Texas Red Chili from Texas Roadhouse features tender chunks of seasoned beef simmered with bold chili spices and tomatoes, garnished with diced onions and shredded cheese, served in a hearty, flavorful bowl with a rich, deep-red color and a thick, comforting texture.
Equipments
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cheese grater
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (optional, traditional Texas chili omits beans)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
- Diced onions (for garnish)
Select high-quality beef chuck for tender, flavorful chunks that hold up well during slow simmering. Fresh garlic and yellow onion enhance the chili's depth, while the combination of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper creates a bold, balanced spice profile. Use crushed tomatoes and tomato paste for a rich, thick sauce with a deep-red color. Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar add subtle savory and sweet notes that round out the flavor. Your Texas Red Chili from Texas Roadhouse copycat will have the authentic taste and hearty texture this classic dish is known for.
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients: dice onion, mince garlic, cut beef into cubes, shred cheese, dice garnish onions.
- Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high.
- Brown beef cubes in batches; remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions in same pot until softened.
- Add garlic; sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Return browned beef to pot; stir to coat in spices.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
- Stir well and bring mixture to a boil.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- (Optional) Stir in drained kidney beans; simmer an additional 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle chili into serving bowls.
- Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Texas Red Chili from Texas Roadhouse copycat recipe allows for flexibility in ingredient substitutions to accommodate your kitchen inventory. If you don't have beef chuck, try using stew meat or brisket for similar tenderness and flavor. When fresh yellow onions aren't available, white or sweet onions can be used without compromising the dish's taste. For chili powder, a homemade blend of paprika, cumin, and cayenne can replace store-bought versions to customize the spice level. Keep in mind that kidney beans are optional and traditionally omitted in Texas chili, so you can leave them out to maintain authenticity.
Tips
Properly browning the beef cubes in batches ensures even searing and prevents steaming, which enhances the chili's flavor. Simmering the chili on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours allows the meat to become tender and the spices to meld into a rich, deep-red sauce. Always taste and adjust your seasoning before serving to balance the heat, salt, and sweetness to your preference. Garnish your chili with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions to add contrasting textures and enhance the dish's overall flavor profile.
Nutritions
Texas Red Chili from Texas Roadhouse is a protein-rich dish primarily made with beef chuck, providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and repair. The chili powder blend includes antioxidants from spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, which support metabolism and inflammation reduction. Tomatoes contribute vitamin C and lycopene, promoting heart health, while optional kidney beans add fiber and plant-based protein that aid digestion. Your serving is balanced with shredded cheddar cheese and onions, supplying calcium and antioxidants that enhance overall nutrient absorption.
Storage
Store leftover Texas Red Chili in an airtight container to maintain its rich flavor and thick texture. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness. You can also freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring it's fully cooled before storage.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the rich flavor of Texas Red Chili by swapping beef chuck for a blend of ground beef and diced brisket, which adds a tender, smoky dimension. Instead of dried oregano, try fresh oregano to bring a brighter herbal note to your chili. For a thicker texture, reduce the beef broth amount by half and let the chili simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes. To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider topping your chili with diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream alongside the cheddar cheese and onions.
Allergies
Texas Red Chili from Texas Roadhouse contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and possible cross-contamination with ingredients like garlic and onions, which can trigger sensitivities in some individuals. The Worcestershire sauce may contain anchovies, posing a risk for those allergic to fish. Be cautious if you have allergies to beef or nightshade vegetables like tomatoes and chili powder, as these are key components of the chili.
Why this recipe?
Texas Red Chili from Texas Roadhouse is favored for its rich, slow-cooked beef flavor infused with a signature blend of chili spices that deliver a hearty and comforting taste. This chili's thick, meaty texture and perfectly balanced heat make it a standout menu item that appeals to spice lovers and comfort food fans alike. You'll appreciate recreating this recipe at home because it captures the authentic flavor profile and aroma, allowing you to customize the spice level and enjoy a restaurant-quality chili anytime. Making a copycat version ensures you can experience genuine Texas Roadhouse flavor with fresh ingredients and personal touches.