Few things warm the soul like a steaming bowl of chili, and the Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe brings that restaurant-style comfort straight to your table. With hearty ground beef, two types of beans, and a bold blend of spices, this dish is cozy, filling, and easy to make. What makes this recipe special is the balance: a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, a smoky kick from chili powder, and just the right level of spice. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or game-day gathering, this chili is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Here’s why:
- Big Flavor: A perfect mix of savory beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices.
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps that anyone can follow, no fancy techniques needed.
- Versatile: Pile it over baked potatoes, enjoy it with tortilla chips, or serve it on its own.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Easy to double for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
Every spoonful delivers hearty comfort with a kick.
The Story Behind Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
The Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe was inspired by classic Texas-style chili but tailored for everyday cooks. Here are a few fun facts that shaped it:
- Chili originated in Texas in the 1800s as a staple among cowboys and cattle drivers.
- Traditional versions skipped beans, but modern recipes (like this one) include them for added texture and nutrition.
- Texas Roadhouse is famous for their bold, rich chili served with cheese and onions on top.
- Home cooks love recreating it because it’s easy to adapt for mild or spicy preferences.
Key Ingredients in Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
- Ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes this chili filling.
- Onion & garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build deep flavor from the start.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne for warmth and complexity.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes, sauce, and paste create a rich, thick chili base.
- Beans: Black beans and red kidney beans bring creaminess and fiber.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and helps meld flavors as the chili simmers.
- Brown sugar: Balances acidity from tomatoes with a hint of sweetness.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, until no longer pink.
- Season the meat: Sprinkle in brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Build the base: Pour in beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything to combine.
- Add beans: Mix in drained black beans and kidney beans for a hearty texture.
- Simmer slowly: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chili should thicken and flavors meld together.
- Serve and top: Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings—shredded cheddar, tortilla chips, red onions, green onions, or sour cream.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe Tips and Twists
Tips:
- Use a Dutch oven for even heat and better simmering.
- Let chili simmer longer for a thicker texture.
- Adjust cayenne to control spice levels.
- Add extra broth if you like a thinner consistency.
- Taste and tweak seasoning before serving.
Twists:
- Turkey Chili: Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
- No-Bean Chili: Leave out beans for a more traditional Texas-style.
- Extra-Spicy: Stir in chipotle peppers or hot sauce for fiery flavor.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth if too thick. Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
- Make-Ahead: Chili is even better the next day as flavors deepen. Make it 24 hours early and store covered in the fridge until serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty chili pairs perfectly with:
- Cornbread or biscuits: For dipping into the rich, saucy base.
- Loaded baked potatoes: Spoon chili over potatoes and add cheese.
- Nacho-style: Serve with tortilla chips and extra cheddar on top.
- Fresh salad: A crisp cucumber or avocado salad balances the richness.
- Iced tea or lemonade: Refreshing drinks to cut through the spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low 6–8 hours.
What beans work best?
Black beans and kidney beans are classic, but pinto beans also work well.
Can I freeze chili?
Definitely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
How do I thicken the chili?
Simmer uncovered longer or stir in extra tomato paste.
Is it very spicy?
It’s mild to medium. Add cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer extra heat.
Enjoy Your Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is comfort food at its best—hearty, flavorful, and simple to make. With ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, it captures everything you love about restaurant-style chili while being easy enough for weeknight cooking. Customize the toppings, adjust the spice, and make it your own. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a cozy dinner, this chili will become a family favorite you’ll cook again and again.
Explore More Recipes
Round out your meal with recipes that pair beautifully with chili. Try our fluffy Quick Cheddar Bay Biscuits for dipping, or add a refreshing side like Cucumber Tomato Salad. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with a slice of Chocolate Fudge Cake. Browse even more ideas in our full Dinner collection.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe – Easy & Hearty Dinner
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Optional Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese tortilla chips, red onion, green onion, sour cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 minutes until browned.
- Stir in brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds to release flavor.
- Add beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well.
- Mix in black beans and kidney beans. Add cayenne if you want extra spice.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chili thickens.
- Serve hot with cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, red onion, green onion, or sour cream.
Notes
Calories: 340
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 640mg