Irresistible Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Oh honey, let me tell you about this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe. It is hearty, cozy, and packed with bold flavor, just like the kind of chili you want when the weather turns chilly and your family is hungry for something that sticks to their ribs.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

I have been perfecting this version for years after more than a few “research trips” to the restaurant. The magic comes from a rich beef broth base, tomato paste, smoky paprika, chili powder, cayenne, and tender ground beef simmered until everything tastes deep, warm, and comforting.

This chili has just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the bowl. Add your favorite toppings, grab a piece of cornbread, and you have a restaurant-style comfort meal right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make on the stovetop.

The rich beef broth, tomato paste, spices, ground beef, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeño come together into a thick, cozy chili with just the right kick.

It is simple enough for weeknights, comforting enough for cold nights, and perfect for topping with shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, or jalapeños.

Ingredients for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

To make this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe, you will need:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 can diced tomatoes, 15 ounces, undrained

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped red onion
• Sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Cornbread or crackers, for serving

The beef broth and tomato paste create a rich base, while the chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne bring the warm, smoky flavor. The flour helps thicken the chili so it has that hearty, spoon-coating texture.

How to Make Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Broth and Spices

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.

Mix until the tomato paste is fully blended into the broth. Set this mixture aside while you brown the beef.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Vegetables

Heat a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains.

Add the chopped onion, jalapeño, and minced garlic. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the onion softens and the garlic smells fragrant.

Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Thicken the Chili

Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and stir well.

Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps remove the raw flour taste and gives the chili a thick, velvety texture.

Slowly pour in the broth and spice mixture while stirring. Add it gradually so the flour blends smoothly into the liquid without clumping.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes.

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The chili is ready when it thickens, the flavors deepen, and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings.

Shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped red onion, and sliced jalapeños are all delicious choices. Serve warm with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips.

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Tips for the Best Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili

Use fresh spices if you can. Old chili powder and paprika lose their flavor over time.

Brown the beef well before adding the liquid. Those browned bits add deep flavor to the chili.

Do not skip the flour step. It helps give the chili a thick, hearty texture.

Adjust the heat to your taste. For a milder chili, reduce or skip the cayenne and jalapeño. For more heat, add extra cayenne, hot sauce, or leave some jalapeño seeds in.

Let the chili simmer for the full 30 minutes. That is when the flavors come together and the sauce thickens beautifully.

Taste before serving and adjust the salt or spice if needed.

Serving Suggestions for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili

This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe is delicious loaded with toppings.

Serve it with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro.

Cornbread is a perfect side because it soaks up every bit of that rich chili. Crackers, tortilla chips, or warm dinner rolls also work well.

For a bigger meal, serve the chili with a crisp green salad or baked potatoes.

You can also turn leftovers into chili dogs, chili cheese fries, nachos, or chili-topped baked potatoes.

Storing and Reheating Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili

Let leftover chili cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze the chili in individual portions for up to 3 months.

To reheat on the stove, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water.

To reheat in the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

The chili may thicken as it sits, so add a little broth if needed.

Nutritional Information for Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients, brands, toppings, and serving size used.

One bowl, about 1 1/2 cups, has approximately:

• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Toppings like cheese, sour cream, crackers, or cornbread will change the final nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili

Can I make this chili milder?

Yes. Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and jalapeño. You can also remove all the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño for a gentler heat.

Can I make this chili gluten-free?

Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also use cornstarch mixed with cold water, but add it near the end of cooking instead of sprinkling it over the beef.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes. Ground turkey works well, especially 85% lean turkey. Since turkey is milder than beef, you may want to add a little extra chili powder, cumin, or paprika for more flavor.

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef, onion, jalapeño, and garlic first. Stir in the flour, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth mixture and tomatoes. Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.

What is the best cheese for topping?

Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend also work beautifully.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely. Chili often tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to blend. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

Share Your Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Experience

Did this Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe become a family favorite at your table?

I would love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment with your favorite toppings, spice level, or serving idea.

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