Texas Roadhouse is an American chain restaurant famous for its Southwestern cuisine. Popular menu items include steak, ribs and the infamous Texas Roadhouse Chili. Known for its spicy, smoky flavor, this copycat Texas red chili recipe is a two-meat treat for those who want a warm bowl of hearty comfort.
This copycat recipe is the closest you can get to the real thing. Make this meaty, spicy chili in your own kitchen and give Texas Roadhouse a run for their money!
Key Ingredients & Substitutes
- Ground Beef: Use high-quality ground beef chuck for this recipe. We prefer ground chuck that has 20% fat, so it cooks up juicy and rich.
- Pork Sausage: Premium pork sausage adds another dimension of meaty flavor to your chili. We recommend Mexican chorizo, a well-seasoned ground pork sausage.
- Olive Oil: Regular oil works well for this recipe. You may substitute with canola oil or another neutral oil.
- Onion: This classic aromatic is a must for any chili. Yellow or white onions will do the trick.
- Bell Pepper: I used red bell pepper for the bright color, but you can use green or yellow bell peppers.
- Seasonings: It’s the amazing mix of seasonings that gives Texas Roadhouse Chili its famous flavor. For a well-seasoned, spicy and smoky chili, we use garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, tomato paste, sugar and dried oregano.
- Beef Broth: For an even more meaty flavor, add some beef broth to the mix. This savory liquid also helps to make sure your chili is just the right consistency.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
1. Add oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the onion, and cook for 3 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef and sausage pieces to the pot. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the ground beef is browned.
3. In a large soup pot, add bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Then add meat mixture.
4. Add all the seasoning ingredients, and stir until well combined.
5. Add the beef broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
6. Then reduce the heat to medium-low to simmer the chili, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chill rest for about 5 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Best Chili Recipe
- Use high-quality ground beef chuck which is juicy and flavorful.
- If you’d prefer a less greasy chili, drain off any fat that accumulates after cooking the meat.
- This recipe is fairly spicy, and you can reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne powder for less spicy chili.
- To thicken the chili fast, mix in the cornstarch slurry, and stir constantly until it thickens.
- Authentic Texas Roadhouse chili doesn’t have beans, but you can add some canned kidney beans if you prefer.
How to Thicken Texas Roadhouse Chili?
To thicken chili naturally, I usually simmer it on the stove uncovered. This allows chili to thicken without having to add any flour. If you want to thicken it faster, simply add a little bit of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water). Mix with your chili to get a thick
What’s the Difference Between Texas Chili and Regular Chili?
Many Texans believe that their chili is the original and the best. That’s because Texas Roadhouse Chili is made without tomatoes or beans, as with regular chili. Texans believe that chili should be meat and spices and not much else!
What Can You Top Texas Red Chili With?
Texas chili is delicious on its own, but toppings take this dish to the next level. Classic toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, avocados or diced tomatoes all complement this meaty dish. Many enjoy carbs such as crackers or tortilla chips atop their chili.
Can I Make Texas Roadhouse Chili in a Slow Cooker?
Slow cooking is a convenient method of making Texas Roadhouse Chili. Just be sure to thoroughly cook your meats before adding them to the slow cooker. Toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker and stir well. Pop the lid on, then cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
What Can You Serve Chili with For Dinner?
Chili is a meaty dish that goes well with many sides. From baked potatoes to cornbread to sweet potato fries, you’ll love combining your favorite carbs with your Texas Roadhouse Chili. How about some gooey grilled cheese sandwiches or a creamy coleslaw? We’ve got you covered with this list of 15 best side dishes for chili.
Can I Freeze This Chili Dish?
Chili lasts a few days in the fridge, but its shelf life can be extended by freezing. Ensure your chili has cooled to room temperature and be sure to use airtight, freezer-safe containers. Heavy-duty freezer bags are perfect here. Chili will keep well in the freezer for up to six months, making it an ideal dish for long term meal prep.
If You Like This Recipe Try These Out
If you tried this recipe, let me know how your Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili turns out in the comments below!
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef chuck
- 1 large pork sausage (such as Mexican Chorizo)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 bell pepper (diced)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, if you’d like to add more heat to your chili)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by slicing pork sausage into ½-inch pieces, and diced onions and bell peppers.
- Add 1 teaspoon oil to a large skillet or soup pot over medium-high heat. Then add the onion, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef, break the meat into smaller pieces, and add pork sausage to the pot. Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the meat is browned. Drain off any fat that accumulates.
- In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, add 1 teaspoon oil and diced bell peppers, then cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the meat mixture to the pot.
- Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin, tomato paste, sugar and dried oregano. Stir until well combined.
- Add the beef broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Then reduce the heat to low (or medium-low) to simmer the chili, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Taste and add more salt and optional hot sauce if preferred.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Let the chill rest for about 5 minutes. Serve with optional toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality ground beef chuck which is juicy and flavorful.
- This recipe is fairly spicy, and you can reduce the amount of chili powder and cayenne powder for less spicy chili.
- To thicken the chili fast, mix in the cornstarch slurry, and stir constantly until it thickens.
Nutrition
Megan says
This is Delicious!
Izzy says
Thanks Megan. Glad you like it.