Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (2025)

Last Updated on: January 16, 2024

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Bring the taste of Texas Roadhouse chili into your kitchen with this easy copycat recipe!

Spicy, meaty, and smoky, this hearty goodness will warm you inside and out. So fix up a pot for the whole family.

In less than one hour, you can curl up with a soul warming bowl!

Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (1)

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Tips and Tricks For Making the Best Chili

When it comes to chili, let your taste buds lead the way! Some prefer thick and hearty. Others like loading up on fresh toppings.

The great thing about this recipe is that there are endless variations. But to make it the best chili ever, follow these tips:

  • Add an acidic ingredient. My favorite way to enhance chili is with an acidic ingredient. You can add vinegar like sherry or balsamic. Lemon or lime will do the trick too.
  • Substitute seared beef. Seared beef is so savory and tender, it will elevate your chili to a higher level. It also gives it more texture.
  • Make it vegetarian-friendly. If you’re a vegetarian, you could add roasted vegetables instead of meat. My favorites are squash and sweet potato. Or add other beans likes lentils and kidney – all taste amazing with chili.
  • DIY the chili seasoning. Pre-mixed seasonings are easier. But I find it’s always better to make your own. That way, you can tailor the flavor to taste.

What to Serve With Texas Roadhouse Chili

To say chili is a versatile dish is an understatement. In fact, it’s so good it goes well with almost anything!

Among all the best chili side dishes, these are my top picks:

  • Green Salad. You can never go wrong with a side salad. It’s nutritious, delicious, and easy. To stick with our Texas theme, I recommend a flavor-packed Southwest Salad.
  • Cornbread. No chili is complete without a side of cornbread! This sweet and fluffy combo is comfort food at its best. Dip the cornbread in the spicy chili for an even more delectable treat.
  • Coleslaw. It’s crunchy, fresh, and zesty. The perfect balance for hearty chili! Plus, it’s easy to whip up.
  • Chips & Salsa. Of course, no chili dinner is complete without chips and salsa. This classic combo is salty, sweet, and pairs perfectly with a warm bowl of chili. Plus, you can use the tortilla chips for dipping. Double-win!
  • Margarita. Wash it down with a real Mexican margarita and you’ve got the full restaurant experience. All without leaving your home!
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (2)

History of Texas Roadhouse

The Texas Roadhouse has been serving us good steaks and ribs since it opened its doors to the public on February 17, 1993, in Clarksville, Indiana. The restaurant, owned by Kent Taylor and family, is much more than that, though.

Over the years, the family has managed to turn Texas Roadhouse into a fun and homey place where people of all ages and walks of life can gather and enjoy a meal.

Their specialties are their extremely tender and tasty ribs and steaks, but they also serve various sides, freshly baked bread, and cold beer. They’re also known for serving huge portions. But, what makes them a cut above the rest is how they make almost everything in their menu from scratch.

Another fun fact about their restaurants, which have now expanded to 300 branches in 46 states in the US, is their lively line dancers and nostalgia-inducing jukebox.Going to Texas Roadhouse is a one-of-a-kind experience.

How to Store Texas Roadhouse Chili

Got some leftover chili? Store it in the fridge or freezer. It is also a great make ahead meal for later in the week.

To Store: Place the cooled leftover chili in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.

To Freeze: Transfer the cooled chili to an airtight freezer container. Freeze for 4 to 6 months. For more tips, see my easy guide on how to freeze chili.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili

This version of the Roadhouse Chili is incredibly simple to make. Just follow these easy steps.

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In less than an hour, you’ll be devouring bowlfuls of this delicious comfort food.

Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (3)

Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds beef chuck

  • 3 tablespoons canola oil

  • 2 tablespoons diced garlic

  • 1 cup yellow or white onion (diced)

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 1/2 ground cumin seeds

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (Spanish paprika)

  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes

  • 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans

  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

  • 1/4 cup jalapenos (sliced and seeded)

  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

  • 2 tablespoons masa harina (or corn tortilla flour)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup red onions (diced)

Instructions

  • Cut beef chuck into 1/2 inch cubes.
  • Pour 3 tablespoons of oil into a dutch oven or large pot. Turn the eye on high and allow the oil to heat.
  • Place onion and garlic into the pot and cook for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-high, then add the beef cubes. Brown the meat, while stirring constantly.
  • Once the meat has browned slightly (with no red showing), lower the temperature to medium.
  • Add Italian seasonings, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, vinegar, tomatoes, beans, black pepper, salt, diced jalapenos, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
  • Simmer for about 10 minutes, then add corn tortilla flour (or masa harina) to help thicken the chili.
  • Cook for another 10 minutes, or until chili thickens.
  • Serve and top with sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and avocado slices.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (4)

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Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (2025)

FAQs

What is Texas Roadhouse chili made of? ›

What is Texas Roadhouse chili made of? Although Texas Roadhouse doesn't list their exact ingredients for their chili, some of the flavors are that of most chili recipes. This Texas Roadhouse chili is made of ground beef, onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato sauce, and spices.

What is the difference between Texas chili and regular chili? ›

What primarily distinguishes Texas chili from other chili recipes you might find is a lack of beans, but it also doesn't feature any tomatoes. It is, largely, a ground beef dish that's seasoned with a spicy chili paste made of dried peppers.

What to put in chili to make it taste better? ›

Add a hit of soy sauce, Worcestershire, or tamari. These salty, savory powerhouses won't dominate or change the flavor of your chili so much as amplify what's there. Start with one tablespoon, stir, and taste before you add another. Add tomato paste.

What is real Texas chili made of? ›

This Texas classic doesn't include beans or tomatoes, only beef, homemade chile paste, and a few flavorings. It's what Texans call a "Bowl o' Red" and tastes intensely of its two main ingredients.

Is Texas Roadhouse food made from scratch? ›

At Texas Roadhouse, we make our food from scratch, even the bacon bits, croutons, and dressings. Each Texas Roadhouse restaurant employs a butcher and a Baker. The butchers hand-cut each and every steak we serve. Our Meat Cutters work in 34-degree coolers and cut an average of $1 million of meat a year per store.

What not to put in chili? ›

Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed." If that sounds a bit uptight, the ICS's Homestyle Chili competition defines chili as: "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients.

What ingredient will change your chili forever? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What do Texans call chili? ›

Chili Con Carne, a.k.a. Texas Red

The chili that was invented in San Antonio is said to be a bowl of "red": tender, individual stewed chunks of beef swaddled in a spicy, cumin-spiked sauce made from red chiles, which lend the dish an appealing russet hue. Texans take this heritage very seriously.

What is a chili without beans called? ›

Chili without beans is known as Texas-style chili or chili con carne. According to many Texans, beans and other added vegetables have no place in chili. In a true Texas chili or chili con carne, the emphasis is on the meat and chili peppers.

What is the best cut of meat for chili? ›

When making chili, former Southern Living Test Kitchen Director, Robby Melvin, recommends using a mix of ground chuck and ground sirloin. "It's the best of both worlds," he says. "You get a balanced lean-to-fat ratio from the chuck and the hearty, beefy leanness from the sirloin."

What is a secret ingredient for chili? ›

We've already seen how dark chocolate can elevate a chili and give it more depth of flavor. Well, cocoa powder can work just as well, and without the need for any extra stirring or melting action. You can just sprinkle your cocoa powder into your chili along with the rest of your spices.

What liquid is best for chili? ›

If you're going to add liquid, you might as well add flavor, too, so you'll generally want to use broth, not water, as your liquid of choice. The best kind of broth can vary: For a traditional chili recipe, beef broth is best, but white chili is better with chicken broth.

What adds depth of flavor to chili? ›

Tomato paste is a great way to add bonus tomato flavor, and thickness, to a chili recipe. To get the best flavor it needs to be browned. Add a couple tablespoons (or a whole can if you want a thicker soup base) directly to the pan after cooking the meat and onions. Stir the paste occasionally to prevent burning.

Where is Texas tailgate chili made? ›

Texas Tailgate Hot Dog Chili Sauce is a Boone Brands product made in Sanford, NC.

What is Texas Roadhouse roadkill made of? ›

Chop steak smothered with sautéed onions, sautéed mushrooms and jack cheese. Served with your choice of two sides.

Does Texas Roadhouse chili have carbs? ›

Texas Roadhouse Legendary Sides Texas Red Chili (cup) (1 serving) contains 9g total carbs, 7g net carbs, 20g fat, 14g protein, and 290 calories.

Why is it called Texas chili? ›

Several legit histories of Texas Chili are available. The primary one arose from the “Chili Queens” on Military Plaza in San Antonio, from the mid-19th Century through the early 20th Century. These business ladies sold a meat dish called “Chili Con Carne”, referring to the chili pepper and beef combination.

References

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