Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe: Ultimate Epic Easy 5.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is weeknight comfort for me. When the calendar fills up, I crave something deeply comforting and restaurant-worthy. As a chef who loves bold, approachable flavors, I designed this recipe. It delivers smoky, hearty goodness in about 35 minutes with one-pot ease. You’ll find a meat-and-beans chili easy to customize for spice. Plus make-ahead tips, kid-friendly tweaks, and practical serving ideas for busy days. This guide walks you through ingredients, step-by-step make, substitutions, and pro tips. All to keep weeknights delicious without the stress.

Table of Contents

what make this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe special

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is my quick savior on busy nights. I reach for it when the calendar fills up and hunger hits hard. It delivers smoky comfort without the restaurant hassle.

This recipe mirrors Texas Roadhouse warmth with a cozy, home-kitchen vibe that still feels special. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients and a one-pot flow that keeps cleanup light. It’s family-friendly, forgiving for picky eaters, and scales to feed a crowd or leftovers for easy lunches.

What makes the flavor profile work

The base is smoky beef and tender beans that fill every bite. Chili powder, cumin, and paprika build depth, while oregano and optional cayenne add balance. Tomatoes and broth bind everything into a glossy, hearty sauce.

You don’t need exotic ingredients to capture that Roadhouse glow. Just brown, bloom spices, and simmer patiently. That simplicity makes it doable for busy households and weeknight cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Comfort food win

Benefits and audience connection

This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is my weeknight lifesaver. It deliver quick, one-pot dinner with a smoky, comforting hug in under 40 minutes. It’s hearty enough for guests, yet forgiving for picky eaters, a trusted staple in my kitchen.

For heat, it’s easily adjustable: start mild for kids, then stir in a pinch of cayenne or jalapeños for grown-ups. The chili’s flavor deepens as it rests, so a quick make-ahead taste improves by morning.

Ingredients Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

These are the exact ingredients I keep on hand for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe. Each component is chosen for depth and ease, helping weeknights stay calm and delicious. If you’re printing, you’ll find the printable quantities at the bottom.

Ingredient overview

  • Ground beef – 1 lb (80/20) for rich flavor and juicy texture.
  • Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped.
  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced.
  • Kidney beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed.
  • Pinto beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed.
  • Diced tomatoes with juice – 1 can (15 oz).
  • Tomato sauce – 1 small can (8 oz).
  • Chili powder – 2 tablespoons.
  • Ground cumin – 1 tablespoon.
  • Paprika – 1 teaspoon.
  • Oregano – 1/2 teaspoon, optional.
  • Cayenne pepper – 1/4 teaspoon, optional.
  • Salt – to taste.
  • Black pepper – to taste.
  • Beef broth – 1 cup (or water).
  • Olive oil – 1 to 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
  • Optional toppings – shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, jalapeño slices – for serving flair.

Exact quantities note

Quantities are listed below in the printable section and can be printed for convenience.

How to Make Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté aromatics for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the beef for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and cook until browned and crumbled, about 7 minutes.

Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Bloom spices in Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne (optional), salt, and pepper.

Cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.

Step 4: Add tomatoes and beans to Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Stir in diced tomatoes with juice and tomato sauce, then add beef broth.

Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits for flavor.

Step 5: Simmer and finish Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Add kidney beans and pinto beans; reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasonings; thin with more broth or water if needed.

Serve hot with preferred toppings.

Close-up of chunky chili with beef, beans, and tomatoes.
Bold & hearty

Tips for Success

Quick tips

  • I use a good browning technique for depth in Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe. Let the meat develop a rich, caramelized crust instead of crowding the pan.
  • I bloom spices briefly to unlock aroma. Toast them in the hot oil for a minute to release flavor. For extra heat, offer cayenne on the side.
  • I taste and adjust salt at the end. Broth thickness can be controlled by timing; simmer longer to reduce. Add more broth or water if needed to reach your preferred consistency.

Equipment Needed

Essential tools

  • Large pot or Dutch oven is ideal; a heavy-bottomed pan gives heat and depth.
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula helps stir without scratching nonstick surfaces; handy.
  • Can opener, measuring spoons, and a sturdy ladle round out basics.
  • Optional: kitchen thermometer and a timer keep temps and timing honest and reliable.

Variations

Flavor and dietary variations

  • Make it spicier with extra cayenne or jalapeños.
  • Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serving ideas

  • Top with cheddar and sour cream; finish with green onions for color and the Copycat Texas Roadhouse glow.
  • Serve with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for scooping, extra crunch, and texture.
  • Pair with a simple green salad or cilantro-limed rice for a fuller meal for the whole family.

Quick Weeknight Pairings and Add-Ins for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Chili served with cornbread and sour cream on the side.
Cozy dinner vibes

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe shines with smart pairings that balance richness. I reach for cornbread and a bright salad to keep the meal light. These pairings ease weeknights and please guests alike.

Chili benefits from resting; flavors mellow together. This guide helps you plan make-ahead meals without losing flavor. With simple steps, you can prep the Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe once and serve with confidence.

  • Pair with warm cornbread, jalapeño slices, and a crisp green salad to balance richness.
  • Chili improves after resting; refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

FAQs

What meat is in Texas Roadhouse chili?

Primarily ground beef; this recipe mirrors that with accessible ingredients.

Why is Texas Roadhouse chili so good

Deep flavor comes from browning meat, blooming spices, and a balanced tomato-bean base.

Can I freeze Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe?

Yes; cool, portion, and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.

How can I adjust heat levels?

Increase or reduce cayenne and/or add fresh jalapeños to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe fits a busy lifestyle because it shines with one-pot prep, quick browning, and a forgiving simmer. I reach for it when the calendar is chaotic but hunger is loud. The payoff is weeknight comfort that tastes like a restaurant without the fuss.

I urge you to make it your own: adjust heat, swap beans, or add vegetables. Save notes in your phone or a cooking notebook, print the printable quantities, and share your variations with friends. When you cook with family, you collect memories as much as leftovers, and that’s what makes this chili worth repeating.

Print
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Bowl of Texas Roadhouse copycat chili topped with shredded cheese and green onions.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe: Ultimate Epic Easy 5.


  • Author: cookbycook
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe: A hearty, smoky chili inspired by the signature Texas Roadhouse flavor, featuring ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano (optional)
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • Olive oil, for sautéing
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef. Cook until browned and fully crumbled, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
  5. Add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add kidney beans and pinto beans. Stir, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings. If chili is too thick, add a splash more broth or water.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • You can adjust heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
  • Make ahead: chili flavors improve after resting; refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Make it gluten free by using gluten-free beef broth if needed.
  • Leftovers reheat well on the stove or in the microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe, Texas Roadhouse chili, beef chili, easy chili, game day chili

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