The Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or just looking for a satisfying meal, this chili will impress everyone at the table. With its rich blend of spices and tender beef, it captures the essence of Texas-style cooking. Plus, it’s easy to make and offers plenty of room for customization with your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin creates a deep, savory flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, even beginner cooks can whip up this delicious chili.
- Versatile Toppings: Top your chili with sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado slices to personalize each bowl to your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: This recipe makes enough for 8 servings, perfect for leftovers or meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at parties or family gatherings—everyone loves a good bowl of chili!
Tools and Preparation
To prepare the Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe effectively, having the right tools is essential. These kitchen gadgets will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot: Ideal for even heat distribution, ensuring your chili cooks evenly without burning.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your pots and allows you to break up the ground beef easily.

Ingredients
For the Base
- 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
For Seasoning
- 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
For the Main Mix
- 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
For Thickening
- 2 tablespoons masa harina (or corn tortilla flour)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Tortilla chips
- Avocado slices
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Base
- Warm the oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft, stirring frequently.
- Add the garlic and ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
- Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add Italian seasonings, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, vinegar, crushed tomatoes, beans, black pepper, salt, diced jalapenos, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix well.
Step 3: Thicken the Chili
- Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in masa harina to help thicken the chili.
- Cook for another 10 minutes or until desired thickness is reached.
Step 4: Serve
Serve hot and top with optional ingredients like sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or avocado slices as desired. Enjoy your hearty Texas Roadhouse Chili!
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Serving Texas Roadhouse Chili is an opportunity to showcase its rich flavors and heartiness. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, you can elevate the experience with some thoughtful serving suggestions.
Classic Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat of the chili.
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a melty, savory flavor.
- Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices give a creamy texture and a refreshing taste.
Accompaniments
- Tortilla Chips: Serve crispy tortilla chips on the side for dipping and crunch.
- Cornbread: Warm cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chili and adds sweetness.
- Rice: A side of fluffy rice can help balance the spiciness of the chili.
Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds brightness and freshness.
- Diced Onions: Raw diced onions contribute a sharp bite that contrasts nicely with the chili.
How to Perfect Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Perfecting your Texas Roadhouse Chili takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and vegetables will elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of jalapenos or red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- Let It Simmer Longer: Allow the chili to simmer longer for deeper flavors; just be sure to stir occasionally.
- Experiment with Beans: Try adding different types of beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety in texture.
- Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your chili throughout cooking to adjust seasonings as needed.
Best Side Dishes for Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Texas Roadhouse Chili can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options.
- Cornbread: This sweet, moist bread complements the spicy chili perfectly.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the warm, hearty chili.
- Fried Plantains: Crispy fried plantains add a sweet touch that pairs well with savory flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers enhance the meal’s colors and textures.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad brings richness that balances out the spice from the chili.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for scooping up chili while adding flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that could affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
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Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the meat can lead to a less flavorful chili. Always ensure you brown your ground beef thoroughly for maximum flavor.
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Ignoring Spice Adjustments: Each palate is different; not adjusting the spices could leave your chili bland or too spicy. Taste as you go and modify seasonings according to your preference.
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Using Canned Ingredients Only: Relying solely on canned tomatoes or beans can make your chili taste flat. Consider using fresh ingredients when possible for a more vibrant flavor.
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Rushing the Simmer Time: Skipping or shortening the simmering time can prevent flavors from developing. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 20 minutes for the best results.
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Neglecting Optional Toppings: Forgetting toppings can take away from the overall experience of your chili. Enhance each bowl with sour cream, cheese, or avocado slices for added richness and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl; heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious dish:
How do I make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe spicier?
You can add extra jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. Start with small amounts and adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will still provide excellent flavor while being leaner.
What sides pair well with Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?
Cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad are fantastic sides that complement this hearty chili perfectly.
How long does it take to prepare Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?
The total time is approximately 55 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and spice levels according to your taste preferences. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the robust flavors of this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe, a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this chili features tender beef combined with a rich blend of spices, including smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. With minimal preparation time and plenty of room for customization, you can tailor each bowl to your taste with delicious toppings like shredded cheese and avocado slices. This hearty chili not only fills your belly but also offers a delightful cooking experience, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons diced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked 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: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, avocado slices
Instructions
- Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat; add diced onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in garlic and ground beef; cook until browned.
- Add seasoning mix (Italian seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, vinegar), crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and mix well.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes before stirring in masa harina; cook for another 10 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot with your choice of toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg