Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart and fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls recipe is a true family favorite in my home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you have friends over for a gathering. The combination of hearty chili and sweet cinnamon rolls brings comfort food to a whole new level, making it a dish everyone will love.

Gather around the table with your loved ones, and share this delicious chili that’s packed with flavor and nostalgia. The best part? It’s easy to whip up, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying good company!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can get this comforting meal on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love digging into this hearty bowl of chili topped with their favorite garnishes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this chili ahead of time, making weeknight meals stress-free and simple.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices combined with ground beef creates a rich and satisfying taste that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
• Perfect Pairing: Enjoying this chili with sweet cinnamon rolls makes for an unbeatable combination that you won’t want to miss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Hillbilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls:

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 (Optional)

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Corn chips
• Sour cream

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or switch to hot chili powder.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute the beef with lentils or black beans for a hearty plant-based option.

How to Make Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Breaking it apart as it cooks allows it to brown evenly while releasing all those delicious flavors. This step is essential because it forms the base of our chili’s rich taste.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once your beef is nicely browned, add in the diced onions. Sauté them until they are translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to our dish.

Step 3: Add Ingredients

Now it’s time to stir in the mild chili powder, spaghetti pieces, chili beans (with their liquid), tomato juice, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients well ensures that every spoonful will be bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Simmer Away

Bring everything to a gentle simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes. This simmering allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a hearty chili that will warm you from the inside out.

Step 5: Serve with Cinnamon Rolls

As your chili simmers away, prepare classic midwestern cinnamon rolls if you’d like! Serve them warm alongside your delicious Hillbilly Chili for an unforgettable meal that will have everyone smiling!

With these simple steps, you’ll create a comforting dish that’s sure to bring joy around your dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls is all about enhancing flavors and ensuring a perfect texture. Here are some pro tips to take your dish to the next level:

• Choose the right ground beef: Using ground round or sirloin ensures a leaner chili, which helps keep the dish rich without being overly greasy.

• Break up the pasta well: By breaking your spaghetti or angel hair into thirds, you allow it to cook evenly and incorporate beautifully into the chili, providing that comforting texture we all love.

• Let it simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer for a little longer after adding all ingredients enhances the flavors. This gives the spices time to meld together for that perfect taste.

• Add extra veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or diced tomatoes for an added layer of flavor and nutrition. They complement the chili while adding vibrant color.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different; don’t hesitate to tweak the salt, pepper, or chili powder levels according to your family’s preferences. Taste-testing is key!

How to Serve Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

When serving your delicious Hillbilly Chili paired with warm cinnamon rolls, presentation can elevate your meal from good to unforgettable. Here are some ideas:

Garnishes

• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkling cheddar on top of your chili adds creaminess and a delightful flavor contrast.
• Corn chips: Crushed corn chips provide a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft chili.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream brings a cooling element that balances the spices in the chili.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic side is slightly sweet and complements the savory flavors of chili perfectly.
• Mixed green salad: A refreshing salad with light dressing offers a crisp contrast to the warm, hearty dish.
• Pickled jalapeños: For those who like heat, pickled jalapeños add zing and brightness.
• Steamed broccoli: This nutritious side is simple to prepare and adds color while keeping your meal healthy.

With these tips and serving ideas, you’re sure to create a memorable dining experience with your Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hillbilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, ensuring you have delicious meals ready to go throughout the week. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Make sure to leave some space at the top of each container for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For stovetop reheating, place the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If using a microwave, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency after freezing.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls!

Can I use different types of pasta in Hillbilly Chili?

Absolutely! While spaghetti or angel hair is traditional, feel free to experiment with any pasta you enjoy or have on hand.

How do I make Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Adjust seasoning as needed for flavor!

What toppings go well with Hillbilly Chili?

Classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, and sour cream. You could also add fresh cilantro or diced onions for extra flavor!

Can I serve Hillbilly Chili without cinnamon rolls?

While cinnamon rolls are a delightful pairing, you can serve this chili with cornbread or crusty bread instead if that suits your fancy!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting recipe that brings warmth and delight to your table. Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of hearty flavors that will surely please family and friends alike. Enjoy cooking this dish and savor every bite—happy cooking!