Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
The Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends and family. This recipe captures the essence of Texas-style chili, featuring rich flavors and a delightful blend of spices. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply looking for a comforting meal, this chili will surely impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: Rich and bold flavors make every bite satisfying.
- Easy to prepare: Simple steps ensure that even novice cooks can create delicious chili.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Perfect for gatherings: Ideal for parties, game days, or family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gathering your tools will make the cooking process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot: Provides even heat distribution, perfect for simmering chili without burning.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.

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 and Flavor
- 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 Chili Itself
- 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 & Serving
- 2 tablespoons masa harina (or corn tortilla flour)
- optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, avocado slices, etc.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Ingredients
Warm the oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes until soft. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Then add the garlic and ground beef; cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Combine Seasonings and Simmer
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add Italian seasonings, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, vinegar, crushed tomatoes, red kidney beans, black pepper, kosher salt, diced jalapenos, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything well to combine.
Step 3: Thicken the Chili
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. After that time, add masa harina to help thicken the chili. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes or until you achieve your desired thickness.
Step 4: Serve Your Chili
Once thickened to your liking, serve hot! Top with optional ingredients such as sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or avocado slices for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy!
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Serving Texas Roadhouse Chili is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a satisfying experience. Pair your chili with various toppings and sides to elevate the meal.
Toppings for Texas Roadhouse Chili
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melting cheese on top brings a savory richness to each bowl.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide texture and make great scoops for the chili.
- Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices lend a creamy contrast to the spiciness of the chili.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Soft, sweet cornbread serves as a perfect side for soaking up chili.
- Rice: Serving chili over steamed rice creates a hearty meal that’s filling and delicious.
- Salad: A light green salad can refresh the palate between bites of hearty chili.
How to Perfect Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Perfecting your Texas Roadhouse Chili requires attention to detail and flavor balance. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.
- Bold spices: Use fresh spices like chili powder and cumin for maximum flavor impact.
- Quality meat: Opt for high-quality ground chuck or beef chuck for richer taste and texture.
- Simmer longer: Allow the chili to simmer for an extended time to deepen its flavors.
- Adjust heat: Customize the spice level by adding more jalapenos or red pepper flakes based on your preference.
- Use masa harina: This ingredient not only thickens but also adds authentic corn flavor to your chili.
Best Side Dishes for Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Pairing side dishes with Texas Roadhouse Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread complements the spice of the chili beautifully.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a refreshing element that balances the warmth of the dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and contrasts nicely with the hearty chili.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with butter make for a filling side alongside chili.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic side that pairs well with any chili dish.
- Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains give a unique twist and satisfy sweet cravings after spicy bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Texas Roadhouse Chili can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong meat: Always choose the right kind of beef. Ground chuck works best for a rich and hearty texture.
- Skipping the spices: Don’t forget to include all the seasonings. They are essential for depth of flavor in your chili.
- Not simmering long enough: Allow your chili to simmer properly. This helps meld the flavors together and improve overall taste.
- Ignoring thickness: If your chili is too thin, add masa harina earlier in the cooking process. It will help thicken it nicely.
- Overcrowding with beans: Balance is key. Too many beans can overpower the meat flavor. Stick to the recommended amount.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Chili can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store.
- Frozen chili lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Texas Roadhouse Chili.
How do I make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe spicier?
Add more jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that still provides good flavor.
What toppings go well with Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, and tortilla chips.
How do I store leftover Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is not only hearty but also highly customizable. You can adjust spices and toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home!
Texas Roadhouse Chili
This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is a warm and comforting dish that embodies the bold flavors of Texas. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings, this hearty chili combines tender beef with rich spices, beans, and tomatoes for a delightful experience. Whether you’re enjoying it on game day or at a family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s simple to prepare, customizable with your favorite toppings, and ideal for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, avocado slices
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft (3-5 minutes). Stir in garlic and ground beef until browned.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Mix in seasonings (Italian seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin), brown sugar, vinegar, crushed tomatoes, red kidney beans, black pepper, kosher salt, jalapeños, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Let simmer for 10 minutes. Then add masa harina to thicken the chili and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, or avocado slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
