Steak 'N Shake chili is my all-time favorite restaurant chili! It's got a really specific THICK texture - almost a sauce - that is unlike any other. And - after three tries - I FIGURED IT OUT!! I finally made a copycat recipe that is identical to Steak 'N Shakes chili!
Brown ground beef and salt in oil in a dutch oven style pan (high sides)
Pour soup and 1/2 can of kidney beans (some liquid from beans is fine - do not drain) into mini blender. Blend for 1 minute - pulsing until completely pureed.
Drain ground beef
Add soup & bean mixture and all remaining ingredients to pot with beef
Bring to a simmer, then turn heat to the LOWEST setting and simmer for an hour
Serve with diced onion, grated cheese and oyster crackers
You can also serve on top of spaghetti for a Steak 'n Shake 3-way!