Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat | The Best Chili Recipe Ever

Few dishes say comfort food like a big bowl of chili, and Texas Roadhouse Chili has become a fan favorite for good reason. It’s bold, hearty, and full of flavor—perfect for game nights, family dinners, or cozy evenings at home. The best part is that you can easily recreate it in your own kitchen, with or without beans, depending on your preference.

This recipe layers flavors beautifully: browned beef, simmered spices, tomatoes, and optional beans for extra heartiness. It’s simple to make yet tastes like you’ve spent hours perfecting it. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with cheese, or paired with warm cornbread, this chili will quickly become a go-to meal.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

This copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili has everything you want in a home recipe:

• Customizable – Make it with or without beans.
• Rich in flavor – A perfect blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion.
• Crowd-pleasing – Great for parties, potlucks, and family meals.
• Budget-friendly – Simple pantry staples turn into a big, filling pot.
• Balanced comfort food – Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.

It’s an easy, one-pot recipe that feels like comfort food done right. After one bite, you’ll see why this chili has a loyal following.

What You’ll Need

To make Texas Roadhouse Chili at home, you’ll need simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients. Everything is easy to find at your local grocery store:

• 2 lbs ground beef (or chuck for richer flavor)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained (optional)
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, or tortilla chips.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

1. Brown the beef – Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 lbs ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add aromatics – Stir in 1 diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and both diced bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Season – Sprinkle in 3 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp cumin, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper. Stir and let spices bloom for 1–2 minutes.
4. Build the base – Add 2 cans diced tomatoes, 1 can tomato sauce, and 2 cups beef broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer – Reduce heat to low, cover, and let chili cook for at least 45 minutes (longer for richer flavor). Stir occasionally.
6. Add beans (optional) – Stir in 2 cans drained kidney beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
7. Serve – Spoon into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, or your favorite garnishes.

This process gives you a hearty, flavorful chili that tastes just like Texas Roadhouse but made fresh at home.

You Must Know

A few things make this chili turn out just right:

• Simmer time matters – Letting it cook low and slow deepens the flavor.
• Spice control – Start mild, then adjust heat with cayenne or jalapeños.
• Texture is flexible – Add broth for thinner chili or simmer uncovered to thicken.
• Toppings change everything – Cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips make it even better.

Keep these basics in mind, and your chili will always be a winner.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

The secret to Texas Roadhouse-style chili is all in the method:

• Brown beef well for rich flavor.
• Bloom spices in oil before adding liquids.
• Simmer patiently, stirring occasionally.
• Taste before serving and adjust seasoning.

These small steps make the difference between “good” chili and “restaurant-quality” chili.

Add Your Touch Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

One of the best things about chili is how customizable it is. Try these ideas to make it your own:

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Add roasted corn, zucchini, or extra peppers for more veggies.
• Use black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans.
• Top with avocado, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for freshness.

This recipe is your base—feel free to adjust flavors, textures, and toppings to suit your family’s taste.

Storing & Reheating

Tasty and healthy meal ideas here

Chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers:

• Store – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat – Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.

Meal-prep friendly, freezer-friendly, and just as delicious reheated—this chili works hard for you all week long.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Pair with these easy side dishes

A few pro tricks make your chili stand out:

• Use fresh garlic and onion for the best flavor—powder works in a pinch but fresh makes a difference.
• Don’t skip the simmer. Even 30 extra minutes will give you a deeper, richer chili.
• Adjust heat at the end so you don’t over-spice early.
• Serve with sides like cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips to round out the meal.

These small details turn simple chili into something unforgettable.

FAQ for Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes—brown beef and veggies first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Check out hearty one-pot meals

Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap beef for lentils, beans, or plant-based crumbles.

How do I make it less spicy?
Cut back on cayenne and chili powder, then serve with cooling toppings like sour cream.

What beans work best?
Kidney, black, or pinto beans all work well—use your favorite.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Chili freezes and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

Conclusion

Texas Roadhouse Chili is more than just a bowl of comfort—it’s a dish that brings people together. With simple ingredients, flexible options (beans or no beans), and easy steps, you can make this hearty classic right at home. The secret lies in slow simmering, layering spices, and adding your own personal touches.

Whether you’re serving it for family dinner, game day, or meal prep, this chili delivers bold flavor and satisfying warmth every time. Don’t forget the toppings—cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or cornbread on the side make it even better.

Try it once, and you’ll see why this copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili is worth keeping in your recipe rotation. Cozy, customizable, and downright delicious—it’s the kind of dish that feels like home in every bite.