If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful, and slightly spicy chili, then you’ve probably heard of Texas Roadhouse Red Chili. This beloved dish is a staple on the Texas Roadhouse menu and has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of chili lovers across the country.
But what exactly makes Texas Roadhouse Red Chili so special?
- Rich, slow-cooked flavors – Packed with tender beef, bold spices, and just the right amount of heat.
- No beans! – Unlike many chili recipes, Texas Roadhouse keeps it authentically Texan by skipping the beans.
- Perfectly balanced seasoning – A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and secret ingredients gives it that signature taste.
Whether you’re enjoying it at the restaurant or trying to recreate Texas Roadhouse Red Chili at home, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves a good bowl of comfort food.
Table of Contents
The Origins
A Brief History of Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is known for its hand-cut steaks, buttery rolls, and made-from-scratch sides—but their Texas Roadhouse Red Chili has gained its own fan following.
- In 1993, the first Texas Roadhouse location opened its doors in Clarksville, Indiana.
- The founders wanted to create a place that embodied Southern hospitality, bold flavors, and a fun atmosphere.
- Over time, the menu expanded to include their iconic Texas Roadhouse Red Chili, which quickly became a fan favorite.
How the Chili Recipe Was Developed
Texas is famous for chili cook-offs, and the restaurant took inspiration from traditional Texan recipes. The chefs perfected a no-bean chili that delivered big, bold flavors with a mix of high-quality beef, smoky seasonings, and a slow-cooking process.
Regional Influences on the Recipe
Texas chili is known for its meat-heavy approach. Unlike Cincinnati or Midwestern chili, Texas Roadhouse Red Chili:
- Uses chunks of beef or ground beef instead of ground turkey or pork.
- Features a spicy, smoky profile thanks to a blend of chili powders and cumin.
- Never includes beans! (This is a serious rule in Texas chili culture).
Why Texas Roadhouse Red Chili Stands Out
Texas Roadhouse Red Chili isn’t just any chili—it’s a carefully crafted dish that sets itself apart from the rest. Here’s what makes it special:
1. Signature Ingredients
- High-quality ground beef – Juicy and flavorful, ensuring a rich, meaty bite in every spoonful.
- A proprietary spice blend – A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne for the perfect heat.
- Slow-cooked perfection – The chili is cooked low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
2. The Balance of Heat and Flavor
Texas Roadhouse Red Chili is spicy but not overpowering. It has:
- A smoky depth from cumin and smoked paprika.
- A slight sweetness that balances out the spice.
- A rich texture thanks to the beef and seasonings.
3. How It Differs from Traditional Texas Chili
Unlike some classic Texas chilis, which use cubed beef, Texas Roadhouse Red Chili uses ground beef for a smoother, more consistent texture. However, it still stays true to its roots by leaving out beans and focusing on bold, beefy flavor.
Key Ingredients
What exactly goes into this delicious chili? Let’s break it down:
1. The Beef Selection
Texas Roadhouse uses ground beef, but if you’re making Texas Roadhouse Red Chili at home, you can experiment with:
- 80/20 ground beef for a juicy, slightly fatty texture.
- Ground chuck for a rich, beefy flavor.
- Cubed chuck roast if you prefer a more traditional, chunky chili.
2. The Essential Spices
A good chili is all about the spices. Texas Roadhouse Red Chili uses a combination of:
- Chili powder – The backbone of any good chili recipe.
- Cumin – Adds a warm, earthy depth.
- Garlic powder – For a rich, savory note.
- Smoked paprika – Enhances the smoky flavor.
- Cayenne pepper – Gives it a spicy kick!
3. Beans or No Beans?
No beans! This is a true Texas chili, meaning it’s all about the meat and spices. If you must add beans, opt for pinto or kidney beans—but just know that real Texans might judge you!
The Role of Spices in the Chili Recipe
Spices are what make or break a chili. Here’s why each one is important:
- Chili Powder: The main ingredient, giving Texas Roadhouse Red Chili its deep, smoky heat.
- Cumin: Adds an earthy, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with beef.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory elements.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a mild smokiness without overpowering the dish.
- Cayenne Pepper: For a little extra heat.
Secret Ingredients That Enhance the Flavor
Every good chili has a few secret ingredients that take it to the next level. Some rumors suggest Texas Roadhouse Red Chili might use:
- A splash of beer – Adds depth and complexity.
- A pinch of cocoa powder – Sounds strange, but it enhances the smoky flavors.
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce – Provides umami richness.
Nutritional Breakdown
Wondering if Texas Roadhouse Red Chili fits into your diet? Here’s a rough breakdown per one cup serving:
- Calories: ~300-400 kcal
- Protein: ~25-30g
- Carbs: ~10-15g
- Fat: ~15-20g
- Fiber: ~3-5g (if adding veggies or beans)
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Despite being rich and hearty, Texas Roadhouse Red Chili has some nutritional perks:
- High in protein – Great for muscle-building and satiety.
- Rich in iron and B vitamins – Thanks to the beef and spices.
- Spices like cumin and chili powder have anti-inflammatory properties.
How Texas Roadhouse Serves Its Chili
At the restaurant, Texas Roadhouse Red Chili is offered in two serving sizes:
- Cup (small portion) – Great as an appetizer.
- Bowl (larger portion) – Perfect for a full meal.
Common Toppings & Best Side Dishes
✔️ Shredded cheddar cheese
✔️ Diced onions
✔️ Jalapeño slices
And served with:
- Warm rolls with cinnamon butter
- Cornbread or Texas toast
- A cold beer or sweet tea
How to Make at Home
Craving that rich, hearty, and spicy bowl of Texas Roadhouse Red Chili but don’t want to leave your house? Good news! You can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen with just a few ingredients and the right techniques.
In this part, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process, explore the best kitchen tools, and reveal secret tips to achieve the authentic Texas Roadhouse Red Chili flavor at home.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Chili Preparation
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have the right tools to make Texas Roadhouse Red Chili at home.
🔥 Must-Have Equipment
✔️ A large pot or Dutch oven – A cast-iron pot is recommended for even heat distribution and deep flavor development.
✔️ A wooden spoon – Ideal for stirring and breaking up the beef without scratching the pot.
✔️ A sharp knife – For chopping onions, garlic, and peppers.
✔️ A measuring spoon and cup – To get the perfect spice balance for Texas Roadhouse Red Chili.
🍲 Why a Cast-Iron Pot is the Best Choice
A cast-iron Dutch oven holds heat better than a regular stainless steel pot, allowing the chili to simmer slowly and develop a richer depth of flavor—just like the restaurant-style Texas Roadhouse Red Chili.
If you don’t have one, a slow cooker or Instant Pot will also work!
Choosing the Right Meat
At Texas Roadhouse, they use ground beef, but for a homemade twist, you can experiment with different cuts.
🥩 Best Meat Options for Texas-Style Chili
✅ 80/20 Ground Beef – This is the classic choice. The fat content keeps Texas Roadhouse Red Chili juicy and flavorful.
✅ Ground Chuck – A leaner alternative that still has rich flavor.
✅ Cubed Chuck Roast – If you prefer a chunkier, more traditional chili, go for cubed beef.
✅ Brisket (for slow cooking) – Tender and melt-in-your-mouth, but it takes longer to cook.
💡 Pro Tip: Browning the meat properly before adding spices is key to achieving the deep, bold flavors of Texas Roadhouse Red Chili.
The Perfect Spice Blend
A good chili is all about bold, smoky, and slightly spicy seasonings.
🌶️ Key Spices and Their Roles
- Chili Powder – The main ingredient that gives Texas Roadhouse Red Chili its signature warm, slightly smoky flavor.
- Cumin – Adds an earthy, slightly nutty depth.
- Garlic Powder – Essential for richness and umami.
- Smoked Paprika – Brings out a subtle smoky sweetness.
- Cayenne Pepper – For that extra kick of heat.
- Black Pepper & Salt – To enhance all the flavors.
💡 Pro Tip: To get the Texas Roadhouse Red Chili signature taste, mix the spices before adding them to the chili. This helps the flavors blend evenly.
Cooking Methods: Stovetop vs. Slow Cooker vs. Instant Pot
🍳 Stovetop Method (Best for Authentic Flavor)
✅ Cooks in about 1.5 hours
✅ Gives the most control over the texture
✅ Allows the flavors to develop naturally
🥘 Slow Cooker Method (Best for Convenience)
✅ Cooks low and slow for 6-8 hours
✅ Perfect if you want to set it and forget it
✅ Ideal for using chunky cuts of beef
⚡ Instant Pot Method (Fastest Option)
✅ Cooks in about 30 minutes
✅ Great for quick weeknight meals
✅ The pressure helps infuse the spices quickly
💡 Best Choice? If you have time, the stovetop method is closest to Texas Roadhouse Red Chili, but for busy days, the slow cooker or Instant Pot work just fine!
Step-by-Step Recipe
📝 Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or chuck roast for chunkier texture)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (secret ingredient!)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (balances the spice)
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain any excess grease and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the chopped garlic and onions to the same pot.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Spices
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook for 1 minute to activate the spices.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Add the browned beef back into the pot.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavor
- Let the chili simmer for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add cocoa powder and brown sugar in the last 30 minutes.
💡 Secret Tip: Let the Texas Roadhouse Red Chili rest for at least 15 minutes before serving—it helps the flavors meld together!
Serving Suggestions
🔥 Toppings:
✔️ Shredded cheddar cheese
✔️ Diced onions
✔️ Jalapeños
✔️ Sour cream
🍞 Best Side Dishes:
✔️ Cornbread
✔️ Texas toast
✔️ Warm rolls with cinnamon butter
🍺 Drink Pairings:
✔️ Ice-cold beer (Lager or IPA)
✔️ Sweet tea
✔️ A bold red wine (like Zinfandel)
Fun Facts, Pairings, and Beyond
Now that we’ve explored the history, ingredients, and how to make Texas Roadhouse Red Chili at home, let’s dive into the fun side of chili! In this part, we’ll uncover some fascinating chili facts, the best drinks to pair with your bowl, and even some creative ways to use leftover Texas Roadhouse Red Chili.
Fun Facts
Think you know everything about chili? Here are some fun and surprising facts about Texas Roadhouse Red Chili and chili in general!
🔥 Texas Roadhouse serves thousands of bowls of Texas Roadhouse Red Chili daily – It’s one of their most popular menu items!
🔥 Chili is Texas’ official state dish – No surprise there! Texans take their chili very seriously.
🔥 No beans allowed! – Traditional Texas chili (like Texas Roadhouse Red Chili) is all meat, no beans.
🔥 Chili powder was invented in Texas – A German immigrant named William Gebhardt created the first commercial chili powder in 1894!
🔥 Chili cook-offs are huge in Texas – The Terlingua Chili Cook-Off attracts thousands of chili lovers each year.
🔥 Texas Roadhouse keeps its chili recipe secret – While you can find copycat recipes, the official recipe remains a mystery.
Best Drinks to Pair with Texas Roadhouse Red Chili
A great bowl of Texas Roadhouse Red Chili deserves the perfect drink to complement its bold flavors. Here are some top drink pairings for the ultimate chili experience:
🍺 Best Beers for Texas Roadhouse Red Chili
✔️ Lager – Light, crisp, and refreshing (great for cooling down spicy chili).
✔️ IPA – The bitterness balances out the richness of the chili.
✔️ Stout – A deep, malty beer that enhances the smoky, bold flavors.
🍷 Best Wines for Texas Roadhouse Red Chili
✔️ Zinfandel – Fruity and bold, pairs well with spicy foods.
✔️ Shiraz – A deep, peppery red wine that matches the chili’s spice.
✔️ Malbec – Smooth and rich, balancing the meatiness of the dish.
🥤 Non-Alcoholic Drink Pairings for Texas Roadhouse Red Chili
✔️ Sweet Tea – The sweetness balances out the heat.
✔️ Lemonade – A refreshing contrast to the spicy chili.
✔️ Mexican Coke – The real cane sugar enhances the smoky flavors.
Chili Competitions and Texas Roadhouse Red Chili’s Influence
Texas is famous for its chili cook-offs, and while Texas Roadhouse hasn’t entered their Texas Roadhouse Red Chili into competitions, their recipe takes inspiration from classic Texas competition chilis.
🔥 The Terlingua International Chili Championship – One of the biggest chili cook-offs in the world, held in Texas every year.
🔥 The Original Tolbert’s Chili Cook-Off – Started by Frank X. Tolbert, who wrote A Bowl of Red, the ultimate chili guide.
🔥 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Chili Cook-Off – A huge event where top chili makers battle for bragging rights.
Texas Roadhouse Red Chili vs. Homemade Family Recipes
Every family has their own take on chili. So how does Texas Roadhouse Red Chili compare?
Texas Roadhouse Red Chili:
✅ Consistent flavor – It’s the same every time you order it.
✅ Meaty and hearty – No beans, just rich beef and bold spices.
✅ Spiced just right – Balanced with smoky and slightly spicy flavors.
Homemade Family Chili:
✔️ Customizable – You can make it spicier, thicker, or milder.
✔️ Different meat options – Some families use ground turkey, pork, or even venison.
✔️ Beans or no beans? – Some people break the Texas rule and add beans!
💡 Which is better? Depends on your taste! But if you love rich, smoky, meaty chili, Texas Roadhouse Red Chili is hard to beat.
Is Texas Roadhouse Red Chili Spicy?
🔥 Spice Level: Medium – It has a nice kick but isn’t overwhelmingly hot.
Want to adjust the spice level? Try these customizations:
🌶️ Make it spicier – Add extra cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
🌶️ Mild version – Reduce cayenne pepper and add a splash of cream or cheese.
🌶️ Cooling options – Top with sour cream, cheese, or avocado to balance the heat.
Can You Buy Texas Roadhouse Red Chili Pre-Made?
Texas Roadhouse doesn’t sell pre-packaged chili, but you can:
✔️ Order Texas Roadhouse Red Chili to-go from the restaurant.
✔️ Try copycat recipes to make it at home.
✔️ Look for similar styles of chili in grocery stores (like Hormel’s no-bean chili).
💡 Want to save leftovers? Freeze homemade Texas Roadhouse Red Chili in portion-sized containers for quick, easy meals later!
Texas Roadhouse Red Chili as a Game Day Favorite
Chili is the perfect game day food! Whether you’re watching football, basketball, or any big event, a big pot of Texas Roadhouse Red Chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
🏈 How to serve Texas Roadhouse Red Chili for a crowd:
✔️ Set up a DIY chili bar with toppings like cheese, onions, jalapeños, and sour cream.
✔️ Serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or baked potatoes.
✔️ Keep it warm in a slow cooker for easy serving.
💡 Hosting a chili cook-off at home? Try making multiple versions – spicy, smoky, or mild – and let guests vote for their favorite!
Final Thoughts
Texas Roadhouse Red Chili is a fan-favorite for a reason – it’s bold, meaty, and packed with smoky, spicy flavors.
🔥 Why People Love Texas Roadhouse Red Chili:
✔️ Authentic Texas-style – No beans, just beef and spices.
✔️ Perfect balance of heat and richness.
✔️ Easy to make at home with the right ingredients.
Whether you’re ordering it at Texas Roadhouse or making your own Texas Roadhouse Red Chili at home, this dish is a must-try for any chili lover!