Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the soul, you’ve come to the right place! This Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls recipe is not just another chili dish; it’s a delightful blend of flavors that brings back memories of family gatherings and chilly nights spent around the dinner table. The combination of hearty chili with soft, sweet cinnamon rolls makes it a true Midwestern classic. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting family and friends, this dish will surely be a hit!
What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s perfect for those who are looking to enjoy something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This chili comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and unique pairing with cinnamon rolls.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can easily adjust or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time!
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients can be half the fun! For this Hillbilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls, you’ll need some simple and wholesome staples that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chili
- 1-2 Tbs. mild chili powder
- 2 lbs. ground beef (I typically use ground round or ground sirloin)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 oz. spaghetti or angel hair pasta, broken into thirds
- 1 15 oz. can chili beans, undrained
- 1 46 oz. can tomato juice
- 1 Tbs. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. each kosher salt and pepper
For Garnishing
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Corn chips
- Sour cream
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these variations:
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicy: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or switch to hot chili powder.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta for a delicious alternative.
How to Make Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning your ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. This step is crucial as it adds depth to your chili’s flavor profile. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks until it’s no longer pink.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Once your beef is browned, add in your diced yellow onion. Sautéing until they become translucent enhances their sweetness, creating a lovely base for your chili.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in your mild chili powder, spaghetti pieces, chili beans, tomato juice, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so that every bite is packed with flavor!
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Bring your mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes; this helps all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
Once your Hillbilly Chili has simmered to perfection, serve it hot with your favorite garnishes—shredded cheddar cheese, crunchy corn chips, and creamy sour cream make fantastic additions! Don’t forget those warm cinnamon rolls on the side; they are simply irresistible!
Enjoy making this heartwarming dish!
Pro Tips for Making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
Making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful experience, especially when you incorporate a few handy tips that can take your dish from good to fantastic!
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Choose the right ground beef: Opting for ground round or ground sirloin gives your chili a great flavor without too much grease. This keeps your chili hearty yet enjoyable.
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Balance your spices: Adjusting the amount of chili powder according to your taste preference can make a significant difference. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you prefer a spicier kick!
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Don’t skip the sugar: Adding granulated sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomato juice. This sweet touch enhances the overall flavor profile, making every spoonful delightful.
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Cook pasta separately: For a better texture, consider cooking the spaghetti or angel hair pasta separately before adding it to the chili. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy and helps maintain their integrity.
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Let it simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer for a little longer after cooking will deepen its flavors. If time permits, let it sit covered on low heat for an extra 10-15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
Serving Hillbilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls is not just about taste; it’s also about presentation! Here are some ideas to make your dish visually appealing and even more enjoyable.
Garnishes
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar adds a creamy richness that complements the chili perfectly.
- Corn chips: Crushed corn chips provide a lovely crunch, giving each bite an exciting texture contrast.
- Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and helps cool down any spice in the chili, balancing flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
- Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread pairs wonderfully with chili, soaking up all those delicious juices while offering a slightly sweet contrast.
- Green salad: A simple green salad with fresh veggies can lighten up your meal while adding some refreshing crunch.
- Pickles: The tanginess of pickles serves as a perfect counterbalance to the rich flavors of chili, providing an unexpected but delightful twist.
- Oven-roasted vegetables: Roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add color and nutritional value to your plate, complementing the hearty nature of the chili.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for a cozy meal that brings warmth to any gathering or dinner table! Enjoy your homemade Hillbilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a comforting meal throughout the week. You can whip up a big batch ahead of time and store it for later, ensuring you always have a delicious option on hand.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer the chili into an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Garnishes should be stored separately if possible.
Freezing
- Let the chili cool completely before freezing it.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
FAQs
If you have any questions about making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help you out.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in Hillbilly Chili?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great leaner substitute for beef while still providing a hearty base for your chili. Just follow the same instructions as with ground beef.
How do I make Hillbilly Chili vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version of this recipe, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans and use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice. This will maintain the wonderful flavors while keeping it meat-free!
Can I add more vegetables to Hillbilly Chili?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn into your chili. Just remember to adjust your cooking time accordingly so that everything cooks evenly.
What can I serve with Hillbilly Chili besides cinnamon rolls?
While cinnamon rolls are traditional, you could also serve this chili with cornbread, rice, or even a side salad for a more balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
This Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls recipe is special because it combines warmth, comfort, and nostalgia all in one pot. It’s perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even as meal prep for busy weeks ahead. I hope you enjoy making this delicious dish as much as I do—happy cooking!
Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re in search of a comforting meal that embodies warmth and nostalgia, look no further than Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls. This delightful dish combines the heartiness of a savory chili made with ground beef, tender pasta, and a medley of spices, perfectly paired with sweet cinnamon rolls. It’s a classic Midwestern comfort food that brings families together over delicious flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. In just under an hour, you can create this satisfying meal that not only warms the soul but also leaves everyone craving seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 oz. spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- 1 can chili beans (15 oz), undrained
- 1 can tomato juice (46 oz)
- 1–2 Tbs. mild chili powder
- 1 Tbs. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. each kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in chili powder, pasta, chili beans, tomato juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.
- Serve hot with shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, and sour cream alongside warm cinnamon rolls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
