Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that warms the soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those chilly nights when you just want to curl up with something delicious. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply feeding a busy household, this chili delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

What makes this recipe even better is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a pot of chili that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This chili comes together quickly and doesn’t require any fancy cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love digging into a warm bowl of chili, especially with fun toppings like cheese and tortilla chips.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Flavorful & Hearty: Packed with spices and beans, this chili is rich in flavor and sure to satisfy your hunger.
• Customizable Toppings: Top it off with your favorites like avocado slices or sour cream to make each bowl unique.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple ingredients that will come together beautifully in this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe. You might already have many of these items in your pantry!

For the Chili 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
• 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
• 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 (or corn tortilla flour)

For Serving

• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, avocado slices, etc.

Variations

One of the best things about this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add more jalapenos or some diced habaneros!
• Go vegetarian: Replace the meat with extra beans or lentils for a hearty veggie version.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

Warm the oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it’s soft and fragrant. This step is essential because cooking the onions enhances their sweetness. Next, stir in the garlic and ground chuck. Cook until the meat is browned. Breaking it apart with a wooden spoon helps ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Spices

Once your meat looks good and brown, reduce the heat to medium-low. Now it’s time to add all those wonderful seasonings! Add the Italian seasoning blend, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin seeds, brown sugar, vinegar, crushed tomatoes, drained kidney beans, black pepper, salt, sliced jalapenos, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything well so those flavors can mingle together!

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Allow your chili to simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all those flavors deepen beautifully. After that time has passed, sprinkle in the masa harina—this will help thicken your chili nicely. Let it cook for another 10 minutes until you’ve reached your desired thickness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Now comes the best part! Ladle generous servings into bowls and let everyone customize their own with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, crunchy tortilla chips, or creamy avocado slices. Enjoy this warm hug-in-a-bowl that’s perfect for any occasion!

Pro Tips for Making Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Making a delicious Texas Roadhouse Chili is easier than you think! Here are some pro tips to elevate your chili-making game.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onions, garlic, and spices enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Fresh ingredients can make a world of difference in taste and aroma.
• Don’t rush the browning: Taking your time to brown the meat properly develops deeper flavors. This step caramelizes the meat’s natural sugars, resulting in a richer taste.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder and jalapeños according to your heat preference. Finding the right balance for your palate ensures everyone enjoys the chili.
• Let it simmer longer: If time allows, simmering your chili for a longer period helps meld the flavors beautifully. The longer simmering time allows the spices to fully infuse into the dish.
• Make it ahead of time: Chili often tastes better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Preparing it a day in advance can save you time on busy days while providing an even tastier meal!

How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Serving your Texas Roadhouse Chili is just as important as making it! Presentation can enhance both its visual appeal and flavor experience.

Garnishes

• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and helps balance out spiciness.
• Shredded cheese: Sprinkle some cheese on top for a deliciously melty addition that complements the chili perfectly.
• Avocado slices: Fresh avocado not only adds a creamy texture but also brings a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: The slight sweetness of cornbread pairs beautifully with savory chili, offering a comforting side option perfect for dipping.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add an enjoyable texture contrast and can be used for scooping up chili or simply snacking on the side.
• Mexican-style rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices complements the hearty nature of chili, making each bite satisfying.
• Garden salad: A crisp garden salad provides a fresh, light contrast that balances out the richness of the chili, rounding out your meal beautifully.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Texas Roadhouse Chili with these delightful garnishes and sides, perfect for any cozy gathering or family dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It stores well, making it easy to enjoy delicious homemade chili throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label and date your container to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Remember to label with the date and contents!

Reheating

• Thaw the chili overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You can also use a microwave; just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this hearty dish!

Can I make this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with textured vegetable protein (TVP) or your favorite plant-based substitute. Adjust seasonings as needed for flavor.

How can I spice up my Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?

If you like more heat, consider adding more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce. You can also increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.

What are some good sides for Texas Roadhouse Chili?

Cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad make excellent complements to this flavorful chili.

Can I adjust the thickness of my Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?

Yes! For thicker chili, add more masa harina or let it simmer longer. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little water or broth while cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe! It’s not only satisfying but also brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this chili is bound to be a hit. Enjoy every bite and feel free to experiment with toppings! Happy cooking!