Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Imagine that first spoonful of rich, Texas Roadhouse Chili hitting your taste buds – smoky, spicy, and hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest cowboy. This iconic restaurant favorite brings together tender chunks of beef, bold spices, and a perfectly balanced sauce that has made it legendary across America. The Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe we’re sharing today captures all the authentic flavors you love from the restaurant, but right in your own kitchen. You’ll learn exactly how to build those complex flavors layer by layer for a chili that rivals the original.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe stands out from ordinary chilis in several extraordinary ways. First, it features a unique blend of spices that creates that distinctive Texas Roadhouse flavor profile you can’t find anywhere else – slightly smoky with just the right kick of heat that builds with each bite rather than overwhelming your palate. The texture is another standout feature, with tender chunks of beef rather than ground meat, swimming in a rich sauce that’s thick enough to coat your spoon but not so dense it feels heavy.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. Perfect for game day gatherings, family dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead, this chili actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. Even kitchen novices will appreciate how forgiving this recipe is – no fancy techniques required, just honest ingredients and a little patience. The contrast between the hearty beans, chunky beef, and the silky, complex sauce creates a textural masterpiece that keeps you coming back for another spoonful.

Ingredients

For the authentic Texas Roadhouse Chili experience, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder (preferably dark)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste

The chuck roast is essential for authentic Texas-style chili, providing those tender chunks of beef that distinguish it from ground beef versions. The combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika creates that signature Texas Roadhouse flavor profile, while the brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes without making the chili sweet.

Pro Tips

Control the Heat Level – The authentic Texas Roadhouse Chili has a medium heat that builds gradually. Start with less cayenne pepper than the recipe calls for – you can always add more later during cooking. Taste after 30 minutes of simmering and adjust accordingly. Remember that the heat intensifies slightly as the chili sits, so what tastes perfect today may be spicier tomorrow.

Perfect the Beef Texture – For that authentic restaurant-quality result, don’t rush browning the beef. Work in small batches (about ⅓ of the meat at a time) and leave space between the pieces in the pot. Overcrowding causes the meat to steam rather than sear, robbing your chili of depth. Each batch should take about 5-6 minutes to develop a deep brown crust – this is where the magic happens for authentic Texas Roadhouse Chili.

Master the Simmer – The difference between good and great chili often comes down to patience. After bringing everything to a boil, reduce to the lowest possible simmer where you see just occasional gentle bubbles. This slow-cooking approach allows the flavors to meld while keeping the beef tender instead of tough. If the chili gets too thick during the lengthy simmer, add beef broth ¼ cup at a time rather than plain water to maintain flavor integrity.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Season the cubed chuck roast generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add beef to the pot without overcrowding and sear until deeply browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside. This careful browning creates the foundation of flavor for authentic Texas Roadhouse Chili.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pot. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Stir occasionally to pick up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly which adds richness to your chili.

Step 3: Combine Everything
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. This slow cooking method is essential for developing the complex flavors of Texas Roadhouse Chili.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Cover the pot partially with a lid and simmer for 1½ hours, stirring occasionally. The beef should become increasingly tender as it cooks. After this initial cooking time, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 30 minutes until the chili has thickened to your desired consistency and the beef is fork-tender. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the chili from heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and meld together. Serve your Texas Roadhouse Chili in bowls with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or jalapeños for an authentic restaurant experience.

Variations

Spicy Texas Roadhouse Chili – For heat lovers, transform the original recipe by doubling the cayenne pepper and adding 1-2 finely diced jalapeños (with seeds for maximum heat) along with the bell peppers. You can also incorporate 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder for a smokier heat profile that adds dimension without overwhelming the classic Texas Roadhouse Chili flavor. This variation pairs exceptionally well with a dollop of lime-infused sour cream to balance the increased heat.

Smoky Bacon Texas Roadhouse Chili – Start by cooking 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced, until crispy. Remove the bacon but leave the rendered fat in the pot, using it to brown your beef instead of vegetable oil. Add the crispy bacon back to the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This variation adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the existing flavors of the Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe beautifully. The bacon brings both texture contrast and a savory note that many find irresistible.

Turkey Texas Roadhouse Chili – For a lighter version, substitute 2 pounds of turkey breast cut into cubes for the beef. Turkey absorbs the classic spice blend remarkably well, though you’ll want to add an extra tablespoon of oil when browning to compensate for the meat’s lower fat content. Increase the paprika to 1½ tablespoons to maintain the richness traditionally provided by beef. This variation retains the authentic flavor profile while cutting calories significantly.

Storage and Serving

The Texas Roadhouse Chili actually improves with time, making it perfect for make-ahead meals. Store cooled chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth if the chili has thickened too much during storage. Always reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

For an authentic Texas Roadhouse experience, serve your chili with warm cornbread and honey butter on the side. The sweetness of the cornbread perfectly balances the savory, spicy notes of the chili. For a heartier meal, serve the chili over rice or baked potatoes. My favorite way to serve this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is loaded-style – topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and a few dashes of hot sauce, creating a colorful, flavor-packed bowl that satisfies all cravings.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of chuck roast?
Yes, though it will change the texture of the authentic Texas Roadhouse Chili. If using ground beef, choose 80/20 for better flavor and brown it thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe. The cooking time can be reduced to about 1 hour total since ground beef doesn’t need as much time to tenderize.

Is this chili gluten-free?
The basic Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brands of broth, beans, and spices to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten ingredients or cross-contamination warnings.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, adding the beans during the last hour of cooking.

How spicy is this chili?
The recipe as written creates a medium spice level similar to the restaurant version. For milder Texas Roadhouse Chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For spicier chili, increase the cayenne or add diced jalapeños.

Can I add beer to this recipe?
Yes! Replace 1 cup of the beef broth with a bottle of dark beer like a porter or stout for additional depth of flavor. Add it after cooking the tomato paste and let it reduce slightly before adding the remaining ingredients.

Conclusion

This Texas Roadhouse Chili delivers all the bold, comforting flavors you’d expect from the famous steakhouse, but with the satisfaction of creating it yourself. The combination of tender beef chunks, hearty beans, and that perfectly spiced sauce creates a meal that’s both impressive and comforting. It’s the perfect recipe for weekend gatherings, game day celebrations, or anytime you need a dose of Texas-sized flavor that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.

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