Texas Red Chili Cup Price, & Nutrition

When it comes to bold flavors on the Texas Roadhouse menu, the Texas Red Chili Cup steals the spotlight as a cozy, flavor-packed appetizer. Served in a cup-sized portion, this chili combines tender ground beef, slow-simmered spices, and a touch of heat for a dish that feels hearty without being overwhelming. Finished with cheddar cheese and diced onions, it’s both comfort food and a true taste of Texas in every bite.

What is the Texas Red Chili Cup?

The Texas Red Chili Cup is a smaller portion of the restaurant’s signature chili, perfect when you want a taste of something bold but not a full bowl. Unlike some Tex-Mex variations, this chili stays true to its roots with:

Savory ground beef simmered until tender
Bold chili spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic
Rich tomato base for balance
Optional beans (you can choose with or without)
Cheddar cheese and diced onions on top for creaminess and crunch

If you’re browsing the menu, this side pairs well with entrées like Filet Medallions or Seasoned Rice for a complete Texas Roadhouse experience.

Price & Calorie

Menu Item	Price	Calories
NO BEANS	$3.99	250 cal
BEANS	$4.99	210 cal

Allergen

It may contain:

Milk (from cheddar cheese topping)
Wheat
Soy

Always check with your local Texas Roadhouse for updated allergen details before ordering.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutrition breakdown (with and without beans):

Nutrient	No Beans	With Beans
Calories	250	210
Calories from Fat	130	90
Total Fat (g)	15	10
Saturated Fat (g)	5	4
Trans Fat (g)	0.5	0
Cholesterol (mg)	50	45
Sodium (mg)	800	640
Carbohydrates (g)	13	14
Dietary Fiber (g)	3	4
Sugars (g)	4	3
Protein (g)	17	16

Learn more from this nutrition info (no beans) and nutrition info (with beans).

Best Pairings

Toppings:

Cheese & Cream: Cheddar, pepper jack, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for creamy balance.
Onions & Herbs: Diced onion, green onions, or cilantro for freshness.
Heat Lovers: Jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce for extra spice.
Avocado: Diced avocado or guacamole for a cool contrast.
Crunch: Fritos or tortilla chips for a salty crunch.

Side Dishes:

Cornbread: Sweet, buttery, or with cheddar & green chiles.
Baked Potato: Top with chili, cheese, sour cream, and chives.
Cool Salads: Crisp greens or coleslaw to cut the spice.
Frito Pie: Chili over corn chips with cheese and onion.
Quesadillas / Grilled Cheese: Perfect for dipping.

Drinks

Beer: Crisp lager or dark stout.
Wine: Zinfandel pairs with chili spice.
Cocktails: Classic margarita for a citrus kick.
Soda: Cola or root beer for sweet balance.

Best Time to Order It

Year-Round Availability: Always on the Texas Roadhouse menu.
Cool Weather: Perfect during fall and winter for a hearty, warming meal.
Early Dine Specials: Check 3 to 6 p.m. weekday deals for better value.
Personal Craving: Anytime you’re in the mood for bold, meaty comfort food.

Texas Red Chili Cup vs other options

Item	Flavor Profile	Calories	Best For
Texas Red Chili Cup	Spicy, meaty	210–250	Appetizer / Snack
Texas Red Chili Bowl	Bigger, richer	360+	Full meal lovers
Baked Potato	Savory, mild	~270	Classic comfort
Sweet Potato	Sweet & custardy	~350	Dessert-like side

Award Winning Texas Red Chili Recipe

Want to try it at home? Here’s a quick copycat Texas Red Chili Cup recipe:

Ingredients (Serves 2–3 cups)

½ lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
½ can (7–8 oz) tomato sauce
½ can kidney beans (optional, for bean version)
Salt & black pepper to taste
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
¼ cup diced onion (for topping)
4–5 saltine crackers (side)

Cooking Steps

Cook the beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add aromatics: Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook until onions soften.
Season: Mix in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom spices.
Simmer: Pour in tomato sauce (and beans, if using). Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until thick.
Adjust flavor: Taste and season as needed (add chili powder for spice or brown sugar for mild sweetness).
Serve: Ladle into cups, top with shredded cheese and diced onion. Add crackers on the side.

Review

Customers love the it for its:

Bold spices & tender beef
Cheesy, onion topping combo
Perfect appetizer size

Some note it’s spicier than expected, ideal for chili fans, but not mild eaters.

FAQs

It’s served hot in a bowl or cup, usually topped with cheese, onions, or crackers, and often paired with cornbread or tortillas.

It stands out for being a bold, meaty dish made with beef and spices, traditionally without beans.

Popular sides include cornbread, baked potatoes, Fritos, or a fresh salad for balance.

Yes, it tastes even richer the next day as the flavors blend and deepen overnight.

It’s a tradition rooted in cowboy cooking, loved for being hearty, spicy, and comforting.

Beef chuck or brisket works best since it stays tender and soaks up the spices.

Yes, it contains pinto beans, even though authentic versions are often bean-free,

Final Verdict

The Texas Red Chili Cup is a small but mighty side dish at Texas Roadhouse. With its spicy beef base, melty cheese, and crunchy onions, it’s perfect as a starter or a light meal on its own. If you’re looking for authentic Texas flavor in a manageable portion, this dish is a must-try.