Very few dishes are more representative of Texas comfort food than a delicious bowl of Texas Roadhouse chili! The delicious chili from Texas Roadhouse is known for its rich, smoky flavor and chunky beefy texture, and is iconic at the famous steakhouse chain, so you can make an even better version at home!
Preparing the Texas Roadhouse chili recipe at home is not as hard as you think, and with proper tips, you can prepare a bowl that can compare to the restaurant version-maybe even better!
Here’s everything to know, including professional tricks and nutrition info that many blogs overlook.
What Makes the Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe Unique?
The unique flavor of Texas Roadhouse chili is due to the mixture of beefy base, its unique spices, and, of course, its toppings.
Unlike a traditional Texas chili, which has no beans anywhere, Texas Roadhouse and many other Texas restaurants use kidney beans or pinto beans in theirs, making it heartier and more accessible for other home cooks to duplicate.
Much of the flavor is coming from the unique blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and sweetness from brown sugar, with the acidity and tanginess from the tomatoes and a splash of vinegary flavor from either vinegar or Worcestershire sauce.
All of the Ingredients: The Complete List
Meat
- 1–2 pounds ground beef (for best flavor, use chuck or sirloin)
- Optional: Add seared stew beef or pork to enhance richness.
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional for added flavor).
Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed (optional).
Tomato Base
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
Liquids
- 1½–2 cups beef broth (or chicken or vegetable broth).
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (secret for depth!)
Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced red onion
- Sliced green onions
- Pickled or fresh jalapeños
- Sour cream
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the onion and garlic
To begin, place a large, heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, followed by the chopped onion and minced garlic.
Sauté the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, translucent, and the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
This is a very important step, as it provides a flavorful base for your chili.
2. Brown the ground beef
Next, add the ground beef. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Allow the meat to brown thoroughly, which will take 5-6 minutes.
Allowing the beef to brown maximizes the rich and savory flavor of the meat as it is caramelized. If a lot of fat is rendered while cooking, you can drain off a bit, but you do want to leave some fat as it helps to carry flavor throughout the chili.
3. Add the bell pepper (optional)
If you are using bell pepper to add flavor and texture, stir in the diced pepper and combine with the browned beef and onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the pepper has softened slightly and the sweetness has combined with the savory base.
4. Start the Tomato Base
Next, pour in the tomato paste, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, and sauce. Stir it all in, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any brown bits stuck on it – these brown bits contribute some great depth of flavor to your chili.
5. Add Beans and Broth
If you are using them, add the drained kidney beans and pinto beans. Pour in about one and a half cups of beef broth. The broth provides some liquid and richness to your chili, which helps to combine all the ingredients nicely.
6. Season the Chili
Sprinkle in your Texas Roadhouse Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Add the brown sugar to cut the acidity, and then Worchestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar for some good depth. For a trick, add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to enrich the flavor without tasting like chocolate.
7. Simmer the Chili
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer over medium heat, and then reduce it to low. Cover the pot, but not all the way, to allow steam to escape. Let the chili cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, so it doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
8. Thicken the Chili (if desired)
If you want to make this chili nice and thick, whisk a tablespoon of masa harina or all-purpose flour with a little water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the chili during the last 15 minutes of cooking. You can let it simmer until it thickens to your liking.
9. Final Season and Rest
Enjoy the taste of your chili and season as needed- add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to your liking. Remove the hot chili from the heat and let it sit for five minutes. This resting period gives it time for the flavors to meld even more, and thickening of the chili will occur.
10. Serve and Garnish
Serve the chili hot by ladling it into bowls and generously topping with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, or any other desired toppings. Serve with hot cornbread or crackers, or even put it on a baked potato for a great restaurant-quality meal at home.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~250 (no beans, 1 cup)
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 15g (5g saturated)
- Carbs: 13g (with beans, higher)
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Note: Nutrition varies by ingredients and toppings chosen.
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Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Garnish with cheddar, diced onions, and jalapeños.
- With Sides: Serve with some cornbread, saltine crackers, or over a baked potato.
- Party Style: Create a chili bar with lots of toppings and hot sauces.
Customization & Pro Tips
Everyone’s tastes can differ when it comes to chili, and the beauty of this Texas Roadhouse chili recipe is that it is versatile. You can prepare it to your tastes, whether you like it mild or sizzling hot, chunky or smooth, meaty or not; these ideas will help you perfect your chili to your tastes, like you did at the restaurant, or even better!
- Heat Level: If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add more red pepper flakes, cayenne, or fresh jalapenos.
- Meat Options: If you want a more satisfying bite, try half ground beef and half pork stew meat.
- Beans or No Beans: For traditional Texas chili, do not add beans; to be heartier, add the beans.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: For slow cooking, brown the beef and aromatics then put it all into your slow cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 or high for 3-4.
- Freezer Friendly: Cool it completely and then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Final Words
With this Texas Roadhouse chili copycat recipe, you get everything you love about eating at the restaurant-bold flavor, hearty texture, and satisfying comfort food fit for a crowd. With options to customize and professional cooking tips to help you make it your own, you will have your own bowl of Texas warmth at any time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the Texas Roadhouse chili?
Yes!! Allow to cool completely, then portion into containers with tight-fitting lids, and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw and gently reheat on the stove.
How do I make the Texas Roadhouse chili recipe less spicy?
You can reduce or eliminate the red pepper flakes and jalapeño peppers. You can use a mild chili powder.
What is the best cut of meat to use for chili?
Ground chuck or a combination of ground beef and small cubes of beef produces the best texture and flavor.
