The Legendary Famous Chili Recipe Everyone Raves About

I stumbled upon this legendary chili recipe during a cozy autumn weekend with friends.

Our shared meal became an instant classic that everyone demanded the details about.

Comfort and warmth radiate from each carefully crafted spoonful of this hearty dish.

Bold spices dance through tender meat, creating layers of complex flavor profiles.

Memories of neighborhood potlucks and weekend gatherings rush back with every bite.

Unexpected ingredients turn this simple meal into something extraordinary and deeply satisfying.

You’ll want to bookmark this culinary gem and make it your go-to comfort food.

Miranda Lambert’s Chili – What to Put In

• Ground Beef, Ground Chuck: Rich, hearty protein foundation for the chili with deep meaty flavor. Choose meat with moderate fat content for best taste.

• Yellow Onion, White Onion, Jalapeño: Classic flavor builders that provide depth and mild heat. Fresh onions with firm texture work best. Jalapeño optional for extra spiciness.

• Diced Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Primary liquid and tang source for chili. Canned varieties preferred for consistent texture and convenience.

• Chili Powder, Ground Cumin, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning mix creating signature southwestern flavor profile. Use fresh ground spices for maximum taste.

• Pinto Beans: Hearty protein supplement that adds texture and traditional chili element. Completely optional based on personal preference.

• Hot Pepper Sauce: Provides additional heat and complex flavor depth. Adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.

• Olive Oil: Neutral cooking medium for sautéing aromatics. Use extra virgin for best flavor quality.

Chili Recipe Southern Style Prep

Step 1: Fire Up the Skillet

Brown the ground beef and chuck in a sizzling skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the meat with a wooden spoon until it turns a rich, caramel-like color.

Work in batches if your pan gets crowded.

Set the browned meat aside for the next magical step.

Step 2: Wake Up the Aromatics

Drizzle olive oil into a large stockpot and bring it to life over medium-high heat.

• Chopped yellow onions
• Chopped white onions
• Diced jalapeños (if you're feeling adventurous)

Sauté these flavor bombs until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Flavor Harmony

Introduce the browned meat to your aromatic base.

• Diced tomatoes
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles
• Hot pepper sauce
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Stir everything together like you’re composing a spicy symphony.

Step 4: Let the Magic Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boiling point, then dial down the heat to low.

Cover the pot and let it whisper and bubble for 3 hours.

Give it an occasional stir to show some love.

Step 5: Optional Bean Boost

During the final hour of simmering, you can add pinto beans if you want extra heartiness.

Let them mingle and soak up all those incredible flavors.

Spicy Chili Tips from Miranda Lambert’s Kitchen

• Choose a mix of ground beef and chuck for deeper, richer flavor and better texture that keeps the chili hearty and satisfying.
• Adjust jalapeño and hot pepper sauce quantities to match your heat tolerance, allowing everyone to enjoy the chili without overwhelming spiciness.
• Feel free to experiment with different beans like kidney or black beans if pinto beans aren't your favorite, keeping the protein content consistent.
• Low and slow cooking helps meld flavors and tenderize meat, so resist the urge to rush the 3-hour simmering process for maximum taste development.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing it in advance and reheating for more intense, well-blended flavors.

Miranda Lambert’s Chili Storage Plan

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 4-6 months, maintaining optimal flavor and texture.
• Transfer chili to a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly to 165°F.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Chili Pairing Options for Miranda Lambert’s Recipe

• Flavor Fusion: Classic Bourbon Pairing
• Match Miranda's spicy chili with a smooth Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark, which balances the heat with caramel and vanilla undertones.
• Cool Down Companion: Creamy Cornbread
• Serve a side of buttery, slightly sweet cornbread to neutralize the chili's intense spiciness and provide a comforting texture contrast.
• Craft Beer Complement: Amber Ale
• Select a robust amber ale with malty characteristics that can stand up to the chili's bold flavors without overwhelming the dish's complexity.
• Fresh Finish: Crisp Cucumber Salad
• Prepare a light cucumber salad with vinegar and herbs to offer a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, hearty chili, cleansing the palate between bites.

Miranda Lambert’s Chili Spicy Takes

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced portobello mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version that maintains the rich, robust flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and canned tomatoes are certified gluten-free, and use gluten-free hot sauce to make this chili safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Swap beans for extra ground meat or add diced zucchini and cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the chili filling and nutritious.
• Slow Cooker Simplicity: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after browning the meat, cook on low for 6-8 hours for a hands-off approach that develops deep, complex flavors.

FAQs

• What makes Miranda Lambert's chili unique?

Her recipe uses a combination of ground beef and ground chuck, which adds extra depth and richness to the classic chili flavor.

• Can I make this chili less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the jalapeños and hot pepper sauce. You can control the heat level by adjusting these spicy ingredients to suit your preference.

• Do I need any special cooking equipment?

No, just a large skillet for browning meat and a stockpot for simmering. Basic kitchen tools like a wooden spoon and measuring spoons are all you’ll need.

• Is this a traditional Southern-style chili?

Yes, this chili reflects Southern cooking traditions with its hearty meat base, robust spices, and slow-simmering technique that allows flavors to develop fully.

Miranda Lambert Chili With Bold Southern Spice

• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: This hearty chili works brilliantly for game days, family gatherings, potlucks, and casual weekend meals, satisfying diverse taste preferences with its robust and spicy profile.
• Time-Friendly Cooking: With just 15 minutes of prep and 3 hours of hands-off simmering, this recipe allows busy home cooks to create a delicious meal while managing other tasks, making dinner preparation stress-free and enjoyable.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Easily adjust spiciness by controlling jalapeño quantities and hot pepper sauce, ensuring the chili meets everyone's personal heat tolerance without compromising on traditional southern charm.

Famous Chili Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Miranda Lambert’s Famous Chili brings bold Texan flavors to comfort food heaven. Hearty meat, rich spices, and homestyle cooking create a soulful dish that warms hearts and satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meats:

• 2 pounds ground beef, preferably chili grind, or ground venison
• 1 pound ground chuck

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)

Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Ro-Tel)
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, undrained (optional)

Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Chopped onions
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Fritos

Optional Serving:

• Jalapeno Cornbread

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational protein by searing ground beef and chuck in a skillet, methodically breaking down the meat with a wooden spoon until achieving a rich, caramelized exterior. Ensure thorough browning by potentially working in separate batches.
2. Transition the well-browned meat to a spacious stockpot, simultaneously introducing olive oil and aromatic vegetables. Delicately sauté yellow and white onions alongside jalapeños, cultivating a fragrant base that develops nuanced flavor profiles.
3. Integrate the caramelized meat with sautéed aromatics, creating a robust blend. Incorporate tomato varieties, green chiles, and a harmonious constellation of spices – chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper – orchestrating a complex flavor landscape.
4. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil, then dramatically reduce thermal intensity. Allow the chili to gently simmer, covered, for an extended three-hour duration. Periodically interrupt the cooking process with gentle stirring to prevent scorching and promote even flavor distribution.
5. During the final hour of simmering, strategically introduce pinto beans, enriching the chili’s textural complexity and nutritional depth. This carefully timed addition ensures beans maintain structural integrity while absorbing surrounding flavors.

Notes

• Choose high-quality ground beef with a higher fat content for richer, more flavorful chili that stays moist and tender during long cooking.
• Consider toasting whole spices like cumin and chili powder in a dry skillet before adding to intensify their complex flavor profile and create deeper, more robust taste notes.
• Experiment with different heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantities or using alternative peppers like serrano or poblano for customized spiciness.
• For a more heart-healthy version, substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef and use low-sodium alternatives to traditional ingredients without compromising delicious taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg