Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (Best Copycat Recipe)
Make Texas Roadhouse Chili recipe in the comfort of your own home! This hearty dish with smokey, sweet, and spicy flavors is the ultimate comfort food. This is the perfect game-day chili!
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Introducing your new favorite weeknight dinner recipe – the Texas Roadhouse Chili! It’s the ultimate comfort dish.
You can now recreate the iconic Texas Roadhouse Chili in the comfort of your own kitchen. No reservations or takeout needed!
This easy copycat recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s remarkably simple to make. This will be a recipe that you will keep coming back to!
Not only is it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, it is also perfect for big game days and large family gatherings.
Now, let’s talk about what makes this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe truly special.
This recipe manages to capture the savory-sweet essence of one of Texas Roadhouse’s most beloved dishes. It gives you a hearty, smoky, and slightly spicy bowl of comfort that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
If you love Texas Roadhouse dishes, check out these delicious copycat recipes :
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This spicy chili recipe is the closest thing to the original Texas Roadhouse Chili.
- Making this delicious chili at home is a budget-friendly alternative to dining out with the whole family.
- This homemade chili recipe requires very simple ingredients that you can find in your local grocery store.
- This is a favorful and hearty meal, thanks to the beef, beans, and spices.
- Prepared in a single pot for easy cleanup after family dinners.
- Easy to customize as per your taste – spice it up, add your family’s favorite beans, or even omit it completely!
- Perfect for meal prep. Can be made in large batches and stored for later use.
Does Texas Roadhouse chili have beans?
Traditionally, Texas chili does NOT have beans. It’s all about the rich, savory goodness of meat and spices in your bowl. However, when it comes to Texas Roadhouse Chili, it may or may not have beans. It depends on the specific restaurant location you visit.
You see, the Texas Roadhouse menu is designed to cater to a wide range of taste preferences. Depending on where this restaurant chain is located, you might find that some serve their chili with red kidney beans, while others keep it bean-free.
In my take on the Texas Roadhouse Chili recipe, I’ve added kidney beans. It amps up the heartiness and protein content of the chili.
But hey, I get it – not everyone’s a fan of beans in their chili. If you’re in the “no beans, please” camp, feel free to skip them without a second thought!
That’s the beauty of homemade chili – you get to call the shots and customize it to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe Ingredients
Ground beef: Main ingredient of the hearty chili. I used ground beef for this recipe. You could also use beef chuck cut into 1/2-inch beef cubes.
Crushed Tomatoes: This form the robust tomato sauce. It adds a rich, tangy flavor and a silky texture to the chili.
White Onion: Onions, when sautéed, become sweet and savory, adding layers of taste and texture.
Garlic: Garlic infuses a fragrant and savory not. It enhances the overall depth of flavor in the chili.
Use minced, fresh garlic cloves instead of using garlic powder.
Vinegar: The vinegar contributes a slight tang that brightens up the chili’s overall taste.
All-purpose flour*: This is an optional ingredient. It is added to thicken the chili in case it turns out too runny for you.
It acts as a thickening agent and gives this chili a thick stew-like consistency. Masa harina can also be used in its place.
Kidney beans*: Adds fiber and protein to the dish. I used canned red kidney beans. Feel free to skip it if you are not a fan of beans in your chili.
If you are using dried beans instead of canned beans, you would need to soak them overnight. Drain and rinse them before using them in the recipe.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper are added. They provide the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and smokey flavors for the chili. You can even add red pepper flakes to bring the heat up a notch.
Oil – I used olive oil* but any vegetable oil will work for this recipe.
Brown sugar*: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity of the chili.
Others: Salt, Italian seasoning*
Texas Roadhouse Copycat Chili Recipe
Below are the detailed instructions to make delicious Texas Roadhouse Chili.
Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large pot* over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the hot oil.
Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.
Cook Beef and Kidney Beans
Now, the star of the show – add in the ground beef with the sautéed onions and garlic. Grab your spatula* or trusty wooden spoon* and start breaking that ground beef.
Cook that ground beef for roughly 10 minutes until it’s evenly browned to perfection. Remember to give it a good stir now and then for even cooking.
Add drained and rinsed red kidney beans and crushed tomatoes into the pot with the browned beef.
To give the chili a hint of tanginess, add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Stir these ingredients together to create a flavorful base.
Add Spices and Seasoning
Now, it’s time to season the chili. Add chili powder*, cumin, and paprika* to the chili base.
Chili powder will impart that signature smoky and spicy flavor. Cumin powder and paprika add depth and character to the chili.
Also add brown sugar, Italian seasoning*, black pepper, and salt to round off the flavor profile. Stir everything together to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
Once everything is mixed, set the stove to medium-low heat. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the Texas chili to simmer for 30-40 minutes.
Make sure to stir the chili occasionally to prevent it from burning.
Thicken Chili (Optional Step)
If, after simmering, you find that the chili is too watery for your liking, you can thicken it by adding flour. This acts as a thickening agent to give your chili a hearty consistency.
Mix and let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes or until you feel the chili has reached the right thickness.
Again, use the flour only if you feel the chili is too thin.
Serve
The moment you’ve been waiting for! Once your chili reaches the right consistency take it off the heat.
Let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Serve that mouthwatering Texas Roadhouse Chili in bowls.
But why stop there?
Go ahead and jazz it up with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos for a fiery kick. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, or any other toppings you fancy.
Texas Roadhouse Chili in a Slow Cooker
You can also make this easy recipe using the slow cooking method :
- Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a separate pan* until they become fragrant and the onions are soft. Then, transfer them to your slow cooker*.
- In your slow cooker, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with browned ground beef, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, vinegar, and all the spices and seasonings mentioned in the main recipe.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to the low heat setting. Allow the chili to simmer and meld those amazing flavors together for 6 hours. Alternatively, you can choose the high heat setting for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, check the chili’s consistency. If it’s too thin for your liking, you can add the all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- After the cooking time is up, let the chili sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Then, ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
- Your slow-cooked Texas Roadhouse Chili is ready to impress!
Texas Roadhouse Chili in an Instant Pot
Instant pot* can also be used for Cooking Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
- Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to cook the onion and garlic until they are fragrant and the onions are soft.
- Add browned beef, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and seasonings to the onions and garlic
- Seal Instant Pot, set to pressure cook for 10 minutes on high.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- If you find the chili too thin for your liking, you can add the all-purpose flour. Use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to thicken the chili for about 5-10 minutes.
- Let the chili cool and then serve it in bowls. Top it with your favorite garnishes.
Tips to Perfect the Chili Recipe
- Use high-quality ground beef for the best-tasting hearty bowl of chili.
- Make sure to use fresh seasonings and spices that have been opened in the last six months.
- If you’d prefer a less greasy chili, drain off any fat that accumulates after cooking the meat.
- If your chili turns out too thin, add flour or masa harina to thicken it. Be sure to mix it in well and let it simmer for a while to thicken.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with your chili. Try different variations by adding more meat, vegetables, or even pasta for a unique twist.
Best Chili Toppings
Here are some of the best chili toppings to take your Texas Roadhouse Chili to the next level:
- Sour Cream: A dollop of rich sour cream can add a creamy and cooling contrast to the heat of the chili. You can also add a sprinkle of green onions on top to add more flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of your chili for a deliciously melty and savory addition.
- Tortilla Chips: If you enjoy a bit of crunch with a hearty bowl of chili, tortilla chips are a great choice.
- Avocado: Slices of creamy avocado can balance the spiciness of the chili. It also adds a fresh, buttery flavor.
- Jalapenos: If you love heat, add some sliced jalapenos, either pickled or fresh, for an extra kick.
- Diced Onion: Chopped onions, especially red onions, can add a nice crunch and a slightly sweet, sharp flavor to your chili.
- Bacon Crumbles: Fry bacon until crisp and crumble it over your chili for a burst of smoky, salty goodness.
Variation of Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Meat Lover’s Chili
If you prefer a chili loaded with meats, consider adding other meats like ground pork or diced beef chunks along with the ground beef. This creates a hearty and meaty chili experience.
Vegetarian or Vegan Chili
Omit the meat altogether and load up on beans and vegetables. You can use a variety of beans like black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans for a protein-packed vegetarian chili.
For a vegan version, skip the dairy-based toppings.
It can be made healthier by adding more veggies such as carrots, broccoli, zucchini, yellow onion, and cauliflower in it.
Bean Variations
Experiment with different types of beans. Instead of red kidney beans, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or a combination for a unique taste.
Or omit beans altogether for an authentic Texas Chili recipe
Keto-friendly Chili
Make this chili keto-friendly by omitting brown sugar and beans.
Brown Swerve*, which is a sugar-free brown sugar alternative can be used in place of brown sugar. Add more meat to replace the beans.
Spicy Chili
If you have adventurous taste buds, make your chili spicier by adding sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes for an extra dose of heat.
Chili Mac & Cheese
Add cooked macaroni pasta to your chili. Stir in some cheddar cheese for a comforting and indulgent twist on the classic dish.
How to Store and Reheat Texas Roadhouse Chili
Fridge
The leftover chili tastes even better in my opinion. The ingredients marinate together to make it taste amazing the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
NOTE: Make sure not to leave your chili out for longer than 2 hours at room temperature.
Freezer
This flavorful chili is also perfect for long-term meal prep. Once the chili is at room temperature, move it to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze it.
They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. I prefer to freeze it as an individual serving for easy defrosting.
Reheat
An easy way to reheat chili from the fridge is to microwave it in 1-minute increments until warm. You can also reheat on the stove over medium heat. Stir frequently for a few minutes until warm.
To reheat frozen chili, first, thaw it in the fridge overnight or run the container under warm water until it defrosts.
Then, transfer it into a saucepan. Heat on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until steamy and heated all the way through.
Best Sides with Texas Roadhouse Chili
Chili goes well with many side dishes. But you cannot go wrong with a side of freshly baked bread such as warm focaccia. It makes an excellent dipper for chili and can help soak up all the delicious flavors.
You can also serve chili with the other classic side dishes such as a side of cornbread, tortilla chips quesadillas, or onion rings. sweet potato fries.
Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are also perfect for dunking in chili. Serve them cut into halves or quarters for easy dipping.
For a healthier option, I would suggest serving chili with a tasty green salad such as a southwest salad.
Chili also goes well over baked potatoes and hotdogs. You can even make a bread bowl filled with chili.
Commonly Asked Questions
Texas Roadhouse chili is made from a blend of ingredients that includes ground beef, crushed tomatoes, and a mix of spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, vinegar, and brown sugar. Depending on the location of this restaurant chain, their chili may or may not contain kidney beans. These elements come together to create the rich and savory flavor of the chili.
Yes, Texas Roadhouse chili is made from scratch within the restaurant’s kitchen. This means that the chili is prepared using fresh ingredients and is not pre-made or pre-packaged.
Texas chili differs from other chili styles because it traditionally does not include beans. It focuses on the bold flavors of the meat, spices, and seasonings without the addition of beans. Texas Roadhouse chili, unlike the Texas-style chili, can vary by location, with some restaurants choosing to include beans while others stick to the traditional no-beans Texas chili style.
Texas Roadhouse chili typically does not contain pork. The primary protein source in the chili is ground beef. It adds a hearty and savory flavor.
While chili is being cooked, toss in a few peeled russet potatoes to the pot. The potatoes will absorb some of the liquid and along with it, some of the spice as well. If you feel the chili is thickening too much due to this, add some warm water to the potato-chili mixture. Just make sure you remove the potatoes before you serve the dish. You could also add melted cheese to the chili or having it with a dollop of sour cream.
The inclusion of beans in Texas Roadhouse chili can vary by location. Some Texas Roadhouse restaurants may include beans in their chili recipe, while others adhere to the classic Texas chili style without beans.
LOOKING FOR MORE GAME DAY RECIPES??
Here are some of my favorite ones, that I am sure you would love –
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (Best Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 2 lb Ground beef
- 443 ml Crushed tomatoes (15 fl oz)
- 540 ml Kidney beans* (19 fl oz)
- 2 cloves Garlic sliced or diced
- 1/2 Large white onion
- 2 tbsp Red chili powder
- 2 tbsp All purpose flour* Optional
- 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning*
- 1/2 tbsp Paprika*
- 1/2 tbsp Brown Sugar*
- 1/2 tbsp White vinegar*
- 1/2 tsp Cumin powder*
- 2 tbsp Olive oil*
- 1 tsp Pepper* or to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
STOVE TOP METHOD
- Sauté onions and garlic till the onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Add in the ground beef and mix it using a spatula till the beef is evenly browned.
- Once the beef is browned, add kidney beans, white vinegar, and crushed tomato sauce to the pot.
- Add all of the spices and seasonings – the chili powder, cumin, paprika, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt – to the pan and stir to combine everything with the beef.
- Once combined, reduce the stove to medium-low heat. Cover the pot with a lid and allow the Texas chili to simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Stir the chili occasionally to prevent it from burning.
- Close with a lid and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.
- OPTIONAL STEP: Around 30 to 40 minutes, if the chili looks too watery, then add the flour. Mix and let it cook for another 10 to 15 minutes or until you feel the chili has reached the right thickness.
- Once the chili has become slightly thick, you can remove it from the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Serve it warm in a bowl. Top it off with some shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, crushed crackers, or any of your favorite toppings!
SLOW COOKER METHOD
- Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a separate pan until they become fragrant and the onions are soft. Then, transfer them to your slow cooker.
- In your slow cooker, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with browned ground beef, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, vinegar, and all the spices and seasonings mentioned in the main recipe.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to the low heat setting. Allow the chili to simmer and meld those amazing flavors together for 6 hours. Alternatively, you can choose the high heat setting for 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, check the chili's consistency. If it's too thin for your liking, you can add the all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- After the cooking time is up, let the chili sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Then, ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.
- Your slow-cooked Texas Roadhouse Chili is ready to impress!
INSTANT POT METHOD
- Use the Instant Pot's sauté function to cook the onion and garlic until they are fragrant and the onions are soft.
- Add browned beef, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and seasonings to the onions and garlic
- Seal Instant Pot, set to pressure cook for 10 minutes on high.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- If you find the chili too thin for your liking, you can add the all-purpose flour. Use the Instant Pot's sauté function to thicken the chili for about 5-10 minutes.
- Let the chili cool and then serve it in bowls. Top it with your favorite garnishes.
Video
Notes
- Sour Cream – Add some rich sour cream to the chili to bring down its heat. You can also add a sprinkle of green onions on top to add more flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Adds a salty flavor. Other kinds of shredded cheese would work well too such as Pepper Jack, queso, and Havarti.
- Tortilla chips – If you enjoy a bit of crunch with a hearty bowl of chili, tortilla chips are a great choice.
- Avocado – It balances the spiciness and complements the flavor of ground beef in the chili
- Jalapenos – Spicy and flavorful, you can serve pickled or fresh ones.
- Diced onion – They add a nice crunch. Red onions are our favorite
- Bacon crumbles – Fry bacon to a crisp and then crumble it before adding it on top of the chili. They add loads of flavor and crunchy texture to it.
- Use high-quality ground beef for the best-tasting hearty bowl of chili.
- Make sure to use fresh seasonings that have been opened in the last six months.
- If you’d prefer a less greasy chili, drain off any fat that accumulates after cooking the meat.
- Add all-purpose flour to thicken the chili if it is too watery.
- This copycat texas roadhouse chili recipe can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. The best way to do this is to brown the beef, garlic, and onions in a skillet. Then add the other ingredients to the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Cook on low setting for 6 hours or high setting for 4 hours.
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About the Author
Hi! Akshita & Midhun here! Welcome to our blog where we show simple yet awesome recipes for your cravings.
Akshita being allergic to egg, we are committed to providing egg-free recipes along with some vegan friendly options. Read more about us here!
This is exactly my kind of chili, it is so flavorful and it’s filling too!
I just can’t with all the flavors in this dish. What a treat to be able to make this at home and pay a fraction of the price. Great recipe.
I love any type of chili, meaty or vegetarian. You just reminded me I haven’t had one in a few weeks. It’s time!:)
This looks divine!! My mouth is watering already!
What a delicious looking chili! Such a staple in our house during the colder months.
I also love a good bowl of chili. It speaks comfort food to me too! The Italian seasoning is a surprise spice. I will have to try this!
Wow this recipe is so easy! I have all those ingredients so I’ll make it tonight. Thanks for the recipe ☺️
You can never have enough chili recipes. Yours looks great! Love all the details and tips.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe! Will try it out soon!