Last Saturday night, we had one of those evenings where nothing was going right. The kids were fighting over the TV, my husband was buried in his phone, and I was this close to ordering takeout. But then I remembered I had everything I needed to make a batch of Texas Roadhouse Chili at home. And let me tell you, once that pot hit the stove, the whole mood in our house changed.
Why Texas Roadhouse Chili is a Family Favorite
We go to Texas Roadhouse at least twice a month, and while my kids are obsessed with their cinnamon butter rolls, my absolute must-have is their Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe. It’s hearty, a little spicy, and packed with bold flavors that make it better than any chili I’ve had elsewhere.
I’ve been tweaking my homemade version for months, trying to get that perfect balance of smoky, meaty, and just-spicy-enough. And y’all, I think I nailed it!
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (My Copycat Version!)
I’m not saying this is exactly how Texas Roadhouse makes their chili (I wish I had their secrets!), but this is pretty darn close. And trust me, my kids and my husband, who is weirdly picky about chili say it’s the best I’ve ever made.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (Copycat Version)
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker (for quick cooking)
- 2 Dutch Oven (for slow simmering)
- 3 Large Stockpot (for traditional stovetop cooking)
- 4 Slow Cooker (for hands-off cooking)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Sauté the Base
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Build the Flavor
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
Add the Liquids
- Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir well.
Simmer for Depth
- Add kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Thicken if Needed
- If you prefer a thicker chili, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then stir into the pot.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or cornbread.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Texas Roadhouse Chili
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and peppers enhance the flavor.Let it simmer longer: The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor.
Customize the spice: Add extra cayenne or diced jalapeños for more heat.
Try smoked meat: Swap ground beef for smoked brisket or pulled pork for an authentic Texas twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker? A: Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Q: Can I freeze this chili? A: Absolutely! Let it cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Q: What makes Texas Roadhouse Chili different? A: It’s thick, rich, and slightly smoky with a perfect balance of spice and sweetness no beans overload!Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (I use red for a little sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (this is KEY)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional, but I like a little heat)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Sauté the veggies: In a big ol’ pot, cook the onion, bell pepper, and garlic over medium heat until soft.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef, break it up, and cook until no longer pink. Drain the grease if needed.
- Add the seasonings: Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let those spices wake up!
- Mix in the good stuff: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir it all up.
- Simmer: Let it cook on low for at least 30 minutes (but honestly, the longer, the better!).
- Stir in the beans: Add the drained beans and let them heat through for another 10 minutes.
How to Serve It (Texas Roadhouse Style!)
At Texas Roadhouse, they serve their chili with cheddar cheese, diced onions, and a few saltine crackers. I like to go all out with:
- Shredded cheddar (extra sharp for extra flavor)
- A dollop of sour cream (cools it down a little)
- A side of cornbread (because, duh)
Oh, and if you’re wondering yes, this chili makes incredible leftovers. My husband actually hid the last bowl in the back of the fridge so he could take it for lunch the next day. (Rude, right?)
What’s the Secret to Texas Roadhouse Chili?
If you’ve ever had Texas Roadhouse Chili, you know it has a deeper, smokier flavor than regular chili. I’m convinced the secret is:
- Smoked paprika: This gives it that rich, slow-cooked BBQ taste.
- No beans in the restaurant version: Texas Roadhouse keeps their chili all-meat, but I like adding beans to stretch it out for my family.
- Letting it simmer: The longer you cook it, the better it tastes. If you have time, let it bubble away for an hour!
Price Breakdown: What It Costs to Make This at Home vs. Texas Roadhouse
| Menu Item | Texas Roadhouse Price (2025) | Homemade Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Roadhouse Bowl of Chili | $6.99 | $2.50 per serving |
| Full Family-Sized Batch | Not Available | $12.00 (serves 6) |
I love eating at Texas Roadhouse, but making this at home saves us money AND lets me sneak in extra veggies for the kids.
FAQs About Texas Roadhouse Chili
Q: Does Texas Roadhouse put beans in their chili?
A: Nope! Their chili is classic Texas-style no beans, just meaty goodness.
Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef first, then throw everything in the slow cooker on low for 6 hours.
Q: How spicy is Texas Roadhouse Chili?
A: It has a little kick, but it’s not crazy spicy. Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference.
Q: Can I freeze this chili?
A: Absolutely! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stove when ready.
Final Thoughts Is This Chili Worth Making?
If you love Texas Roadhouse Chili, you have to try this recipe. It’s easy, cheap, and makes enough to feed a crowd (or to hide in the back of the fridge for later looking at you, hubby). Plus, it fills the whole house with that mouthwatering chili smell that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?”
Now, I wanna know do you like your chili with or without beans? And if you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment below with your bowl of homemade Texas Roadhouse Chili!
Happy cooking! ❤️
Next time you’re craving that rich, smoky Texas Roadhouse Chili, skip the trip and make it at home! If you try this recipe, let me know was it spot on? Or did you put your own twist on it? Drop a comment below!
