Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Craving a rich, meaty bowl of chili that rivals your favorite steakhouse? This Texas Roadhouse Chili recipe brings bold, smoky flavor, a satisfying texture, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re new to homemade chili or a seasoned chili lover, this copycat recipe guides you every step of the way. Enjoy the essence of Texas comfort food right at home.

Why This Chili Stands Out

Texas Roadhouse chili isn’t just another spicy stew. The dish balances hearty beef, slow-cooked beans, and a unique homemade spice mix. It packs a gentle punch without overpowering your palate. Key ingredients like fresh garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chipotle peppers set this chili apart from ordinary versions. The result: a bowl with depth, warmth, and that authentic Texas charm.

Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse-Style Chili

Below is everything you’ll need to create your own legendary pot of chili. Fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples come together quickly.

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground beef (85% lean)	2 pounds
Yellow onion, diced	1 large
Garlic cloves, minced	3
Tomato sauce	1 can (15 oz)
Diced tomatoes	1 can (14.5 oz)
Kidney beans, drained	1 can (15 oz)
Pinto beans, drained	1 can (15 oz)
Beef broth	2 cups
Tomato paste	3 tablespoons
Chipotle in adobo, minced	1 tablespoon
Olive oil	2 tablespoons

Chili Seasoning Blend

2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne (adjust for heat)

Finishing Touches

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice
Shredded cheddar cheese
Diced onions or scallions
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. This takes about 6–7 minutes. For an authentic touch, try using a mix of ground beef and seared beef chuck cubes for extra flavor and texture.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onions to the beef and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step releases those deep aromas essential to chili.

3. Build the Chili Base

Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute to develop sweetness. Next, add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chipotle in adobo, and the entire chili seasoning blend. Stir until everything is well combined.

4. Simmer and Develop Flavors

Pour in beef broth, kidney beans, and pinto beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmer helps meld flavors and soften the beans.

5. Add Depth and Adjust

Stir in apple cider vinegar or lime juice for a touch of acidity that brightens the flavors. Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level as needed. If you like it thicker, remove the lid for the final 10 minutes and let it reduce.

6. Serve and Garnish

Ladle steaming chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, a swirl of sour cream, and some chopped cilantro. Offer extra spicy sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side for those who crave more heat.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chili

Choose the Right Meat

For signature texture, combine ground beef with cubes of seared chuck roast.
Brown the beef well—it adds caramelization and boosts savory notes.

Maximize Flavor with Homemade Seasoning

Mixing your spices lets you control saltiness and heat.
Toast your spices in the pan for a minute before adding liquids. This step unlocks their oils and aromas.

Layer Acid and Heat

Chili benefits from acid. If apple cider vinegar isn’t on hand, lemon or lime juice works well.
Adjust the cayenne or chipotle as desired to match your preferred spice level.

Experiment with Add-ins

Try adding a small square of dark chocolate for extra richness.
Fire-roasted tomatoes instead of plain diced tomatoes offer a smoky twist.

Top Sides to Serve With Texas Roadhouse Chili

The beauty of this chili is its versatility. Pair it with simple or bold sides to round out your meal.

Cornbread: A sweet, crumbly counterpart that’s perfect for dipping.
Coleslaw: Adds freshness and crunch.
Tortilla Chips & Salsa: Use chips for scooping up bites of chili.
Green Salad: A tangy southwest salad balances the chili richness.
Baked Potatoes: Spoon chili over fluffy potatoes for an extra-hearty dish.
Margaritas: For the full Texas Roadhouse experience, pour a classic lime margarita.

Variations for All Tastes

Vegetarian Twist

Omit the beef and add hearty roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, squash, and bell peppers.
Use more beans—black beans and lentils work well.
Swap in vegetable broth for the beef broth.

Hearty and Meaty

Add sausage or bacon for even more savory complexity.

Low and Slow

Prepare the chili in your slow cooker. Brown your meat and aromatics first, then transfer everything to the cooker and let it go on LOW for 5–6 hours.

Storing and Freezing Chili

This chili stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Refrigerate: Cool and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and date; freeze for up to 6 months.
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge or use your microwave’s defrost setting. Gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Texas Roadhouse: A Brief Snapshot

Texas Roadhouse started in 1993, growing from a single steakhouse to a celebrated chain, known for hand-cut steaks, ribs, and lively in-house atmosphere. Their chili reflects the brand’s commitment to big flavor and comfort food done right. Fans love the hearty servings, fresh-baked bread, and the restaurant’s homey approach. Recreating the chili at home carries a bit of that warmth into your kitchen.

Chili Toppings and Customizations

Personalize your bowl with different finishing touches. Here’s what you might add:

Topping	Flavor Profile
Shredded cheddar	Creamy, tangy
Diced onions	Bite, freshness
Sour cream	Cool, creamy
Sliced jalapeños	Extra heat
Crushed tortilla	Crunch, corn flavor
Cilantro	Herbaceous hint
Hot sauce	Quick heat boost

Mix and match to suit your taste.

How to Make Chili for a Crowd

Cooking for a larger group? Simply double or triple all the ingredients. For game day or family gatherings, set up a “chili bar” with toppings so everyone can build their own favorite bowl.

Making Texas Roadhouse Chili at home is about more than the sum of its ingredients. It’s the simmering process, tasting and tweaking, the anticipation as the scent fills your kitchen. Each bowl is satisfying, meaty, and perfect for sharing. Whether you eat it like classic stew or create loaded bowls with all the toppings, this dish delivers on its promise of comfort and flavor.