LongHorn Steakhouse Chili Recipe at Home

Craving that signature chili from Longhorn Steakhouse but don’t want to head out to the restaurant? Why not recreate Longhorn Steakhouse’s famous chili recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen? This homemade copycat version captures the savory flavors of the Longhorn chili and is surprisingly easy to make.

With simmered ground beef and Italian sausage, spice-infused seasonings, and hearty beans in a thick, tomato-based sauce, each spoonful delivers the tastes you love from the restaurant original.

What Does Longhorn Steakhouse Chili Taste Like?

This chili recipe packs some serious Tex-Mex flavor. It has a nice kick of heat from the blend of chili powder and cayenne pepper. The ground beef and sausage provide a delicious meaty flavor. There are also notes of onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika. The tomato sauce creates a rich, thick base. And the kidney beans add great texture. 

Overall, it’s a very bold, spicy chili with a complex depth of savory flavors in each spoonful. Just like the Longhorn version, this chili will stick to your ribs and warm you up on a cold night.

How to Make Longhorn Steakhouse Copycat Chili

Making this restaurant-style chili recipe at home is simple with just a few key ingredients and some easy steps.

Ingredients:

• 2 green bell peppers/sweet peppers, minced
• 1 medium-sized sweet onion, minced
• 6-7 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2.82 pounds ground beef/ground turkey/ground chicken
• 5 spicy Italian sausages
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Seasoned Salt ( I used Lawry’s Seasoned Salt)
• 6 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 cans (16 ounces each) light red kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 packet Onion Soup Mix (I used Lipton’s Beefy)
• 1 tablespoon Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base
• 1 can (28 ounces) tomato puree
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (12 ounces) dark beer (e.g., Modelo or Guinness)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Cheese, sour cream, jalapenos (for topping)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large pot or dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 01: Prepare Vegetables

Pre-washed all vegetables. Then Mince the green bell peppers that are about ½ cup worth, sweet onion, and garlic cloves. Cut them into small pieces. Remember,we are making a large batch of chili. So, you can adjust, if you are making a small batch.

Step 02: Saute Vegetables

Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add minced onion and green bell pepper. Once they start to sweat down, add the minced garlic and Saute until fragrant.

Step 03: Adding Beef and Sausages

After the garlic and onion have sauteed, add the ground beef or any of the meat types you would like to use and the 5 spicy italian sausages to the pan. 

Step 04: Season Meat

Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and Lawry’s Seasoned Salt to the meat mixture. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings evenly. After a few minutes, add the chili powder thoroughly. Use a high-quality chili powder for best results.

Step 05: Add Additional Ingredients

To the meat mixture, first add Beefy Onion Soup Mix and Bouillon beef base or any beef base you have. Stir well for a few minutes to incorporate the seasonings. Then, add ½ tablespoon of Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder and stir again.

Step 06: Mix Tomato Puree

Now add the full can of tomato puree to the mixture and ½ cup of water. Stir until it is well incorporated.

Step 07: Add Beans & Beer

Once you have mixed the tomato puree well, add  the beans and stir them well. Then it’s time to add the Modelo beer or any types of dark beer.

Step 08: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low temperature. Cover the pot partially and let the chili simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Step 09: Adjust Seasoning

In the meantime, taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Add crushed red pepper flakes or salt for spice based on your preference.

Step 10: Continue Simmering

Allow the chili to continue cooking on low heat for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the desired thickness is achieved and the flavors are well blended.

Step 11: Serve

Serve the chili hot, topped with cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, or any other desired toppings.

Special Notes for the Best Longhorn Steakhouse Chili

• Use fresh minced garlic rather than pre-minced garlic for more authentic flavor. The jarred stuff can leave a bitter taste.
• Opt for a high-quality chili powder, as the better brands make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor.
• Add just a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to provide subtle depth without any sweetness. The chocolate highlights the other spices.
• Mix in the beef broth and soup base before adding the tomatoes. This allows more infusion of savory meatiness into the sauce.
• Cook the chili at a low simmer for around 3 hours, keeping the pot partially covered. The long cooking lets the flavors develop fully.

Recipe Variations to Try

• Make it with ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter taste.
• Throw in additional bean varieties like pinto or black beans for more fiber and texture.
• Create a vegetarian version by omitting the meat entirely and loading up on beans as your protein source.
• Add a small amount of tomato paste when cooking for a deeper, richer tomato backbone.
• Use a dark beer like Guinness instead of Modelo for even more richness.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to reach your desired spice level, from mild to extra fiery.

What to Serve with Longhorn Steakhouse Chili

This hearty chili pairs well with different sides:

• Crusted Steak: Accompany your chili with a succulent crusted steak for a truly satisfying and flavorful feast.
• Corn on the Cob: Enjoy the sweetness of corn on the cob as a delightful side that complements the bold flavors of the chili.
• Cowboy Pork Chop: Pair your chili with a hearty cowboy pork chop for a protein-packed meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger.
• Buttery cornbread: Enjoy the comforting combination of sweet, buttery cornbread with the savory chili.
• Crispy tortilla chips: Add a satisfying crunch by serving chili atop crispy tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Flaky cheddar biscuits: Indulge in the rich, cheesy goodness of flaky cheddar biscuits alongside your hearty chili.
• Soft dinner rolls: Pair soft, warm dinner rolls with chili for a comforting meal that’s perfect for dipping and sopping up the delicious sauce.
• Cool tossed salad: Balance the heat of the chili with a refreshing tossed salad tossed in a light vinaigrette.
• Fluffy white rice: Serve your chili over fluffy white rice for a hearty and satisfying meal with added texture and substance.

Any of these sides turn the chili into a satisfying complete meal. The options are unlimited!

Frequently Asked Questions

Now, let’s answer some of the most common questions you may want to know when making this recipe.

Can I substitute the green bell peppers with other types of peppers?

Yes, feel free to use sweet peppers or any other variety of peppers according to your preference.

Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey if preferred. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

What if I can’t find Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base?

If you can’t find the beef base, you can use regular beef broth as a substitute with similar results.

Can I use any type of dark beer?

Yes, you can use your preferred brand of dark beer. Models and Guinness are mentioned as examples, but any dark beer will work.

What if I prefer my chili less thick or more soupy?

You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less water during cooking. Keep in mind that the chili will thicken as it cooks.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Continue to Content

Longhorn Steakhouse Chili Recipe

Yield: One Large Dutch Oven Pot

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Recreate the bold, savory flavors of Longhorn Steakhouse chili at home with this easy copycat recipe packed with ground beef, beans, beer, and spices.

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Ingredients

• 2 green bell peppers/sweet peppers, minced
• 1 medium-sized sweet onion, minced
• 6-7 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2.82 pounds ground beef/ground turkey/ground chicken
• 5 spicy Italian sausages
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Seasoned Salt ( I used Lawry's Seasoned Salt)
• 6 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 cans (16 ounces each) light red kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 packet Onion Soup Mix (I used Lipton's Beefy)
• 1 tablespoon Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon Better Than Bouillon Roasted Beef Base
• 1 can (28 ounces) tomato puree
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (12 ounces) dark beer (e.g., Modelo or Guinness)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
• Cheese, sour cream, jalapenos (for topping)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large pot or dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Pre-washed all vegetables. Then Mince the green bell peppers that are about ½ cup worth, sweet onion, and garlic cloves. Cut them into small pieces. Remember, we are making a large batch of chili. So, you can adjust, if you are making a small batch.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add minced onion and green bell pepper. Once they start to sweat down, add the minced garlic and Saute until fragrant.
3. After the garlic and onion have sauteed, add the ground beef or any of the meat types you would like to use and the 5 spicy italian sausages to the pan.
4. Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and Seasoned Salt to the meat mixture. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings evenly. After a few minutes, add the chili powder thoroughly. Use a high-quality chili powder for best results.
5. To the meat mixture, first add Beefy Onion Soup Mix and Bouillon beef base or any beef base you have. Stir well for a few minutes to incorporate the seasonings. Then, add ½ tablespoon of Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder and stir again.
6. Now add the full can of tomato puree to the mixture and ½ cup of water. Stir until it is well incorporated.
7. Once you have mixed the tomato puree well, add the beans and stir them well. Then it's time to add the Modelo beer or any types of dark beer.
8. Reduce the heat to low temperature. Cover the pot partially and let the chili simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
9. In the meantime, taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Add crushed red pepper flakes or salt for spice based on your preference.
10. Allow the chili to continue cooking on low heat for another 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the desired thickness is achieved and the flavors are well blended.
11. Serve the chili hot, topped with cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, or any other desired toppings.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 8-10
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 300-400Total Fat: 15-20gSaturated Fat: 5-8gCholesterol: 50-80mgSodium: 800-1200mgCarbohydrates: 20-30gFiber: 5-8gSugar: 5-8g

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Conclusion

This easy Longhorn Steakhouse chili recipe lets you enjoy the flavors from the restaurant in your own kitchen. It’s packed with spice, meaty flavor, and thick tomatoey goodness. The bonus – it makes tasty leftovers! So fire up a pot and dig into this copycat chili. One bowlful and your taste buds will think they’re dining out.