If you’re a fan of Miranda Lambert’s music, then you’ll absolutely love her Famous Chili! This recipe has all the warmth, heart, and bold flavors you’d expect from a Southern classic, and trust me, it’s just as comforting and satisfying as her music. It’s hearty, savory, and perfectly spiced—everything you want in a bowl of chili. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a delicious, filling meal, this chili is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Miranda Lambert’s Famous Chili is all about bold, smoky, and savory flavors with the right amount of heat. It’s made with tender ground beef, rich tomatoes, and a hearty mix of spices that bring everything together in the most delicious way. The secret to this chili’s success? The perfect blend of chili powder, cumin, and a touch of smoky paprika. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make and even better the next day—making it the perfect dish for meal prep or game day.
Ingredients
Here’s a preview of the ingredients that’ll bring this chili to life. You can find the full list of everything below:
- Ground beef (the base of the chili)
- Onion, garlic, and bell pepper (for extra flavor and depth)
- Tomatoes (crushed or diced)
- Kidney beans and black beans (for texture and heartiness)
- Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (for that kick)
- Beef broth (for a rich, savory base)
- Jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
These ingredients combine to create the perfect balance of spice, smokiness, and depth that you’re looking for in a chili!
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 6-7 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and starting to crisp up. This gives the chili a great base flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. The mix of garlic and onions adds such a great depth of flavor to the chili.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together and let the spices cook for about a minute. This will help the flavors bloom and create that signature chili taste that you’ll crave.
Step 4: Stir in the Tomatoes and Beans
Now it’s time to add the tomatoes and beans! Stir in the crushed or diced tomatoes (whichever you prefer), kidney beans, and black beans. Add the beef broth to the pot and bring everything to a simmer. If you like your chili thicker, you can reduce the broth a little as it cooks.
Step 5: Let It Simmer
Lower the heat and let the chili simmer for about 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally, and let the flavors meld together. This is when the chili really starts to come to life, and you’ll smell those wonderful spices filling the air.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. Once it’s just right, ladle the chili into bowls, and it’s ready to enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For Extra Flavor: If you have time, let the chili simmer longer (up to an hour). The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop and blend together.
- Don’t Skip the Beans: The kidney beans and black beans aren’t just for texture—they add a richness to the chili that really makes a difference.
- Make it Spicier: If you like your chili on the spicy side, feel free to add a little extra jalapeño, cayenne, or even some hot sauce for an extra kick.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Meat-Free Version: To make this chili vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative. You could also use lentils for a hearty, protein-packed option.
- Different Beans: Feel free to switch up the beans! Pinto beans or black-eyed peas would work great in place of kidney beans.
- Add Veggies: Want more vegetables? Toss in some corn, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes to bulk it up and add more flavor and texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Miranda Lambert’s Famous Chili is perfect for pairing with classic chili toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. If you’re serving it to a crowd, add a side of cornbread or warm, buttery biscuits for the ultimate comfort meal. For drinks, a nice cold beer pairs wonderfully with the spices in the chili, or you could go for a crisp iced tea or even a refreshing margarita if you’re in the mood for something festive!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? You bet! This chili keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. If it’s too thick after freezing, simply add a little extra broth when reheating to bring it back to its perfect consistency.
FAQs
- Can I make this chili in advance? Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had a chance to come together. Make it ahead and let it chill in the fridge overnight.
- Can I add more heat? Absolutely! If you love spice, feel free to add more jalapeños, cayenne, or even a spoonful of hot sauce to bring the heat to your liking.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe. Just be sure to season it well to ensure the chili still has plenty of flavor.
- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes! Canned tomatoes (especially fire-roasted) will work perfectly in this chili and save you time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot.
Conclusion
Miranda Lambert’s Famous Chili is a perfect example of Southern comfort food at its best. With tender ground beef, flavorful spices, and hearty beans, it’s the ultimate chili recipe to enjoy on a cozy night in, or when you’re feeding a crowd. It’s bold, delicious, and guaranteed to keep you coming back for more. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of chili that’s as memorable as her music!
Print
Miranda Lambert’s Famous Chili: A Hearty and Flavorful Southern Classic
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Description
This hearty chili recipe combines tender ground beef, rich tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of spices. With smoky chipotle, cumin, and cayenne pepper, Miranda Lambert’s Famous Chili brings Southern comfort to your table with a bold twist. It’s perfect for a crowd or a cozy night in!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1–2 jalapeños, diced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks for 6-7 minutes until browned and crispy in spots.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to let the spices bloom.
- Add Tomatoes & Beans: Stir in crushed/diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the chili simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more cayenne or jalapeños if you prefer extra heat.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- Extra Heat: For more spice, increase cayenne or add diced jalapeños.
- Flavor Development: Chili often tastes better the next day, so make it in advance for deeper flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
- Beans: You can use pinto or black-eyed peas instead of kidney beans for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg