I’ve always loved visiting Texas Roadhouse, but one dish that keeps me coming back is their Roadkill. Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not roadkill at all. It’s a juicy chopped steak topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and melted cheese. The flavor is bold, hearty, and perfect for a comfort meal. After trying it so many times at the restaurant, I decided to recreate it at home. The best part is that it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but still feels like something special.
What is Texas Roadhouse Roadkill?
The Roadkill at Texas Roadhouse is basically their take on a chopped steak. Instead of serving a thick cut, they use seasoned ground beef shaped like a steak patty. It’s cooked on the grill, then topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and melted cheese. The combination makes it taste like a cross between a burger and a steak dinner.
The name “Roadkill” might sound a bit rough, but it’s just a fun twist from Texas Roadhouse. There’s nothing unappetizing about it—this dish is one of their most ordered items. It’s filling, flavorful, and loaded with toppings that bring out the rich beef taste.
Texas Roadhouse Roadkill Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for making a Texas Roadhouse Roadkill at home (serves 2):
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Ground beef (80/20 blend) – 1 pound (450 g)
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Salt – 1 teaspoon
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Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
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Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
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Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon (optional but adds flavor)
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Onion (sliced thin) – 1 medium
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Mushrooms (sliced) – 1 cup (about 100 g)
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Butter or olive oil – 2 tablespoons
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Cheese (Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss) – 1 cup shredded (about 100 g)
Optional add-ons: jalapeños (sliced), extra seasoning blends, or a splash of soy sauce while sautéing veggies.
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Roadkill (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Making Texas Roadhouse Roadkill at home is simple, but the right order makes all the difference. From shaping the patties to melting the cheese, each step adds flavor and texture. Here’s how I prepare it:
Step 1 – Shape the patties
Start by combining ground beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl. Mix gently—overworking the meat can make the patties tough. Divide into two equal portions and shape them into oval patties about ¾-inch thick.
Step 2 – Cook the patties
Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Place the patties in and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side. They should have a nice brown crust while staying juicy inside. Remove them from the pan and keep warm.
Step 3 – Sauté the vegetables
In the same pan, add butter or olive oil. Toss in the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re soft, golden, and slightly caramelized. This step builds the flavor base for the dish.
Step 4 – Assemble
Return the patties to the skillet. Spoon the sautéed onions and mushrooms over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously. Cover the pan with a lid and let it sit for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
Step 5 – Serve hot
Transfer each patty to a plate. The beef should be juicy, the veggies tender, and the cheese perfectly melted. Serve it right away with sides like baked potatoes, rice, or Texas Roadhouse–style rolls.
Also try Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe
Cooking Tips & Variations
Cooking Roadkill at home gives you room to adjust it just the way you like. Here are a few tips and variations I’ve found helpful:
1. Don’t press the patties while cooking
Let the meat cook undisturbed so it keeps its juices. Pressing it down only squeezes out flavor.
2. Use a cast-iron skillet if possible
It gives the patties a nice crust and holds heat better than a regular pan.
3. Play with cheese options
Monterey Jack melts smoothly, but Swiss adds a sharper bite. For extra richness, try provolone.
4. Make it spicy
Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a dash of cayenne in the meat mix for a fiery twist.
5. Go lighter
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version. You can even try plant-based meat substitutes if you prefer.
6. Extra toppings
Crispy bacon, caramelized peppers, or even a fried egg can take this dish to another level.
Texas Roadhouse Roadkill Serving Suggestions
The Texas Roadhouse Roadkill is hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it feel like a complete restaurant-style meal. Here’s how I like to serve it:
1. Classic sides
A baked potato with sour cream and chives or seasoned rice goes perfectly with the beef. Both balance out the richness of the dish.
2. Fresh greens
A simple side salad with ranch or Caesar dressing keeps the plate lighter and adds freshness.
3. Bread on the side
Warm dinner rolls or, if you want to go all out, homemade Texas Roadhouse rolls with cinnamon butter. They soak up the juices beautifully.
4. Drinks to pair
Sweet iced tea makes it homestyle. If you prefer something stronger, a light beer or a glass of red wine works well too.
5. Family-style meal
Serve it alongside corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw if you’re making it for a group. It turns into a true comfort-food feast.
Also try - Texas Roadhouse Steak Marinade Recipe
Texas Roadhouse Roadkill Nutritional
The Texas Roadhouse Roadkill is filling and flavorful, but it’s also on the heavier side. Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (without sides):
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Calories: ~520
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Protein: ~36 g
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Fat: ~36 g
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Carbohydrates: ~6 g
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Fiber: ~1 g
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Sodium: ~820 mg
This can change depending on the type of beef, cheese, or oil you use. For a lighter option, swap ground beef for lean turkey or use reduced-fat cheese. Cutting back on butter while sautéing vegetables also lowers the calories and fat.
Texas Roadhouse Roadkill Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, the Roadkill keeps well for a couple of days. Here’s how I handle it:
Storing
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Place the cooked patties with toppings in an airtight container.
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Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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For longer storage, freeze the patties (without cheese) for up to 2 months. Add the cheese fresh when reheating.
Reheating
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Stovetop: Place the patty in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm for 5–7 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
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Oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
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Microwave: Use only if you’re short on time. Heat in 30-second intervals to avoid drying out the meat.
The key is not to overheat, or the beef will turn tough and the cheese rubbery.
Also try - Texas Roadhouse Sweet Potato Recipe
Final Thoughts
Recreating the Texas Roadhouse Roadkill at home turned out to be easier than I expected. The beef stays juicy, the onions and mushrooms add depth, and the melted cheese ties it all together. It’s one of those recipes that feels restaurant-quality but doesn’t need complicated steps.
If you enjoy hearty comfort food, this dish is worth making. Try it with different cheeses, add extra toppings, or keep it classic the way Texas Roadhouse serves it. Either way, it’s a satisfying meal that brings steakhouse flavors straight to your kitchen.
FAQ
Q1. Why is it called Roadkill at Texas Roadhouse?
The name is just a playful twist. It’s not actual roadkill. It’s a chopped steak topped with onions, mushrooms, and cheese.
Q2. Can I use ground beef instead of chopped steak?
Yes. Ground beef works perfectly for making Roadkill at home. Just shape it into patties before cooking.
Q3. What cheese does Texas Roadhouse use for Roadkill?
They usually use Monterey Jack. But mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone also melt beautifully.
Q4. How many calories are in Texas Roadhouse Roadkill?
One serving has about 500–520 calories, depending on toppings and portion size.
Q5. What sides go best with Roadkill?
Popular choices are baked potato, seasoned rice, side salad, or Texas Roadhouse rolls.