The BEST Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (With or Without Beans)

If you’re craving a bowl of bold, comforting chili that tastes just like the one at Texas Roadhouse, you’re in the right place. This is The BEST Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (With or Without Beans) — a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for chilly nights, game days, or an easy weeknight dinner.

Whether you go classic with beans or true Texas-style without, this copycat recipe brings restaurant-quality chili right to your kitchen. It’s deeply satisfying and made with pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime the craving strikes.

Why This Chili Recipe is a Family Favorite

This chili delivers rich, meaty flavor using everyday ingredients and pantry spices. It’s versatile, easy to make, and customizable based on your spice tolerance or dietary needs.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a freezer-friendly meal, this one-pot dish is a go-to. Plus, it’s a true crowd-pleaser — hearty, filling, and loaded with depth.

You can simmer it stovetop, throw it in the slow cooker, or pressure cook it in your Instant Pot. It’s comfort food with flexibility.

What You’ll Need for This Chili

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté onions and garlic, building a flavorful base
• Yellow or White Onion: Adds savory-sweet flavor as it cooks
• Fresh Garlic: Delivers bold aroma and depth
• Ground Beef: The hearty base that makes this chili so satisfying
• Brown Sugar: Balances the spice and acidity with a subtle sweetness
• Chili Powder: The key spice that brings heat and smokiness
• Onion Powder: Boosts flavor with a sweet-savory note
• Garlic Powder: Adds a second layer of garlic flavor
• Ground Cumin: Lends warm, earthy complexity
• Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and sharpness
• Cayenne Pepper (optional): Perfect if you like a spicy chili
• Beef Broth: Adds depth, richness, and umami
• Crushed Tomatoes: Give the chili body and acidity
• Tomato Sauce: Adds smoothness and a touch of sweetness
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens the chili
• Black Beans (optional): Add bulk and creamy texture
• Red Kidney Beans (optional): Classic chili bean for heartiness

Ingredient Swaps for Every Pantry

• Ground Turkey: For a leaner chili with less fat
• Chuck Roast or Stew Meat: Use small cubes and cook longer for a rustic texture
• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based crumbles and veggie broth
• Tomato Substitutes: Use tomato soup if you’re out of sauce and paste
• Red Pepper Flakes: Use in place of cayenne for adjustable heat

Making The BEST Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (With or Without Beans) without beans? Simply skip the black and kidney beans — no other changes needed.

How to Make This Chili Step by Step

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and stir for 1 more minute.
2. Brown the Beef
   Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes until no longer pink. Use a spoon to break it into small crumbles.
3. Add Spices
   Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
4. Add Liquid and Tomatoes
   Pour in beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir until well combined.
5. Add Beans (Optional)
   Add drained black beans and red kidney beans, or skip them for a no-bean version.
6. Simmer
   Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Stir occasionally. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
7. Serve with Toppings
   Spoon chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar, red onion, green onions, sour cream, or tortilla chips.

Tips for the BEST Texas Roadhouse Chili Experience

• Simmer longer for thicker, richer chili
• Add a tablespoon of masa harina to thicken
• For deeper flavor, make a day ahead — it improves overnight
• Use freshly ground spices for boldest taste
• This chili freezes beautifully in family-size or single portions

Whether you make it with beans or without, The BEST Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (With or Without Beans) is designed to be foolproof and delicious every time.

Delicious Serving Ideas and Variations

• Chili Baked Potatoes: Spoon chili over baked potatoes mashed with butter
• Chili Mac: Stir into mac and cheese, then top with cheddar
• Cornbread: The classic side that never fails with chili
• Tex-Mex Toppings: Add avocado, jalapeños, cotija cheese, or pickled onions
• Southwest Salad: Serve with romaine, corn, black beans, and creamy cilantro dressing

Want more variety? Try adding 1 cup of frozen corn for sweetness or 1 can of Rotel tomatoes for added zest.

When to Make Chili (Hint: All Year Long)

This dish is perfect during fall and winter, but don’t stop there. It’s ideal for potlucks, cookouts, and even summer BBQs. Because the flavors only get better over time, it’s a smart make-ahead meal.

Make a double batch and freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners.

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Wrapping It All Up: Why This Chili Recipe Belongs in Your Regular Rotation

Whether you choose to make it hearty with beans or go full Texas-style and skip them, The BEST Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (With or Without Beans) is an absolute crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, deeply savory, easy to make, and customizable to every taste and dietary need.

This copycat recipe hits all the right notes — balanced spice, perfect texture, and a satisfying meatiness that rivals the real thing. Serve it on a weeknight, game day, or as part of a family feast, and enjoy chili that’s just as memorable as the original Texas Roadhouse version.

Make it once, and you’ll see why it becomes a staple in so many households. Don’t forget the toppings!

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Roadhouse Chili

1. Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes! This chili is actually better the next day. The flavors deepen and meld overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

2. How can I make this chili in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

For the slow cooker, brown the onion, garlic, and beef first. Then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

For the Instant Pot, use the sauté setting to brown the meat, onion, and garlic. Add the rest of the ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Use natural release for best texture.

3. What if I don’t want to use beans? Will the flavor change?

Not at all. The BEST Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe (With or Without Beans) is designed to be just as flavorful without beans. Omitting the beans creates a thicker, meatier chili with more intense spice, which many consider more traditional for Texas-style chili.

4. Can I freeze this chili?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Store for up to 4–6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. It’s a fantastic meal prep option for busy weeks or last-minute dinners.

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