Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is just what you need! This chili is a hearty, flavorful mix of spices and wholesome ingredients that come together to create a comforting bowl of goodness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying or for family gatherings where everyone can gather around a steaming pot.
What makes this chili special is its rich flavor profile and the way it brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it up at your next game night, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to prepare: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious chili simmering in no time.
- Family-approved: Everyone loves a good bowl of chili, making it perfect for families and gatherings.
- Flexible options: You can customize it easily with your favorite toppings or protein choices.
- Make-ahead friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep!
- Hearty and satisfying: Packed with beans and spices, each bite is full of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at the simple, wholesome ingredients that make this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe truly special. These items are likely already in your kitchen or easy to find at your local grocery store.
For the Chili
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 medium yellow or white onion (diced)
- 2 pounds ground chuck (or beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons diced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (Spanish paprika)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 (14 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 cup jalapenos (sliced and seeded)
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons masa harina (or corn tortilla flour)
Optional Toppings
You can elevate your chili experience with these delicious toppings:
* sour cream
* shredded cheddar cheese
* tortilla chips
* avocado slices
Variations
This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily tailor it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas:
- Swap the protein: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition.
- Adjust the heat: If you like things spicy, add more jalapeños or some diced chipotle peppers.
- Go vegetarian: Replace the meat with extra beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Warm the oil in a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes until soft. Stir frequently to avoid browning. This step builds a flavor foundation by sweetening the onions and releasing their aroma into the oil.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, add the garlic and ground beef to the pot. Cook until the meat is browned while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Browning the meat enhances its flavor, which adds richness to your chili.
Step 3: Mix in Seasonings
Reduce heat to medium-low. Now it’s time to add all those wonderful seasonings: Italian seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, vinegar, crushed tomatoes, beans, black pepper, salt, diced jalapeños, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well! This step combines all flavors so that they meld beautifully during simmering.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Let your chili simmer for about 10 minutes. Afterward, add masa harina to thicken it up nicely. Cook for another 10 minutes until it’s reached your desired thickness. Simmering allows all those flavors to deepen while thickening gives your chili that satisfying body.
Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Finally, serve up bowls of your delicious Texas Roadhouse Chili! Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and avocado slices as desired. Enjoy every bite surrounded by family and friends!
With this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe in hand, you’re ready to warm hearts and bellies alike! Happy cooking!
Pro Tips for Making Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Creating a perfect pot of chili is all about the details, so here are some pro tips to ensure your Texas Roadhouse Chili turns out absolutely delicious!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices can significantly enhance the flavor profile, making your chili taste vibrant and rich.
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Brown the meat thoroughly: Taking the time to brown the meat well adds depth and a robust flavor to your chili. This caramelizes the natural sugars in the beef, creating a beautiful foundation for your dish.
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Let it simmer: Patience is key! Allowing your chili to simmer longer can deepen the flavors. The longer it cooks, the more integrated and complex the taste will be.
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Adjust spice levels: If you like heat, don’t hesitate to add more jalapenos or red pepper flakes. Spice can be adjusted according to your preference, ensuring everyone enjoys their bowl of chili just how they like it.
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Experiment with toppings: Don’t shy away from trying different toppings. A dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even some crunchy tortilla strips can elevate your dish beautifully.
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Serving Texas Roadhouse Chili is an opportunity to get creative! Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, there are plenty of ways to make this dish shine on your table.
Garnishes
- Sour cream: A classic accompaniment that adds creaminess and balances the heat of the chili.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melting cheese on top creates a deliciously gooey texture that complements the hearty chili.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh green onions provide a mild crunch and a pop of color, making each bowl visually appealing.
Side Dishes
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Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up every bit of chili. It brings a delightful contrast in texture.
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Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add an extra layer of flavor and are great for dipping into your chili. They also offer a satisfying crunch alongside the warmth of the dish.
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Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chili. Its crispness and tanginess enhance each bite.
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Rice or quinoa: Serving chili over rice or quinoa makes it more filling and allows diners to customize their portions while adding another texture element.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household, bringing warmth and comfort with every delicious bite.

Make Ahead and Storage
This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious on day two!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing
- Portion the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this flavorful chili recipe.
How can I make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the ground chuck with your favorite plant-based meat alternative or increase beans and vegetables for a hearty texture.
What are some great side dishes with Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?
You can serve this delicious chili with cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad. Tortilla chips for dipping also make a fantastic side!
Can I spice up my Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! Add more jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to increase the heat level according to your taste preference.
How long does the Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe take to cook?
The total cooking time is about 55 minutes, including both prep and cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but hearty enough for any occasion!
Final Thoughts
This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and warmth. I hope you enjoy making this comforting dish as much as I do! Gather your loved ones around the table and savor every bite. Happy cooking!
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Cozy up with a bowl of our Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with robust spices, tender beef, and wholesome beans, this chili is designed to warm your heart and satisfy your appetite. It’s not just about the flavor; it’s also a dish that brings family and friends together around the table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings and ingredients!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
- 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
- 2 tablespoons diced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 (14 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 cup jalapeños, sliced and seeded
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons masa harina
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat canola oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft.
- Add garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
- Stir in seasonings, crushed tomatoes, beans, jalapeños, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Simmer for 10 minutes; then add masa harina to thicken. Cook for another 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg