Hearty Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe You’ll Love to Make

Chili takes center stage in this mouthwatering Texas Roadhouse chili recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.

Hearty and packed with robust spices, this dish delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

The secret blend of ingredients creates a rich, complex taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tender beef mingles with perfectly balanced seasonings, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become special moments when this chili hits the table.

Each bite tells a story of warmth and satisfaction that connects people through delicious, home-cooked goodness.

Prepare to savor a chili recipe that’ll become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.

Why This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Wins Hearts

• Tweak ingredients and spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making this chili a flexible meal for everyone.
• Packed with robust flavors and protein-rich ingredients, this chili delivers a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Recreate the delicious Texas Roadhouse chili experience in your own kitchen, saving money and impressing your loved ones with minimal cooking skills required.
• Uses common pantry staples and readily available ingredients, eliminating complicated shopping trips and making meal preparation stress-free.

Ingredients for Copycat Texas Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of this chili recipe.

• Onions, Garlic, Jalapeños: These ingredients add depth, heat, and a robust flavor profile to the chili.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A complex mix of spices that creates a rich and warming taste sensation.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness to balance the spicy elements.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a tangy base to the chili.
• Kidney Beans: Provides additional protein and a creamy texture.
• White Vinegar: Enhances the overall flavor with a slight acidic touch.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the liquid base.
• Masa Harina: A traditional thickening agent that gives the chili a authentic texture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Red Onions, Sour Cream, Cilantro: Optional toppings that add extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Recreate Texas Roadhouse Chili at Home

Step 1: Sizzle The Ground Beef

Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high temperature.

Cook ground beef, continuously breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.

Ensure no pink meat remains and drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy chili.

Step 2: Develop Aromatic Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped jalapeños

Stir ingredients frequently for approximately two minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 3: Create Spice Symphony

• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Brown sugar
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Mix spices thoroughly and cook for one to two minutes to activate intense flavor profiles.

Step 4: Build Chili Foundation

• Crushed tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• White vinegar

Bring mixture to gentle simmer, reduce heat, and cook for twenty minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Achieve Perfect Thickness

Combine masa harina and beef broth in sealed jar.

Shake until completely smooth.

Stir mixture into chili and cook additional ten minutes until desired consistency develops.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Ladle chili into serving bowls.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced red onions

Optional garnishes include sour cream and fresh cilantro.

Tips for Better Copycat Chili Results

• Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy texture and keep the chili's flavor clean and robust.
• Toast spices for 1-2 minutes to release their essential oils, intensifying the overall taste and aroma of the chili.
• Use masa harina mixture sparingly to achieve the perfect thick, hearty texture without making the chili too dense.
• Adjust jalapeños and red pepper flakes to match your personal spice tolerance, ensuring a comfortable eating experience.
• Add fresh toppings like cheese, onions, and cilantro just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

Store and Reheat Chili Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the chili completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated completely. This method helps maintain the original texture and prevents burning.

Favorite Sides for Texas Roadhouse Chili

• Pairing Perfectly with Texas Roadhouse Chili
• Complement Corn Bread Delight: Bake a warm, slightly sweet cornbread with honey butter to balance the chili's spicy kick and provide a soft texture contrast.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a robust amber ale or dark porter that matches the chili's rich, smoky flavors and stands up to its hearty protein profile.
• Cool Slaw Sidekick: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a touch of sugar to cut through the chili's richness and add refreshing crunch.
• Wine Wisdom Approach: Choose a zinfandel or bold red blend with enough tannin structure to complement the meat's intensity and spice blend.

Recipe Twists for Copycat Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra firm tofu, keeping all other spices and ingredients the same for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Chili: Swap kidney beans with diced zucchini or cauliflower chunks, reduce brown sugar, and use beef bone broth for added richness while maintaining low-carbohydrate profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: Brown beef and sauté aromatics beforehand, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to develop more deeply.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chiles, increase crushed red pepper flakes, incorporate a splash of tequila during cooking, and garnish with fresh jalapeño slices for extra heat and complexity.

FAQs

• What makes Texas Roadhouse chili different from other chili recipes?

The key differences are the combination of multiple spices like smoked paprika and Italian seasoning, the addition of brown sugar for depth, and using masa harina to thicken the chili, which creates a unique, rich texture.

• Is this chili spicy?

The chili has a mild to moderate heat level. The jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes add some kick, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or removing those ingredients for a milder version.

• Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, adding the masa harina mixture in the last 30 minutes to thicken.

• What if I can't find masa harina?

You can substitute cornstarch or all-purpose flour as a thickening agent, though masa harina provides a more authentic flavor. If using cornstarch, mix 2 tablespoons with cold water before adding to the chili.

Best Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Texas Roadhouse Chili brings bold southwestern flavors straight from Texas cowboy kitchens. Robust beef, smoky spices, and rich beans create a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger and warms hungry souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) Ground beef (80%/20% lean)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Garlic (fresh diced cloves)

Vegetables and Spices:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Onion (diced yellow or white)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Jalapenos (diced)
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) Cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) Chili powder (mild)
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) Smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) Black pepper
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) Salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) Crushed red pepper flakes

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) Brown sugar
• 2 14-ounce (400 grams) Canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 14-ounce (400 grams) Kidney beans (canned, rinsed, and drained)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) White vinegar
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) Beef broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) Masa harina

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Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy texture.
2. Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeños into the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become fragrant and slightly translucent.
3. Incorporate a robust blend of spices including cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toast spices for 1-2 minutes to intensify their aromatic qualities.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and white vinegar. Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent scorching.
5. Create a thickening agent by whisking masa harina with beef broth until completely smooth. Slowly integrate this mixture into the chili, continuing to cook for an additional 10 minutes until the desired consistency is achieved.
6. Transfer the chili into serving bowls. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onions, and optional toppings like sour cream or fresh cilantro for added complexity and visual appeal.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a cleaner, more concentrated chili flavor.
• Toast spices before adding liquid ingredients to unlock deeper, more complex taste profiles and enhance overall aroma.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or selecting milder jalapeños for those with sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg