Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe – A Bold, Hearty Chili Bursting with Spices and Beefy Goodness

Bring the rich, bold flavors of Texas Roadhouse into your kitchen with this copycat chili recipe! Made with perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender kidney beans, and a thick, savory sauce, this chili is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you're enjoying it on a chilly day or serving it to a crowd, it's sure to satisfy your craving for a hearty, flavorful meal. Don’t forget the shredded cheddar and diced onions on top for the full Texas Roadhouse experience!

Scroll down for the full recipe!

Photo bypinterest

The Inspiration Behind Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Texas Roadhouse is known for its bold flavors and this chili is no exception! This copycat recipe brings together the warmth of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. The masa harina helps thicken the chili to give it that stew-like consistency we all love. Each bite is packed with beefy goodness, a little spice, and a lot of flavor, making it the perfect meal for game days, family dinners, or anytime you need something comforting and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Chili

This chili has it all—rich flavor, hearty texture, and just the right amount of spice. The beef is cooked to perfection and simmered with garlic, onions, and jalapeños for an extra kick. Crushed tomatoes and kidney beans bring a delicious depth to the dish, while the masa harina thickens it up, creating that signature chili consistency. Serve it up with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese and diced onions, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fiber: 4g

Pair this chili with some cornbread or tortilla chips for an even heartier meal!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Texas Roadhouse chili is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a warm slice of cornbread, a side of tortilla chips, or even over a baked potato for a hearty twist. For toppings, go all out with shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onions, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for extra heat. If you're hosting a party or game day gathering, this chili is a perfect option to serve with other comfort food classics like nachos, quesadillas, or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Photo bypinterest

Storage and Reheating Tips

This chili stores incredibly well, making it perfect for leftovers. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in individual portions until heated through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months—just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Fun Fact: Chili and Texas Tradition

Did you know that chili has been the official dish of Texas since 1977? It’s a symbol of the state’s love for bold, hearty flavors, and this Texas Roadhouse-style chili brings that tradition to your kitchen. While some purists may argue against adding beans to Texas-style chili, this version brings in a little variety with kidney beans for added texture and flavor!

Cooking Tips

• Choose Quality Beef: For the best flavor, use lean ground beef, preferably 80/20. You can also use cubed beef chuck for a more traditional Texas chili feel.
• Don’t Skip the Masa Harina: This corn flour not only thickens the chili but also gives it that authentic, slightly earthy flavor. If you don’t have masa harina, you can substitute cornmeal, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
• Balance the Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.

Optional Variations

• Spicy Chili: If you like your chili extra spicy, add some chopped serrano peppers or increase the amount of jalapeños and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef for plant-based crumbles and add more beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, for a hearty vegetarian chili.
• Smoky Twist: For a deeper, smokier flavor, add a teaspoon of chipotle powder or smoked paprika along with the regular spices.

Photo bypinterest

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80%/20% lean beef, or use beef chuck cut into ½ inch cubes)
• 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced (yellow or white)
• 2 tablespoons jalapeños, diced
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder (mild)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 (14 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• ¾ cup beef broth (or substitute with a beef bouillon cube dissolved in ¾ cup of water)
• 2 tablespoons masa harina (corn tortilla flour)

Instructions:

1. Cook the beef: In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, stirring often to break it apart. Continue cooking until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Return the cooked beef to the heat and stir in the diced garlic, onions, and jalapeños. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
3. Add the seasonings: Stir in the cumin powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
4. Add the liquids and beans: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and white vinegar. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Thicken the chili: In a small jar with a lid, mix the beef broth and masa harina until smooth. Stir this mixture into the chili and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the chili to thicken.
6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced red onions. Enjoy with your favorite sides!

Final Thoughts

This Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat recipe brings all the bold, beefy flavors you love right to your kitchen. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with the perfect balance of spices. Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a bowl of this rich, savory chili anytime you’re craving a taste of Texas!