The Combo Meal from Gold Star Chili features tender, seasoned chili topped with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions, served alongside crispy golden fries and a warm, fluffy breadstick, offering a hearty and flavorful dining experience.
Equipments
- Chili pot or cooker
- Ladle
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Fryer
- Fry basket
- Tongs
- Baking sheet or breadstick warmer
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced onions (for topping)
- 1 lb (450g) frozen French fries
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 package prepared breadstick dough (or 4 premade breadsticks)
Ground beef is the primary protein in the chili base, providing a rich, hearty flavor when combined with spices like chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, and cocoa powder for depth. Fresh and dehydrated onions serve dual purposes, enhancing the chili and adding a crisp topping contrast. Kidney beans are optional; including them will add fiber and texture but may alter the classic chili balance. Using shredded cheddar cheese ensures a creamy, melty topping, while frozen French fries require careful frying with vegetable oil to achieve the perfect crispy texture. Your Combo Meal from Gold Star Chili copycat menu will deliver authentic taste and satisfying layers of flavor that mirror the original dish.
Instructions
- **Instructions:**
- Heat chili pot or cooker over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned.
- Add 1/2 cup diced onion; sauté until soft.
- Stir in garlic; cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and cocoa powder.
- Mix in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer on low for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using, add kidney beans; cook for 10 minutes more.
- While chili simmers, peel and dice additional onions for topping.
- Grate cheddar cheese.
- Preheat fryer oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry French fries until golden and crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Bake or warm breadsticks according to package instructions.
- Ladle hot chili into serving bowls.
- Top each with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions.
- Arrange fries and a breadstick on each serving tray or plate.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Combo Meal from Gold Star Chili copycat menu combines seasoned beef chili with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, crispy fries, and warm breadsticks for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal. You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option without sacrificing the chili's rich texture. If fresh breadstick dough is unavailable, premade or frozen breadsticks heated in the oven serve as convenient alternatives. For the fries, oven-baked or air-fried options work well to reduce oil usage while maintaining crispiness. Adjust the chili spice levels to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs by altering the cayenne pepper and chili powder quantities.
Tips
Ensure you brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop rich flavor and prevent any raw texture in your chili. Maintain the fryer oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) to achieve perfectly crispy fries without absorbing excess oil. When adding spices like chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon, stir well to evenly distribute their flavors for a balanced chili taste. Remember to top your chili with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions just before serving to keep the cheese melty and onions fresh, enhancing your Combo Meal's texture and presentation.
Nutritions
Gold Star Chili's Combo Meal delivers a balanced mix of macronutrients, featuring protein-rich ground beef and kidney beans that support muscle repair and growth. The shredded cheddar cheese provides calcium and healthy fats, while diced onions add fiber and antioxidants. Crispy French fries add carbohydrates for energy, and the breadstick contributes additional calories from refined flour. Keep in mind that your meal may be high in sodium and saturated fat, so enjoy it in moderation as part of a varied diet.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Keep shredded cheddar cheese in its original packaging or a sealed plastic bag, refrigerated, and consume within 1 week for optimal taste. To preserve your fries' crispiness, reheat them in an oven or air fryer rather than microwaving, as this method helps restore their golden texture without sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to create a leaner chili option without sacrificing flavor. Consider roasting fresh tomatoes and garlic before blending them into the chili to deepen the overall taste profile. For your fries, baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying offers a healthier alternative with a slightly different texture. Using sharp white cheddar or pepper jack cheese can add a distinct twist to your combo meal's classic topping.
Allergies
The Combo Meal from Gold Star Chili contains common allergens such as dairy in the shredded cheddar cheese and wheat in the breadstick dough. The use of ground beef and spices typically poses minimal allergy risk, but your sensitivity to specific ingredients like garlic or onions should be considered. If you have allergies to dairy, gluten, or any spices in the chili, consult ingredient labels and inform restaurant staff before ordering.
Why this recipe?
Gold Star Chili's Combo Meal is popular for its unique blend of Cincinnati-style chili, savory toppings, and hearty sides that offer a satisfying and flavorful experience. Customers appreciate the balance of spices, rich meat sauce, and classic cheese, onions, and beans that create a distinctive taste only found at Gold Star Chili. Making a copycat version lets you recreate this iconic dish at home, allowing you to customize flavors and enjoy the famous combo on your own schedule. Your effort to replicate the recipe is worth it to capture the authentic and nostalgic taste that keeps fans coming back.