Hillbilly Chili With Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Hillbilly Chili is a unique and flavorful take on traditional chili, blending hearty ingredients with a twist — it’s served alongside warm, sweet cinnamon rolls! This combination brings together the savory and spicy taste of chili with the comforting sweetness of cinnamon rolls, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and unforgettable. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a game day gathering, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients Breakdown

Essential Ingredients for Hillbilly Chili

• 1-2 Tbs. mild chili powder: Provides the base flavor for the chili, offering a mild heat that complements the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls.
• 2 lbs. ground beef: Ground round or ground sirloin works best for a tender, flavorful chili.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 4 oz. spaghetti or angel hair pasta, broken into thirds: A unique addition that adds texture and heartiness to the chili.
• 1 15 oz. can chili beans, undrained: Beans bring creaminess and protein, rounding out the chili’s texture.
• 1 46 oz. can tomato juice: Creates a rich and tangy base for the chili, balancing the flavors.
• 1 Tbs. granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• 1 tsp. each kosher salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
• Shredded cheddar, corn chips, and sour cream: For garnishing the chili, adding creaminess, crunch, and an extra burst of flavor.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To prepare this Hillbilly Chili recipe, you will need the following equipment:

• Dutch oven or a large heavy-bottomed pot
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons
• Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker (optional)
• Ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Preparation

Stove Top Directions for Hillbilly Chili

1. Bloom the Spices: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, add the chili powder. Stir constantly for 20-30 seconds to prevent scorching. This blooming process will release the essential oils and bring out the rich aroma of the chili powder.
2. Cook the Beef and Onions: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pot. Sauté until the beef is thoroughly browned, and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving a small amount to keep the mixture moist.
3. Add the Pasta: Break the spaghetti or angel hair pasta into thirds and stir it into the beef mixture. Let it absorb the flavors and juices for about 2 minutes.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the chili beans with their juices, tomato juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Simmer the Chili: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you have extra time, let it simmer longer to develop a deeper flavor.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into deep bowls and top with shredded cheddar, corn chips, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Pair with warm cinnamon rolls on the side.

Instant Pot Directions for Quick Cooking

1. Bloom the Spices: Use the sauté setting on your Instant Pot. Add the chili powder, stirring for 20-30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Beef and Onions: Add the ground beef and diced onions to the Instant Pot. Sauté until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Pasta and Ingredients: Stir in the broken spaghetti pieces, chili beans with juice, tomato juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 3 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release to release the steam.
5. Serve: Open the lid carefully, stir the chili, and serve with your desired garnishes and a side of cinnamon rolls.

Tips for Perfect Hillbilly Chili

Blooming Spices for Maximum Flavor

Blooming spices in hot oil or fat for a few seconds enhances their flavor. This is a crucial step for making your chili aromatic and robust.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef: Round vs. Sirloin

Ground round and ground sirloin are both excellent choices for this recipe. Ground round is leaner and has a more intense beef flavor, while ground sirloin is slightly fattier, providing a juicier texture. Choose based on your preference.

Secrets to Cooking the Spaghetti Perfectly in Chili

Adding the spaghetti directly to the chili allows it to absorb all the delicious flavors. Make sure to break it into thirds for easy mixing and even cooking.

Serving and Presentation Suggestions

How to Serve Hillbilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls for Maximum Enjoyment

For a delightful presentation, serve the chili in deep, wide bowls. Place a warm cinnamon roll on a small plate alongside. This setup makes it easy to enjoy the sweet and savory combination in every bite.

Creative Garnishing Ideas for Hillbilly Chili

Experiment with different garnishes to enhance the flavor and texture of your chili. Consider topping with jalapeño slices for a kick, diced avocado for creaminess, or a sprinkle of green onions for freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking or Undercooking the Beef and Onions: Sauté the beef and onions until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry meat and burnt onions.
• Avoiding Scorched Spices When Blooming: Always stir spices continuously to prevent them from burning, which can result in a bitter flavor.
• Using the Right Amount of Tomato Juice for Consistency: Tomato juice is key to achieving the perfect chili texture. If the chili is too thick, add more tomato juice. If too thin, simmer longer to reduce.

Variations and Swaps

Substituting Ground Turkey or Chicken

For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. This swap will reduce fat content while maintaining a delicious flavor.

Alternative Add-Ins

Add more nutrition and variety to your chili by incorporating extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. You can also try different types of beans such as black beans or kidney beans.

Storage and Leftovers

How to Properly Store Leftover Hillbilly Chili

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Best Practices for Freezing and Reheating

To freeze, place the cooled chili in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

Pairing Suggestions

The Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Hillbilly Chili

While cinnamon rolls are a unique and delightful pairing, consider adding a crisp green salad or some freshly baked cornbread for a more traditional side dish.

FAQ

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?
  Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans and vegetables.
• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  Absolutely! You can use any short pasta like macaroni or ditalini for a different texture.
• How spicy is this chili?
  This recipe is mildly spicy due to the mild chili powder. Adjust the spice level by using hot chili powder or adding red pepper flakes.

Conclusion

Hillbilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors. Whether you prepare it on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot, this recipe is simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Try it out, and don’t forget to share this unique recipe with your friends and family! If you enjoyed this recipe, subscribe to our blog for more delicious ideas.

Print