Miranda Lambert’s Famous Chili
Warm, hearty, and bursting with bold flavor, Miranda Lambert’s Famous Chili is a comforting dish that hits all the right notes. With a savory blend of ground beef and chuck, aromatic vegetables, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a rich mix of spices, this chili is perfect for cool evenings, family dinners, or game-day gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned chili fan or just looking for a satisfying, slow-simmered dish, this recipe delivers every time.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 lbs |
| Ground chuck | 1 lb |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Yellow onion, chopped | 1 |
| White onion, chopped | 1 |
| Jalapeño, finely diced | 1 |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 (28 oz) can |
| Diced tomatoes with green chiles | 1 (10 oz) can |
| Hot pepper sauce (e.g., Tabasco) | 1½ teaspoons |
| Chili powder | ¼ cup |
| Ground cumin | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 2½ teaspoons |
| Pinto beans, undrained (optional) | 1 (15 oz) can |
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and ground chuck, breaking the meat into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the meat is browned. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow and white onions along with the diced jalapeño. Sauté for 3–5 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the jalapeño is aromatic.
3. Combine and Simmer
Add the browned meat to the stockpot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, hot pepper sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Long Simmer
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer the chili for 3 hours. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to fully develop and deepen.
5. Add Beans (Optional)
If using pinto beans, stir them into the chili (with liquid) after the initial 3-hour simmer. Continue cooking for another hour on low heat.
6. Taste and Serve
Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot in bowls with your favorite toppings—shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, cilantro, or crunchy Fritos for that Southern twist.
Final Notes
This chili isn’t just a dish—it’s a tradition. Rich, spicy, and soul-warming, Miranda Lambert’s Famous Chili brings people together around the table. Whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth, this recipe never fails to impress.
