This Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful dish that combines hearty flavors and comforting textures, making it perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or even a cozy night in, this recipe fits the bill. The unique pairing of chili with sweet cinnamon rolls is sure to impress your guests and satisfy their cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this chili comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with ground beef and beans, this chili is not only delicious but also satisfying enough to be a complete meal on its own.
- Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it as a standalone dish or with classic midwestern cinnamon rolls for a comforting twist that everyone will love.
- Customizable Flavor: Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili powder or adding your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.
- Great for Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the chili evenly and allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Stirring spoon: A sturdy spoon helps mix the ingredients thoroughly without damaging them.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for preparing vegetables like onions quickly and safely.
Ingredients
This Hillbilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls is an easy homemade chili spaghetti recipe we suggest serving with classic midwestern cinnamon rolls.
For the Chili
- 1-2 Tbs. mild chili powder
- 2 lbs. ground beef (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
- Shredded cheddar, corn chips, and sour cream for garnishing the chili as desired
How to Make Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients on your countertop to ensure you have everything ready for cooking.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat:
1. Add ground beef.
2. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a stirring spoon.
3. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
Add diced onions to the pot:
1. Cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in:
1. Mild chili powder,
2. Broken pasta,
3. Chili beans,
4. Tomato juice,
5. Granulated sugar,
6. Salt and pepper.
Bring mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer the Chili
Reduce heat to low:
1. Cover pot partially.
2. Simmer for about 30 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle chili into bowls:
1. Top with shredded cheddar, corn chips, or sour cream as desired.
2. Serve hot alongside warm cinnamon rolls for an unbeatable combination!
How to Serve Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
Hillbilly Chili is a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with warm cinnamon rolls. This combination creates a comforting meal that is perfect for family gatherings or chilly evenings.
Classic Garnishes
- Shredded Cheddar: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili for a creamy, savory finish.
- Corn Chips: Serve with crunchy corn chips for a delightful texture contrast.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can cool down the chili’s spice and add richness.
Pair with Cinnamon Rolls
- Freshly Baked Rolls: Warm cinnamon rolls straight from the oven enhance the meal’s sweetness.
- Drizzle Icing: A light icing glaze on your cinnamon rolls adds an extra layer of sweetness that complements the chili.
Presentation Tips
- Layered Bowls: Serve chili in clear bowls to showcase its vibrant colors alongside fluffy cinnamon rolls.
- Themed Dinnerware: Use rustic dishware to give your meal a cozy, inviting feel.
How to Perfect Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
To make your Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls truly memorable, consider these simple yet effective tips.
- Bold Spices: Experiment with different chili powders to find the right level of heat that suits your taste.
- Quality Meat: Choose lean ground beef like ground sirloin for better flavor and texture in your chili.
- Cook Pasta Separately: Cook spaghetti or angel hair pasta separately to avoid overcooking and maintain its integrity.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually while cooking to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
When serving Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls, adding side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Cornbread: A sweet, crumbly cornbread complements the chili perfectly; serve it warm with honey butter.
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad adds a crisp contrast; toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers a crunchy texture; use a tangy dressing for balance against the chili’s richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide color and nutrition; drizzle them with olive oil before roasting.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili for a heartier option; add cheese and sour cream if desired.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy spice, pickled jalapeños offer an exciting kick; serve them on the side for guests to choose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the best results with your Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning – Failing to season adequately can lead to bland chili. Always taste and adjust the spices as needed during cooking.
- Overcooking the pasta – If you overcook the spaghetti or angel hair, it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its texture.
- Neglecting garnishes – Topping your chili with garnishes like shredded cheddar or sour cream enhances flavor and presentation. Don’t skip this step!
- Using low-quality ingredients – Poor quality beef or canned goods can affect the taste of your dish. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Not letting it simmer long enough – Quick cooking can result in less developed flavors. Allow your chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes for a rich taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Hillbilly Chili in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
- Allow the chili to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in short increments, stirring in between, until hot, about 2-3 minutes depending on portion size.
- Stovetop – Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls:
Can I add other beans to my Hillbilly Chili?
You can definitely mix in other types of beans like kidney or black beans for added texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for ground beef in Hillbilly Chili?
Ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives work well if you’re looking for a lighter option.
How do I make my Hillbilly Chili spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.
Can I prepare the cinnamon rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate them overnight before baking.
Final Thoughts
Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have available or your personal preferences. Try adding different beans, spices, or toppings to make it uniquely yours!
Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls is a comforting dish that uniquely combines hearty chili with sweet cinnamon rolls, creating an irresistible meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. This recipe features ground beef, flavorful spices, and tender pasta, making it a filling option that will satisfy everyone at the table. The addition of warm cinnamon rolls adds a delightful sweetness, enhancing the overall experience. Easy to prepare and customizable, this dish invites you to adjust the spice levels or garnishes to suit your taste. Whether you’re enjoying a game day feast or a family dinner, this delightful pairing is sure to impress.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 4 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta
- 1 can chili beans (15 oz)
- 1 can tomato juice (46 oz)
- 1–2 Tbs. mild chili powder
- 1 Tbs. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
- Corn chips (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients.
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- Add diced onions and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in mild chili powder, broken pasta, chili beans, tomato juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes until pasta is cooked through.
- Serve hot in bowls topped with shredded cheddar, corn chips, or sour cream alongside warm cinnamon rolls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize the chili by adding different beans like kidney or black beans. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Adjust the spice level by increasing the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños.