Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe: A Copycat Quest for Flavor

Texas Roadhouse is famous for many things, but its chili often tops the list of customer favorites. That rich, savory, slightly sweet flavor is undeniably addictive. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, countless attempts have been made to recreate this culinary masterpiece at home. This article will guide you through a detailed copycat recipe, aiming to capture the essence of that beloved Texas Roadhouse chili.

Understanding the Texas Roadhouse Chili Profile

Before diving into the recipe, let's break down what makes Texas Roadhouse chili so special. It's generally characterized by:

• A deep, rich beef flavor: This isn't a thin, watery chili; it's hearty and meaty.
• A subtle sweetness: Often attributed to the use of brown sugar or molasses.
• A blend of spices: While the exact blend is unknown, it's likely a combination of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and perhaps a touch of cayenne for a hint of heat.
• Thick and chunky texture: The chili isn't overly smooth; it retains some texture from the beans and beef.

The Copycat Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

This recipe aims to replicate the Texas Roadhouse chili experience. Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference.

Yields: 8-10 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 2-3 hours (slow cooker) or 1 hour (stovetop)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 green bell peppers, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Slow Cooker Method:

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add the onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine ingredients: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), brown sugar, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded.
5. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Stovetop Method:

1. Brown the beef: Follow step 1 from the slow cooker instructions.
2. Sauté vegetables: Follow step 2 from the slow cooker instructions.
3. Combine ingredients: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the remaining ingredients (chili powder through beef broth) and stir well.
4. Simmer: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips for the Best Texas Roadhouse Chili

• Don't skimp on the beef: Using a higher percentage of ground beef will result in a richer, more flavorful chili.
• Adjust the spices: Feel free to experiment with the spice levels to your liking. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Let it simmer: The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will develop.
• Garnish generously: Top your chili with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, and jalapeños.

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By following this recipe and incorporating these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious chili that rivals the Texas Roadhouse version. Enjoy!