Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty dish that warms the soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is one of those meals that just feels like home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something delicious and satisfying without too much fuss. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this chili for friends and family—it’s always a hit!

What makes this chili truly special is its rich flavor profile, thanks to a mix of spices and wholesome ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand. So grab your favorite pot, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a bowl of warmth in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty goodness and comforting flavors.
• Make-ahead convenience: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Endless toppings: Get creative with toppings like avocado slices, shredded cheese, or crunchy tortilla chips for added flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

These are totally up to you!
* sour cream
* shredded cheddar cheese
* tortilla chips
* avocado slices

Variations

The beauty of this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or corn for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, increase the amount of jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Go vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils or extra beans for a hearty plant-based option.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Warm the oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent. This step is crucial as it develops a sweet flavor base for your chili. Then stir in the garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned. Breaking apart the meat with a wooden spoon ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Once the meat is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add in all those wonderful spices: Italian seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, vinegar, crushed tomatoes, drained beans, black pepper, salt, jalapeños, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well so that every bite will be bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Simmer Away

Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully. After simmering, sprinkle in the masa harina to thicken up your chili. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

Step 4: Serve It Up

Now comes the best part—serving! Ladle your chili into bowls and get creative with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or creamy avocado slices. Enjoy each warm bite with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Creating the perfect chili is all about the little details, and I’m here to share some tried-and-true tips that will elevate your Texas Roadhouse Chili experience!

• Choose quality meat: Using a good cut of beef chuck not only enhances flavor but also ensures tenderness in every bite. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference.

• Don’t rush the simmering: Allowing the chili to simmer properly melds the flavors beautifully and gives it a rich, hearty taste. Patience pays off when it comes to chili!

• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of jalapeños and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. This way, you can customize the dish to suit everyone’s palate.

• Let it rest: If you have time, let your chili sit for 30 minutes after cooking before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to deepen and develop even further.

• Make it ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day! Consider making it a day in advance and reheating for an easy meal that’s packed with flavor.

How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Serving up your Texas Roadhouse Chili can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas that will make your dish shine at mealtime.

Garnishes

• Sour cream: A dollop of tangy sour cream adds creaminess and balances out the spices beautifully.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkle some sharp or mild cheddar on top for an extra layer of flavor and a lovely melty texture.
• Avocado slices: Fresh avocado brings a creamy richness that complements the hearty chili perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Sweet and moist cornbread pairs wonderfully with chili, soaking up all those delicious juices while adding a delightful crunch.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a fun texture contrast while being perfect for scooping up chili—plus, they add a salty kick!
• Coleslaw: A cool, crisp coleslaw offers a refreshing balance to the warm spices in the chili, making each bite feel like a new adventure.
• Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over fluffy rice or nutritious quinoa turns it into a filling meal while absorbing all those incredible flavors.

Now you’re well-equipped to create and serve an unforgettable Texas Roadhouse Chili! Enjoy making memories around the dinner table with this hearty favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a convenient and hearty option for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Leave some space at the top of the container or bag for expansion during freezing.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If using a microwave, heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between until hot.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delicious dish, here are some answers to common questions!

What makes this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe special?

This recipe captures the robust flavors of traditional Texas chili while offering an easy-to-follow approach. The combination of spices and ingredients creates a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out!

Can I customize this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust spices or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn. It’s versatile enough to fit your taste preferences!

How can I make this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe vegetarian?

To make this chili vegetarian, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans like black beans and chickpeas. It will still be delicious!

Is this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat, then gradually increase as desired.

Can I use different beans in this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?

Yes! While red kidney beans are traditional, you can mix in black beans, pinto beans, or any variety you prefer for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe a try! It’s not just comforting; it’s also perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Enjoy making it as much as I do, and don’t hesitate to share your personal twists on this classic dish. Happy cooking!