Texas Roadhouse Copycat Roadkill Chopped Steak (Easy Weeknight Favorite)
If you love Texas Roadhouse, chances are you’ve eyed that juicy Roadkill Chopped Steak on the menu at least once… maybe more than once. This copycat Roadkill Chopped Steak recipe brings that same cozy, steakhouse comfort right to your own kitchen—no wait list, no noisy dining room, just you, your skillet, and a seriously good dinner. In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple, family-friendly recipe that tastes like steakhouse comfort food, but uses basic ground beef and pantry staples. We’ll also cover time-saving tips, allergy-friendly swaps, and food safety so you can serve it with confidence.What Is Texas Roadhouse Roadkill Chopped Steak?
Texas Roadhouse is famous across the USA for their lively atmosphere, warm rolls, and big, bold flavors. The grill always seems to be sizzling, the air smells like butter and smoky steak, and the portions are, well… Texas-sized. Their Roadkill Chopped Steak is a quirky name for a seriously tasty dish. It’s basically:- A seasoned chopped steak patty (think extra-flavorful hamburger steak)
- Smothered with sautéed onions
- Topped with melty cheese
- Often served with mashed potatoes or a baked potato
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Roadkill Chopped Steak
- Budget-friendly: Uses ground beef instead of pricey steak.
- Easy ingredients: Everything is common in most American kitchens.
- Weeknight-friendly: On the table in about 35 minutes.
- Family-approved: Feels like restaurant night at home.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning, cheese, and toppings.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Roadkill Chopped Steak Recipe
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| Texas Roadhouse–style Roadkill Chopped Steak topped with melted cheese and caramelized onions, served with classic comfort-food sides |
Ingredients
For the chopped steak patties:- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 works best for juicy patties)
- 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or more butter)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons beef broth or water, to deglaze the pan
- 4 slices Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack cheese
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Texas toast or dinner rolls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Onion Topping
1. Slice the onion. Cut off the ends, peel, and slice into thin half-moons.2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil.
3. When the butter is melted and starting to bubble, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
4. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10–15 minutes, until the onions are soft, golden, and lightly caramelized.
5. If the onions start to stick or brown too fast, turn the heat down slightly and add a tablespoon of water or beef broth to loosen the browned bits.
6. When done, transfer onions to a bowl and keep warm. Don’t wash the skillet—we’ll use it for the patties and all that flavor.
Step 2: Make the Chopped Steak Patties
1. In a large bowl, combine:- Ground beef
- Finely chopped onion
- Bread crumbs
- Egg
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
4. Shape each portion into a thick oval patty, about 3/4–1 inch thick, similar to a large hamburger steak.
Step 3: Cook the Patties
Food safety note: The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.1. Return the skillet to medium-high heat. If it looks dry, add a teaspoon of oil or butter.
2. When the pan is hot, carefully place the patties in the skillet. You should hear a sizzle.
3. Cook for about 4–5 minutes on the first side, without moving them, to get a good sear.
4. Flip the patties and cook another 4–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer in the center of the thickest patty.
5. If the patties brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium.
Step 4: Smother and Melt
1. Once the patties reach 160°F, reduce the heat to low.2. Place a pile of the cooked onions on top of each patty.
3. Immediately lay a slice of cheese over the onions on each patty.
4. Cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle.
Step 5: Serve
Plate each chopped steak with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes and green beans are classics. Spoon any extra onions from the pan over the top, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot.Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
These numbers are estimates and will vary with the exact ingredients and sides you use. For 1 chopped steak (1/4 of recipe), without sides:- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~33g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fat: ~38g
- Saturated Fat: ~16g
- Sodium: ~900mg
Tips for the Best Copycat Texas Roadhouse Roadkill Chopped Steak
- Don’t overmix the meat: Mix just until the seasonings are combined.
- Use 80/20 ground beef: The fat keeps the patties moist and flavorful.
- Let the onions go low and slow: Medium heat and patience build sweetness.
- Rest the meat: A few minutes of rest keeps the juices inside the patty, not on the plate.
Easy Shortcuts & Time-Saving Ideas
Short on time? Here are a few ways to speed this up using common home kitchen tools.Even Faster Stovetop Version
- Skip chopping onion for the meat and just use onion powder.
- Use pre-sliced onions from the produce section or frozen sliced onions.
- Cook onions and patties in separate pans to cut total cook time.
Sheet Pan “Roadkill” Chopped Steak
If you don’t want to stand at the stove:1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Shape patties and place them on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil.
3. Toss sliced onions with a little oil and salt, spread around the patties.
4. Bake 18–22 minutes, until patties reach 160°F.
5. Add cheese slices on top and bake 1–2 more minutes to melt.
You won’t get quite as much sear as the skillet, but it’s super hands-off and great for busy nights.
Air Fryer Chopped Steak (No-Fuss Option)
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.2. Place patties in the basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
3. Air fry 10–13 minutes, flipping halfway, until 160°F inside.
4. Lay cheese on top for the last 1–2 minutes to melt.
5. Meanwhile, caramelize onions on the stovetop as directed and serve on top.
Allergy-Friendly & Dietary Modifications
Everyone deserves steakhouse-style comfort food. Here are simple swaps for common needs:Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Check that your Worcestershire sauce is labeled gluten-free.
Dairy-Free
- Use oil instead of butter for the onions.
- Swap regular cheese slices for your favorite dairy-free cheese that melts well.
Low-Carb / Keto-Friendly
- Replace bread crumbs with finely crushed pork rinds or use almond flour.
- Serve with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash and roasted broccoli.
Paleo-Friendly
- Use almond flour instead of bread crumbs.
- Skip the cheese or use a compliant paleo “cheese” substitute.
- Cook onions in ghee or avocado oil.
Egg-Free
- Skip the egg and add an extra tablespoon or two of bread crumbs for binding.
- Handle patties gently so they don’t fall apart.
Serving Ideas: Make It a Texas Roadhouse-Style Dinner at Home
Want the full restaurant vibe at home? Try serving your Roadkill Chopped Steak with:- Creamy mashed potatoes with brown gravy
- Buttered corn or green beans
- A simple side salad with ranch dressing
- Warm rolls or Texas toast (with lots of butter!)
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Fridge: Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Freezer: Wrap each cooked patty tightly, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. For best results, freeze without the cheese and add fresh cheese when reheating. Reheating:- Stovetop: Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, covered, until hot throughout.
Did You Try This Copycat Texas Roadhouse Roadkill Chopped Steak?
I’d love to hear how this turned out in your kitchen. Did your family enjoy it? Did you add mushrooms, use a different cheese, or try it in the air fryer?- Leave a comment below and tell us your favorite twist.
- Share this recipe with friends and family who love Texas Roadhouse-style comfort food.
- Pin it or save it for your next easy weeknight dinner.
Important Disclaimers
This recipe is a homemade, copycat-style version created for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, or a precise representation of any restaurant or brand, including Texas Roadhouse. All trademarks and names mentioned belong to their respective owners. No insider knowledge of any proprietary or confidential restaurant recipes is claimed or implied.Simply Copycat Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
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