Steak n Shake is a popular fast food chain known for its burgers, fries, milkshakes, and other diner classics. One of the items on their menu that customers love is the chili mac. Chili mac is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines two comfort foods – chili and macaroni and cheese. At Steak n Shake, it’s a filling option with a unique twist. But what exactly is chili mac at Steak n Shake and what makes it so crave-worthy? Here’s a closer look at this menu item.
The Chili Component
The chili part of the chili mac at Steak n Shake starts with a sauce made from tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, onions, and spices. It’s thick and rich with a nice level of heat and a blend of savory flavors. The chili has ground beef mixed throughout, which adds texture and even more hearty, meaty taste. Overall, the chili on its own is flavorful and satisfying – a perfect partner for the macaroni side of this dish.
The Macaroni and Cheese
On its own, the macaroni and cheese side of this menu item is creamy, cheesy goodness. The macaroni is cooked until tender and then mixed with a classic cheese sauce made from cheddar, milk, butter, and seasonings. The result is a rich, velvety cheese sauce coating every bite of pasta. The macaroni and cheese provides a comforting contrast to the chili.
Bringing Chili and Mac Together
At Steak n Shake, the chili mac takes these two components and combines them into one hearty dish. A scoop of the chili is topped with a scoop of the mac and cheese and served hot.
With each bite, you get the meaty, spicy chili and the smooth, creamy macaroni and cheese. The texture contrast makes things interesting, while the flavors complement each other perfectly. There are so many things going on – the cheese is rich and satisfying, the pasta is soft, the beef is savory, the chili sauce is bold. It really covers all the bases in one bowl.
Customization Options
One of the best things about chili mac at Steak n Shake is the high level of customizability. You can order it just the classic way, as a bowl with chili over mac and cheese. Or you can switch things up:
- Add hot dog slices into the chili for extra meat
- Top with onions, mustard, hot sauce, or other condiments
- Swap in a chili cheese hot dog instead of regular chili
- Order it “Frisco style” with the chili and mac separate
- Choose a side of fries or tots to dunk in the chili and cheese
No matter how you customize it, the combination of chili and cheesy macaroni really hits the spot. The options let you switch up the flavors and textures with each visit.
Nutrition Information
While chili mac is indulgent comfort food, Steak n Shake does offer nutrition information for calorie counters. Here are the basics:
| Steak n Shake Chili Mac | Calories | Fat | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (8 oz.) | 460 | 24g | 22g | 44g |
As you can see, a regular bowl clocks in at 460 calories. Like most hearty comfort foods, chili mac is higher in fat and carbohydrates. The protein content is decent thanks to the ground beef. Customizing your order with extras will change the nutrition counts. Overall, it’s a filling and satisfying meal, though not the healthiest menu option.
Prices
Chili mac is one of the more affordable meals at Steak n Shake. Current prices are:
- Regular Bowl Chili Mac – $4.49
- Large Bowl Chili Mac – $5.49
Considering it’s a full meal with chili, mac and cheese, and usually a side, this is a good value compared to other menu items. Adding customizations like extra ingredients or a chili cheese hot dog will raise the price a bit. Overall though, you can get a hearty chili mac meal for under $10, making it budget-friendly.
Taste Reviews
Across different Steak n Shake locations, chili mac earns solid reviews for its taste. Here are some common pros and cons:
Pros
- Savory, meaty chili with a nice spice kick
- Creamy, decadent cheese sauce
- Tender cooked macaroni
- Satisfying combo of textures
- Filling and hearty
- Great diner-style comfort food
Cons
- Can be heavy and rich for some
- Not as fresh as homemade
- Spice level varies between locations
- Some report chili can be greasy
Overall, it’s a relatively well-liked menu item that delivers on comforting chili mac flavors. The main complaints are about heaviness or variance between locations. When it’s made right, most agree the balance of chili, cheese, and pasta is crave-worthy.
How to Order
To get a bowl of chili mac at Steak n Shake, you have a few options:
- Dine-in – Order at the counter after being seated, Chili mac is part of the regular menu
- Drive-thru – Place order at drive-thru speaker, then pick up at window
- Takeout/Delivery – Call in a takeout order or use a delivery app like DoorDash
Chili mac is a standard menu item, so it’s available at all locations. No special request is needed – just order it with or without customizations. Overall it’s a user-friendly process whether eating in-restaurant or taking it to-go.
Chili Mac vs. Other Menu Items
How does chili mac compare to other popular items on the Steak n Shake menu? Here’s a quick rundown:
Burgers
Burgers offer a different experience focused just on the meat, bun, and toppings rather than a hearty mix of textures and flavors. Chili mac wins for variety and comfort food appeal.
Milkshakes
While delicious, milkshakes can’t provide a filling meal on their own. Chili mac is more satisfying and substantial.
Fries
Fries make a great chili mac accompaniment to add crunch, but chili mac is a complete meal more nutritious and hearty than fries alone.
Hot Dogs
A chili cheese hot dog has a similar vibe, but chili mac offers a more interesting contrast of textures with the creamy pasta and sauce.
Overall, chili mac brings together the comfort of chili, cheese, and pasta for a unique, crave-worthy menu item. It’s affordable, customizable, and satisfying for many Steak n Shake customers.
Conclusion
At Steak n Shake, chili mac combines a bold, meaty chili and velvety macaroni and cheese into one stick-to-your-ribs dish. With its hearty portions, diner-style flavors, and customization options, chili mac has become a standout menu item. Its affordable price point and comforting taste profile give it wide appeal. Chili cheese hot dogs and fries might round out the meal, but for the star attraction, chili mac is a go-to for many Steak n Shake fans. This cheesy, saucy, noodley combination really hits the spot when a classic comfort food fix is needed.