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Miranda Lambert’s Famous Chili: A Spicy, Southern Classic

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 10 to 14 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Southern, Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This bold and flavorful chili, inspired by country star Miranda Lambert, is a hearty Southern classic. Packed with ground beef, spicy peppers, tomatoes, and a rich blend of seasonings, this chili is perfect for game days, cozy nights, or anytime you’re craving a bowl of comfort. With 30 minutes of prep and a long, slow simmer, this dish is worth every bite!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef, preferably chili grind, or ground venison
  • 1 pound ground chuck
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as Ro-Tel)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco)
  • 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 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, undrained (optional)
  • Toppings: shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, cilantro, Fritos
  • Jalapeño Cornbread, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat:

    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and ground chuck, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Work in batches if necessary. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics:

    • In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped yellow and white onions, and diced jalapeño (if using). Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Combine Ingredients:

    • Add the browned meat to the stockpot with the sautéed aromatics. Stir in the diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chiles, hot pepper sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Simmer:

    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add Beans (Optional):

    • If using pinto beans, add them to the chili during the last hour of simmering.
  1. Serve:

    • Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped onions, sour cream, cilantro, and Fritos. Serve with Jalapeño Cornbread if desired.

Notes

  • Adjusting Spice Level: For a milder chili, omit the jalapeño and reduce the amount of hot pepper sauce. For extra heat, add more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

  • Beans or No Beans: Traditional Texas chili often excludes beans. Feel free to omit the pinto beans if you prefer a bean-free chili.

  • Make-Ahead Tip: Chili flavors deepen over time. Consider making it a day ahead and reheating before serving.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
  • Calories: 350g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg