If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is a true favorite in our home. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavors that dance on your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just need something comforting for a busy weeknight, this chili will not disappoint.

What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of spices and textures. The combination of juicy ground chuck with kidney beans creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare: With just one pot required, cleanup is a breeze!
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the robust flavors and hearty ingredients.
Make-ahead convenience: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Customizable toppings: Dress it up however you like with sour cream, cheese, or avocado slices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are. You can find them all at your local grocery store! Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe:

For the Chili

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)

Optional Toppings

These are fun ways to personalize your chili:
* Sour cream
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Tortilla chips
* Avocado slices

Variations

The beauty of this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste preferences.

Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add more veggies: Bell peppers or corn can add extra color and nutrition.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms for a delicious veggie version.
Spice it up: Add more jalapenos or hot sauce if you like your chili with a kick!

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Warm the oil in a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes until soft. This step is crucial because sautéing releases their natural sweetness. Then toss in the garlic along with the ground chuck. Cook until browned, breaking apart the meat as it cooks.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Once your meat is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in all those wonderful spices: Italian seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, vinegar, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black pepper, salt, jalapenos, and red pepper flakes. Mixing them well allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

Allow everything to simmer for about 10 minutes. After that time has passed, add in the masa harina to thicken up your chili nicely. Cook for another 10 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness—trust me; patience pays off here!

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Now comes the best part! Serve your hearty chili hot and let everyone customize their bowls with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and avocado slices. Enjoy every bite of this warm comfort food!

Pro Tips for Making Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Making a delicious Texas Roadhouse Chili is all about the little details that elevate your dish. Here are some pro tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time!

Choose Quality Meat: Using fresh ground chuck or beef chuck will enhance the flavor and texture of your chili. The marbling in these cuts helps keep the meat tender and juicy during cooking.
Don’t Rush the Cook: Take your time when cooking the onion and garlic. Sautéing them until they’re soft and fragrant builds a solid flavor base for your chili.
Balance Your Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking! If you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes. Tasting as you go helps you create a personalized flavor profile.
Let It Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer for at least 20 minutes lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. If you have time, let it sit longer; it tastes even better the next day!
Experiment with Toppings: Toppings can transform a bowl of chili into something special. Don’t hesitate to mix and match garnishes based on what you enjoy or have on hand.

How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Serving Texas Roadhouse Chili is just as fun as making it! With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish can be enjoyed in several ways to impress family and friends.

Garnishes

Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess that balances the spiciness of the chili.
Shredded cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for a melty, flavorful addition.
Chopped green onions: Fresh green onions provide a nice crunch and bright flavor to contrast with the warmth of the chili.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: This classic pairing complements chili perfectly! Its sweetness contrasts nicely with the spiciness of the dish, providing a delightful balance.
Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are great for dipping into your chili or sprinkling on top for added texture.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a crisp element that cuts through the heartiness of the chili, making each bite satisfying.
Rice or Quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa makes for a filling meal while also soaking up all those delicious flavors in every spoonful!

Enjoy serving your Texas Roadhouse Chili with these ideas, and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is perfect for meal prep! It not only tastes better the next day as the flavors meld, but it also makes for a hearty dish that’s easy to store and reheat.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Label your container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

Portion out the chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
Ensure there’s some space at the top of the containers or bags, as liquids expand when frozen.
Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

For stovetop reheating, place the chili in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
For microwave reheating, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each interval until warmed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you!

How can I make Texas Roadhouse Chili spicier?

If you like more heat in your Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe, consider adding extra diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking. You can also increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may require slightly less cooking time.

What side dishes pair well with Texas Roadhouse Chili?

Some fantastic side dishes include cornbread, tortilla chips, or a fresh garden salad. These will complement the hearty flavors of your Texas Roadhouse Chili beautifully!

Final Thoughts

This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is not just a delicious meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I hope you enjoy making this hearty dish as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or any tweaks you make along the way—happy cooking!