item - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com
Springfield's best chili | Steak n' Shake: Chili Cheese Fries | Photo 7/10 | Metromix Ozarks

Thanks Bill. I need to try those chili cheese fries!
Johnny McClanahan

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:00:24 GMT

Nice find Bill. I somehow knew about the chili fries probably from my searches for the chili pasta mysteries. I wonder what else is on the secret menu? I think I will bring that up on the other SnS thread unless you would like to Bill? You could post the link there.

There is a REAL funny page on the net about a (make believe) sign at the SnS drive through. I don't have a link but to find it again I googled;

steak n shake drive through chili

And it is on the first google page at a place called xanga.com. It's a real hoot!!!

One thing was "Please don't ask me what the difference between a Chili Mac and a Chili 3-Way is. Just get the Chili 3-Way." It's #15. But there lotsa other funny stuff!!!

I am bettin that if you ask your server at SnS about the differences you will not get the whole story. Why?... cause it's a shhh SECRET!!! Anyone brave enough to ask please let us know.
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (1bbqboy)

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:55:54 GMT

Hey Papa, just read about a hidden menu item at S&S,
Chili Cheese Fries.
Indianapolis, Indiana's Hidden Steak and Shake Item - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com
Springfield's best chili | Steak n' Shake: Chili Cheese Fries | Photo 7/10 | Metromix Ozarks

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:27:16 GMT

No, Van Camp's has baked Beanie Weenies, not Steak N Shake.

The Mr. Food video doesn't show them actually making the chili, but I wish it did.  This video a general feature on the restaurant and chili.

Thanks on the oregano. I could be wrong, but it sounds like a lot of cumin.  Cumin, of course, is a critical ingredient, but if it's a dominating flavor, I can't handle it. Too bitter for me. Same for the oregano. Maybe if I up the oregano and decrease the cumin. Not sure what to do on that. But the recipe looks great.

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:10:11 GMT

Nice blog HBS! I could spend a few days there when I have the time. Well written and great pictures!

Mellow, yes most everyone in Texas uses Mexican Oregano for Texas chili. And since he did not specify ground Oregano you would think it would be dried leaf. But, one teaspoon is not very much for 3 lbs. of meat. . Maybe if he crunched it up real fine? My old dial up wouldn't let me watch tha vid but can you see the Origano he puts in? Hey, I guess this secret recipe is still kinda a secret. If I was gonna make this recipe I would start w/ crunched up dryed leaf crunched up and see if it needed more twords the end. But, I like lots of Origano. I would use their option of bacon grase instead of vegatable oil. It says you can use corn meal instead of masa but I like corn tortillas instead. Put them in early and they will melt. Maybe one tortilla would equil a tablespoon of masa?

There are some other good sounding chili recipes on the right under "whats hot". That Italian Chili looks good but what is that green stuff in the picture? Chopped green onions maybe?

Oh, SnS has beanie weinies. Mellow, you should post about this at the other site also.

Now, how much pasta is in a "way" vrs. a "chili mac" ???
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (MellowRoast)

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:52:19 GMT

PapaJoe8: Yes, and they also make my favorite eat-out-of-the-can treat, Baked Beanie Weenies.

Did anyone see Mr. Food today? He featured "Secret Recipe Chili" from Goode Company B-B-Q in Houston. Looks great, may have to make it soon.
http://www.mrfood.com/Chili/Secret-Recipe-Chili (Video)

If you're greeted by an "Enter Your Email" box, just ignore it and click the nearly hidden "Close X" in the upper right hand corner. They're just too sneaky these days.

Have a couple of questions for the Texas chili experts.  1. He doesn't specify, but do you think he uses Mexican oregano? 2. He specifies ground cumin, but I wonder if the oregano is ground or dried leaf?

Just call me the Texaco Question Man.

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (1bbqboy)

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:02:08 GMT

cool!

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (Heartbreaksoup)

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 20:52:41 GMT

My blog is called Marie, Let's Eat! and my wife and I have been doing it since February.

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (PapaJoe8)

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:20:25 GMT

HBS, so tell us about thig blog... please.

Mellow, are those tha folks that make those great Pork n' Beans?
Joe

RE: ISO Steak n Shake Chili (Heartbreaksoup)

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:26:28 GMT

Thanks, guys. I've been getting a lot of practice since I started shooting food for our blog back in February. I seem to get a good shot every once in a while!