Robert Mitchum's Chili Wonder

Aug 3
4 min read

Cindy Mitchum joins us to discuss the famous Mitchum family chili!

Robert Mitchum remains one of the most iconic stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. He starred in several film noir classics including Crossfire, Out of the Past, Angel Face, Macao and Night of the Hunter. Mitchum excelled a other genres as well and turned in memorable performances in G.I. Joe, Holiday Affair, Cape Fear just to name a few. While you can always see them on TCM or DVD, seeing Mitchum on the big screen is really the best possible way to go.

The Recipe

Robert Mitchum LOVED chili and was known for judging chili contests and cooking for family, friends and film crews.

Robert Mitchum’s Chili Wonder

by Carrie and Robert Mitchum

This is the first time on Hollywood Kitchen where I've seen a recipe from a star's family member who also happens to be a professional chef!! Carrie Mitchum has a website called Mitchum's Kitchen and I highly encourage you to check it out and go down the rabbit hole. I certainly have.

Ingredients:

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 1 hours 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hours 50 mins

Chili

1 pound Beef, ground or chopped into small pieces. You can also use chicken, turkey, grains, lentils etc.

½ Cup Green Bell Pepper, medium dice

½ Cup Celery, medium dice

1 Cup Onion, medium dice I use sweet onions if available. Otherwise, Brown or Spanish are fine!

2 TB Brown Sugar OR Molasses

1 tsp Garlic, minced

2 TB Parsley, chopped

2 TB Cilantro, chopped

Note: If you do not like Cilantro, you can just use

4 TB chopped Parsley

1 Can Fire Roasted Tomatoes, diced (14.5 oz can)

2 tsp Kosher Salt

1 Cup Water, more if you are slow cooking overnight

4 TB Mitchum's Kitchen Chili Seasoning ot Chili Seasoning/Powder of your choice

1 Can Beans (15.5 oz can). Your choice of beans. You can also make from scratch if you prefer.

Garnish

1 TB Sour Cream

¼ Cup Cheese, shredded

1 ¼ TB Green Onion, Chopped

Directions from Carrie Mitchum

"If you are using meat, brown it in a dutch oven and pour off the fat. Then add all the ingredients except the beans, and slow cook on the stove for 4 hours (or in a crock pot over night)... add the cooked beans and cook half an hour more... Remember, if you are using cooked grains or lentils, add them when you add the beans so they don't over cook! And, I garnish with shredded Sharp Cheddar, Sour Cream, and Green onions...But you can get creative!!!

A lot of the original recipe said both beans and tomatoes are optional. I like them in my chili so I have included them. Also, this recipe can be made with beef, turkey, chicken, or a grain like quinoa or farro. It even works if you want to substitute lentils for meat, but in that case, I would hold the other beans!"

Since Liz Locke is the Hollywood Kitchen cocktail expert, she made two Robert Mitchum tribute cocktails.

CHOCOLATE RUM OLD-FASHIONED

2oz dark rum

1/4 oz simple syrup

2 dashes chocolate bitters

1 dash orange bitters

Garnish: dried orange + shaved dark chocolate

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and stir to chill. Strain into a glass over a large ice cube or ball, and garnish with a dried orange slice and pinch of shaved dark chocolate.

MISSIONARY’S DOWNFALL

1oz light rum

1/2 oz peach schnapps

1/2 oz lime juice

1 oz honey syrup

1/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

3/4 cup fresh ice

Blend all ingredients together and pour into a coupe glass. Garnish with fresh mint.

Special Guest

Cindy Mitchum is a storyteller, producer, and producer dedicated to preserving one of Hollywood's most enduring family legacies. As the daughter of beloved character actor John Mitchum and the niece of legendary screen icon Robert Mitchum, she represents a family whose contributions to American film span generations.

Building on that remarkable heritage, Cindy has become a passionate ambassador for the Mitchum legacy through media appearances, special events, and literary projects. She spearheaded the reissue of her father John Mitchum's acclaimed memoir, "Them Ornery Mitchum Boys", introducing new audiences to the unforgettable true story of the Mitchum family's journey from Depression-era hardship to Hollywood history.

Whether appearing on podcasts, speaking at book signings, or celebrating classic cinema, Cindy brings warmth, authenticity, and firsthand insight into one of the entertainment industry's most legendary families. Her work honors not only the accomplishments of her father and her iconic uncle, but also the resilience, humor, and enduring spirit that continue to make the Mitchum name synonymous with Hollywood's golden age.

Liz Locke is the founder of CinemaSips.com, a weekly guide to cocktail and movie pairings, as well as a frequent contributor to Moviejawn. Originally from western Pennsylvania, she now lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and very adorable rescue dog. When not writing or watching her favorite classic films, she can usually be found with a cocktail in one hand and a book in the other. Her debut novel, Follow the Sun, was published in 2023.

The Old Sport, Rosalie Kicks is the Editor in Chief of MovieJawn, a quarterly print publication and website established in 2015. She hails from Philadelphia where she dabbles in filmmaking experiments. When she isn't watching motion pictures she can be found toiling away in her laboratory dissecting films of Tinseltown's past for her podcast, Cinematic Crypt. Rosalie has served as the Nitrate Picture Show’s Social Media Correspondent and has a fondness for black and white pictures, but is always up for a technicolor treat. As a Bela Lugosi enthusiast, she believes that capes never went out of style.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSSYtP8J7A0

Final Result

The Robert Mitchum Chili Wonder is fantastic! It is easy to make, flavorful and delicious. Plus you can easily customize it with beef, chicken, turkey or make it vegetarian or vegan.

I made mine in a crockpot, as it is super hot outside.

Cindy said that adding the grated chocolate was very important. I didn't know what kind of chocolate to buy, but this Maeve Mexican Hot Chocolate Bar caught my eye at the grocery store. It was the perfect choice!