On cool evenings, when the air is a bit crisp and friends or family come over for dinner, I love serving this Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe. It’s thick, smoky, and hearty, just like the restaurant favorite, but made right in your own kitchen with love and a little Texas hospitality.
Whether you’re hosting game night, a casual potluck, or a cozy family dinner, this chili is my go-to crowd-pleaser. The savory spices, a touch of sweetness, and a gentle kick of heat make every spoonful rich and satisfying. And when you top it with cheddar cheese and diced onions! Mercy, y’all, it tastes like comfort in a bowl.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe 🌶️
I’m always looking for meals that are both simple to make and perfect for sharing. This copycat Texas Roadhouse chili recipe checks every box. It’s hearty enough to serve as a main dish, easy to double for a crowd, and it freezes beautifully for busy nights. Most of all, it’s a stress-free way to serve something everyone will love, whether you add beans or keep it Texas-style without.
This was absolutely delicious. My new favorite chili recipe. I will be making for any future chili events. —Amelia
This turned out really great. I say the more beans, the better. —Katie
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground beef: I like an 80/20 blend for flavor. You can swap with ground turkey, chicken, or even cubed chuck roast.
- Onion & garlic: Yellow or white onions work, and always go for fresh garlic if you can.
- Jalapeños: Adjust the heat to your liking. Serranos bring more spice, or use bell peppers for a milder version.
- Seasonings: Cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Tomatoes: Use canned crushed tomatoes for consistent flavor. Fire-roasted are wonderful if you want a smoky note.
- Kidney beans (optional): Texas chili is traditionally bean-free, but Texas Roadhouse often serves theirs with beans. Pinto or black beans also work.
- Beef broth: Or water with a bouillon cube.
- Masa harina: The secret ingredient that thickens the chili and adds a subtle corn flavor. Cornmeal can work in a pinch.
Toppings: Cheddar cheese, diced onions, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, tortilla chips, or cornbread on the side.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
Cook Ground Beef
In a Dutch oven or large pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Sauté aromatics and Add Seasonings
Stir in onion, garlic, and jalapeños. Cook until softened and fragrant. Add the seasonings and brown suger.
Add Tomatoes and Beans Then Simmer
Stir the spices for a minute to ensure the meat is well coated. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beans (if using), vinegar, and broth. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
Thicken with Masa Harina
Mix masa harina with broth or water until smooth. Stir it in and simmer another 10 minutes until the chili thickens to a stew-like consistency.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-free: Masa harina is naturally gluten-free. Just check your spices for hidden additives.
- Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free shreds; or top with avocado instead.
- Vegetarian: Swap the beef for chopped mushrooms, soy crumbles, or simply add more beans and veggies.
Flavor Enhancements
- Fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smokiness.
- Add a 1/2 cup of beer or 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder for depth.
Add-In Options
I love giving guests choices. Try corn, sweet potatoes, extra beans, or even crumbled sausage. For hosting, think about chili as a base; the fun comes in the toppings and add-ins.
Simple Substitutions
- Pinto, navy, or black beans instead of kidney.
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- White vinegar can be swapped with apple cider vinegar.
Tips for Recipe Success
- Don’t rush the simmer. The flavors get better as they meld.
- Chili is even better the next day, perfect for make-ahead hosting.
- If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered a little longer. Too thick? Add a 1/4 cup of beef broth or more to get the desired consistency.
Chili FAQs
Does Texas Roadhouse chili have beans?
The restaurant serves its chili with beans in most areas of the country. With this in mind, the restaurant was not originated in Texas. Its founder, W. Kent Taylor, started the restaurant in Clarksville, IN. Texas is in the restaurant’s name, but the menu was created for a broad clientele. If you have bean haters in your family, then be sure to try my Thick and Hearty No Bean Chili Recipe.
The restaurant serves it with shredded cheddar cheese and diced red onions. At home, I also love adding jalapeños, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
Absolutely. For slow cooker, brown the beef and aromatics first, then add everything to the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours. In the Instant Pot, use the sauté setting for beef and onions, then cook under high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural release.
You can mash some of the beans and stir them back in, let the chili simmer uncovered to reduce, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water. You could also crumble some tortilla chips in.
Hospitality in Action: Chili Cook-Off Challenge
This week, turn your chili night into a fun chili bar, or even better, a contest. First read through How To Set Up A Chili Bar gathering, using the Texas Roadhouse Chili recipe as your gold standard! Invite a few friends or family members to each bring their best homemade chili to the table. As the host, prepare a big pot of Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili and let it anchor the chili bar. Set up a simple voting station with spoons, scorecards, and light-hearted categories like “Most Creative,” “Spiciest,” or “Best Classic Flavor.” Then let everyone taste, vote, and enjoy building their ultimate chili bowls with toppings galore. Through this playful competition, you’ll create space for laughter, storytelling, and meaningful conversation, reminding everyone that biblical hospitality isn’t about impressing but blessing one another with warmth, presence, and good food shared in love.
More Chili’s For Your Chili Bar
Make Your Own Texas Roadhouse Copycat Dinner
- Baked Potato: Let me teach you how to make the perfect baked potato! These potatoes have a creamy center and very crisp, salty skin on the outside.
- Roadhouse serves applesauce as a side on its menu. I share with you how to make Homemade Applesauce In An Instant Pot. No sugar and ready in less than 20 minutes.
- Creamy Thick Mashed Potatoes: This recipe has no daily, yet they are super creamy, so nobody will know.
- Smothered Chicken Texas Roadhouse copycat.
- Texas Roadhouse Herb Crusted Chicken copycat ( my personal favorite)
This hearty Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is perfect for game day, Sunday dinners, or whenever you want a comforting bowl of restaurant-style chili at home.If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Best Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef, 80/20 or beef chuck, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup onion, diced (yellow or white)
- 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, diced
- 2 tablespoons jalapeños, finely diced (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons mild chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, canned
- 14 ounces kidney beans, canned, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ¾ cup beef broth, or ¾ cup water + 1 beef bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons masa harina, corn tortilla flour
Instructions
Cook the Meat
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon.2 pounds ground beef
- Once fully browned, turn off the heat and drain excess fat. Use a spoon or paper towels to remove any remaining grease.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Return the beef to medium heat. Stir in diced onions, garlic, and jalapeños.1 cup onion, 2 tablespoons fresh garlic, 2 tablespoons jalapeños
- Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add Spices
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and brown sugar.2 teaspoons cumin powder, 2 teaspoons mild chili powder, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
Simmer the Chili
- Add crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, and white vinegar. Stir well.28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 14 ounces kidney beans, 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Thicken the Chili
- In a small jar, mix beef broth and masa harina. Shake well until smooth.¾ cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons masa harina
- Stir the mixture into the chili and cook for 10 more minutes until thickened.
Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onions, or your favorite toppings.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Keep chili at room temp for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer bags or containers. Freeze flat for easy storage, up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Uhm, your recipe forgot the chili powder ingredient measurement. Kinda important. Should be 1 tsp
Yep, I sure did, thank you. I corrected the recipe card. :)
I’m sure you mean well and all, but I spent 13 of my years in Texas and I will never add beans to my chili. That’s more on par with those folks from Cincinnati!
I love this comment! My husband is going to judge a chili contest today and we were just saying the true test in the end if he has some that are tied will be if there are no beans, rice, or macaroni. I agree, no beans are best but on the menu, at Roadhouse you can order with beans or without. Oh, and I do love my 5 way Cincinnati chili, best place to put beans.
I have made this recipe two times, and I love it because it’s so close to the recipe my mother used to make chili when I was growing up. A pot of chili fed five hungry kids! Only, we didn’t know what jalapenos were then in a small town in Ohio. LOL. Also she did not use masa to think of hers, but she let it simmer on low on the stove for a long time and we would use saltine crackers in it at the table. When I make it now, I use the masa, but I mix in some water with it to make kind of a paste. Then I pretty much don’t have any lumps. It stirs in much better. Now you have made me hungry for chili even though it’s going to be 95° today.
Pam, I grew up in northern Indiana and never knew about jalapenos until we moved to GA. I also grew up calling green peppers in our garden, mangos. What a surprise when we vacationed in Florida and asked for mangos. I like your tip for the mesa. I will add that to the post. Thank you.
I laughed reading about you mom calling green peppers mangos..I’m from s. Indiana too..my Mom always called them mangos too…first time I went to the Caribbean the ask me if I wanted a mango cooler I thought ” what the heck”!!!! I tried it and discovered I love mangos..lol
You are the first person that has heard them called mangoes except our family! Love it! Thanks for sharing, our quirky Hoosier word.
Yep! Northern Indiana here and my grandma called them mangos. She also called every type of melon “musk melon”
Sarah, your right! My grandma called them musk melons too! Ok, here is a fun question, did she put pepper on her cantaloupe? I grew up doing that not knowing it was weird until I moved to GA. Oh, and maple syrup on my cottage cheese was my favorite way to eat it as a kid. Guess the Hoosier taste pallet is unique …… it’s a dosie!
Your are 1000percent correct Texas Chill never has beans in it. They will be served on the side though
Beans… sigh. Texas Roadhouse is from Kentucky. Beans… in chili… not in Texas. It is known. Putting beans in Texas chili is like putting tofu clumps in haggis… it’s no longer what it was. That said. This chili flavored beefy bean stew looks tasty and I’ll try it.
I love the comments I’m getting about beans! The restaurant menu has beans and no beans so I did do beans in this recipe. But I agree a true Texas chili means no beans. I hope you enjoy the recipe. I would like to hear what you think if some tweaking needs to be done to make it more authentic. :)
Recipe sounds delicious but what kind of vinegar? Wasn’t sure what kind to use in chili. Thanks
Melissa, I used white vinegar. I will go edit the recipe card to say that. Thanks for pointing it out. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
This recipe is fine. People from texas should maybe not choose a recipe from Texas Roadhouse (from Kentucky). I used diced tomatoes and needed a little extra liquid so i used water.
Excellent point Robin! I’m always on the search for a good chili recipe so maybe some of those Texas chili lovers need to send me theirs to try. ;)
This turned out really great. I say the more beans, the better. I added a can of black beans with the kidney beans. Loved this recipe!
Oh, great idea adding the black beans Katie! Thanks for sharing.
So this recipe does not even come close to Texas Roadhouse chili, I am a prep cook there, and information is false, there are no beans in our chili.
Texas Roadhouse puts beans in their chili at the Augusta, GA, location. We can not get it without beans. I am attaching an image of the Texas Roadhouse app page for the Augusta, Georgia location. The recipe ingredients are taken directly from the nutrition and allergy facts sheet.
I just had chili in Texas Roadhouse in State College PA July 28, 2023. It had many kidney beans in it.
I have had Texas Roadhouse Employees tell me they do not have beans in their chili at the restaurant they work in. It seems to be optional in some areas of our country. However, Texas Roadhouse was founded in Clarksville, Indiana not Texas. https://www.texasroadhouse.com/about-us
Dee, I am finding that some states do not put beans in the chili according to employees. However it seems that most restaurants Across America have beans in theirs. It’s funny did you know that the Texas Roadhouse started in Clarksville Indiana not in Texas where they don’t put beans in their chili. https://www.texasroadhouse.com/about-us
Hi! If I’m making this vegan, can I use vegetable broth in place of the beef broth with the masa?
I make it vegan also. This chili is great when I use vegetable broth. I do add a few more kinds of beans. Also, I saute my garlic and onions in a tiny bit of cold pressed avocado oil first.
I just came across this recipe – used chuck instead of gr beef & doubled the chili power (used hot), and put a ton more jalapanos in it. I have asbestos mouth people in my house & it STILL wasn’t hot enough!
I have to laugh at the beans vs no beans…. just because its Texasroad House, doesn’t mean its Texas-style chili…
Renee, Exactly! Texas Roadhouse’s first restaurant was in Indiana. Also, isn’t chuck used in a typical Texas chile? If you like jalapenos, be sure to check out my Cowboy Candy Recipe!
I have made this chili several times. We are in Michigan and it seems that Texas Roadhouse chili has a bit different of a taste. I didn’t like the taste of Italian seasoning in it. So it just put a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon. Somehow it seems like our Roadhouse chili is a bit spicier. But I don’t know what the spice is. Any idea what it might be?
Del, this recipe is the most controversial one on my site. Texans are passionate about not having beans in their chili. However, Texas Road House was started in your neighbor below you, Indiana. (Go IU) Anyway, I have talked to employees across the states that wook at TRH. Some states do not have beans in the chili they serve. Did you see my pinterest pin on the subject within the post? So, I am wondering if they also serve different levels of spiciness. I’m so ready for chili season!
I can’t wait to try this recipe… years ago, my brother was at Bama and when it was cold I made chili. He would come over and eat and take any leftovers back with him… fast forward.. my son was at college and asked if I would cook for his frat brothers.. Sunday my house was the koolaid house.. never knew how many people would come… so I made extra large pots of chili… one pot had beans the other had no beans… 20 young men plus my family… I put leftover chili in plastic containers and they took them home with them… When it was cold it became Chili Sunday and those boys would bring their containers with them… taped “with” or “without “ beans… thank you for the memory
Jan, I live that they brought their own plastic containers! Chili Sunday, that sounds like a great party idea to add to my website! Thanks for sharing.
I bet they loved a hint cooked meal and fellowship in a home, I also bet it’s a fave memory of your son from college too! How special!
Made this 2 days ago, finished it today. It just got better the longer it sat and it was delish on day 1! I followed the recipe except had no masa harina. I’m not exaggerating when I say we love chili. I’m always trying out new recipes to find the ONE. My husband says this is IT! For those people poo-pooing the bean addition…go find a beanless recipe and stop your complaining. I’m from Kentucky and am just fine either way.
You crack me up Lori! I’m so glad y’all like it! There are some passionate people when it comes to beans in chili!
This is on my list for this week!! Thank you so much for all of the tips too:)
Steve S. Detroit
I hope you enjoy the recipe and it becomes a favorite go to chili recipe.
This was absolutely delicious. My new favorite chili recipe. I will be making for any future chili events.
Thank you Amelia! I want to add your review to the top of this post.
At every location I’ve been to in Texas (most frequently San Marcos) they do NOT put beans in their chili, and they don’t use ground beef-they use chunks…Beans?? NOOO!!
At the bottom of the post is a picture of Texas Roadhouse takeout app. They serve with ground beef and beans in Georgia. There is no choice to order without beans. No problem though, leave out the beans and change your cut of meat. Using the spices from their nutrition list will get you a great bowl of chili.
My husband loves Texas Roadhouse chili and has been asking me to recreate it forever. I don’t know what made me decide to use your recipe but we both absolutely loved it! We both got seconds and he said it was even better than Roadhouse! I used regular flour, red wine vinegar, and chicken broth because that’s what I had on hand but it was still amazing! Thanks for posting!
DeAnn, thanks for sharing, I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. Makes my day :)
This is the best copycst recipe of Texas Roadhouse Chili. I have tried others that were good but this one is the best!
Bless you Sandy! Thanks for sharing.
Best recipe! We have been making this every other week since we first made it!
Meg, I’m so glad you are enjoying the chili! Thanks for sharing
You forgot to add beef bullion to ingredients list. So u add bullion to beef broth cause it doesnt say this in steps of recipe. Thanks
Katt, Your are right. I went in and corrected the text under the image step and in the recipe card. The bullion was a substitution idea because someone might not want to open a can of beef broth and not use the whole amount since we only need 3/4 cup. I noted, “You could substitute the beef broth for a beef bullion cube dissolved in 3/4 cup of water” Also, I updated the recipe card to include the measurements of each ingredient in the steps. This makes it easier to follow now. Thank you, I appreciate you telling me. I like it when my readers help make my site better!
Chili.
Americans are quite confused over what chili is. This likely has to do with the midwestern copycat of chili debuting in the US at the Columbian World Exposition in Chicago in 1893. Folks didn’t know how it was red, so they added tomatoes. But chili doesn’t have tomatoes. They also added beans to make it go further not knowing that while often served alongside beans, chili never has beams.
This is a copycat of a copycat that isn’t really chili.
Come to Texas, and not a northern Kentucky chain restaurant and we will fix ya a hot bowl of good on Texas Red.
Delicious and flavorful and very easy to make, thank you so much!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing.
I was searching for a copycat Texas Roadhouse chili recipe because I love that it is a no bean recipe. For some reason, this page and recipe say Texas Roadhouse uses beans in their chili, but they do not.
Pop back and read through the post. I have a picture of the menu on their app that says chili with beans. While it seems most locations have beans I have heard rumors that some locations do not. I would like for others to chime in and share their local menu pictures where it shows no beans. It would be interesting to know which states do not have beans.
I gave this a 2 star until I actually make it………….of course minus the “BEANS”. Not sure what Texas Roadhouse you eat at but the ones in our Dallas/Ft. Worth area do NOT have beans. A true Texas chili never has beans.
That aside I will still try the recipe as we love Texas Roadhouse.
I find it interesting that regions have beans and others don’t. I shared a screen shot in the post from my Georgia Texas Roadhouse app showing beans. Katy, let me know how you like it after you cook it.
This is so right on par with the chili at my local Texas Roadhouse! I’ve replaced the masa harina with cornstarch and the jalapenos with pickled jalapenos with adjusting the vinegar measurement. I’ve also been able to mix it up and put it in a crockpot for ease with no real change in the taste.
Mydeala, what a great idea to use your crock pot! And the cornstarch is a great idea if you don’t have masa. Thanks for sharing. :) oh and YES for the pickled jalapenos, we love them with chili.
Thanks for the crockpot idea. How long and what temperature do you set it at? Thanks again.
Arlene,
o adapt this Texas Roadhouse Chili recipe for your slow cooker:
Brown the ground beef in a skillet first with the onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Transfer everything, including the browned meat, spices, tomatoes, beans (if using), and jalapeños, into the crockpot.
Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the masa harina mixed with a bit of warm water to thicken the chili and add that signature flavor.
Let it simmer uncovered (or with the lid slightly open) until it needs to reduce a bit more. It will be thick, rich, and full of that slow-cooked flavor. Perfect for a cozy night.
Let me know how it turns out!
Texas Roadhouse does not use beans in their chili.
Hey Angie, We have found out that putting beans in Texas Roadhouse’s chili is regional. Check out the post. I share the app screenshot where they they only offer chili with beans in GA. Read through the comments, some areas of the US have them and a few states do not.
This is such a great recipe! It may not be the exact same as Texas Roadhouse but it is still delicious. I make this recipe all the time I love it. Ground beef is not my favorite but this recipe makes me eat it all the time. So amazing!!!
Morgan, I’m so happy to hear you enjoy this. I am not a big beef eater either and I used ground turkey last week when I made this and it was really good.
A very good chili recipe! However, I’ve been going to Texas Roadhouse for 20yrs, and they do not have beans in their chili.
Francesca, Pop back onto the post. I have had this discussion with a lot of people. I shared a picture of my TX Roadhouse app. In Augusta, GA they only serve it with beans. I have discovered it’s a regional thing across the country if there are beans or not.
Hi! I’m getting ready to make this recipe. as I was browsing the instructions I got excited. thank you so much for putting measurements under each step. It is annoying to scroll back up between each step! can’t wait to taste and I look forward to browsing now of your recipes!
I’m glad the measurements under the instructions make it easier. I like it that way so I figured my readers would find it helpful. :)
The recipie looks wonderfuI really want to try this chili for the rest of our family but my 2 daughter-in-laws are vegetarian, would it still taste alright without the beef?
Brenda, Great question, and yes absolutely! The chili will still be delicious without beef, though the flavor and texture shift a bit. To keep it hearty, you can swap in diced mushrooms,extra beans such as pinto or even cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Also saute the mushrooms with the onion, garlic, and jalapeños in olive oil. Then add the seasonings and brown sugar and continue with the recipe as written.
Thank you so much, tried this as you suggested and everyone loved this chili, even the guys didn’t miss the beef.
Brenda, Thanks for your review! I’ve been waiting for GA to get some cold weather so I can start chili season. Leftovers are my favorite.