Introduction

This Texas Roadhouse Chili recipe delivers a hearty and flavorful bowl of comfort. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices, it’s perfect for warming up on chilly days or sharing with friends at game day gatherings.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick chili made of ground meat and dark red kidney beans, showing a rich, chunky texture and reddish-brown color. On top, there is a layer of shredded yellow cheese scattered unevenly, followed by a dollop of smooth, bright white sour cream in the center. Small pieces of purple-red chopped onions and green chopped scallions are sprinkled on top, adding contrast and freshness. A spoon rests inside the bowl, and a white marbled surface is in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow or white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½ pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef broth
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
Cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
Tortilla chips (for serving)
Red onions, finely chopped (for topping)
Green onions, thinly chopped (for topping)
Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a medium Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and diced onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes or until fully browned.
Step 3: Stir in the brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, mixing the spices thoroughly with the beef.
Step 4: Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the black beans and red kidney beans. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Bring the chili to a low simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Serve the chili hot with toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, finely chopped red and green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when adding the spices.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a small amount of masa harina or cornbread mix while simmering.
Try adding diced green chilies or a splash of beer for added depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a thick layer of chili, showing a rich brown color with visible ground meat and beans. On top, there is a dollop of white sour cream, sprinkled with finely chopped green onions and small pieces of red onion. A small amount of shredded yellow cheese is also visible peeking through the chili near the edges. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a white spoon next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or add extra beans and vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to maintain heartiness.

How spicy is this chili?

This recipe has a mild to medium heat level, but you can adjust the spiciness by adding cayenne pepper or other hot spices according to your preference.