Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that brings families together, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. This delightful combination of hearty chili served with sweet, soft cinnamon rolls is a staple in many Midwestern homes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone’s craving something delicious and comforting.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and heartiness. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a meal that warms the soul and satisfies every appetite. Plus, there’s something incredibly nostalgic about enjoying chili with cinnamon rolls that makes it feel like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this comforting meal on the table in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves chili, especially when paired with sweet cinnamon rolls—kids and adults alike will devour it!
• Make-ahead convenience: This recipe keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
• Deliciously satisfying: The blend of flavors from the chili combined with the sweetness of rolls creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Customizable: It’s easy to adjust ingredients based on your family’s preferences, making it versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls is part of the fun! These simple, wholesome items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at your local grocery store. Let’s get started!

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 make it your own with these variations:

• Swap the protein: If you’re not keen on beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add jalapeños or swap out mild chili powder for hot chili powder to kick things up a notch.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the beef with lentils or black beans for a hearty vegetarian version that everyone will love.

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. Break it apart as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Browning adds depth to your chili’s flavor and creates that rich base we all crave.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Once your beef is cooked through, add in the diced onion. Sauté until it becomes translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The sweet aroma fills your kitchen and enhances the overall taste of your chili.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Next, stir in the mild chili powder along with kosher salt and pepper. Mixing these spices now helps release their essential oils and flavors right into your dish.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the tomato juice and add both the broken pasta and canned chili beans (don’t drain them!). Stir everything together well so that all those fantastic flavors combine beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer Away

Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together while cooking the pasta perfectly.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Once ready, ladle your hot Hillbilly Chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, or sour cream as desired. Serve alongside warm cinnamon rolls for that classic Midwestern touch!

Enjoy this heartwarming dish with friends and family—it truly makes any meal feel special!

Pro Tips for Making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly!

• Choose the right beef: Opting for ground round or ground sirloin not only enhances flavor but also keeps the chili lean and healthy without sacrificing taste.

• Adjust the spice level: Start with 1 tablespoon of mild chili powder. You can always add more later if you’re looking for an extra kick, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish at their preferred spice level.

• Cook pasta separately: If you prefer your pasta with a bite, cook it separately and add it just before serving. This helps maintain the perfect texture and avoids mushiness in the chili.

• Let it simmer: Allow your chili to simmer for longer than 30 minutes if possible. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty dish that everyone will love.

• Don’t skip the sugar: Adding granulated sugar balances the acidity of the tomato juice and enhances the overall flavor profile of your chili, making it taste more rounded and delicious.

How to Serve Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Serving Hillbilly Chili alongside warm cinnamon rolls creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Shredded cheddar: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy texture that complements the chili’s warmth.
• Corn chips: Crushed corn chips offer a crunchy contrast that elevates each spoonful of chili.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool, tangy touch that balances the spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Fresh garden salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing crunch that pairs wonderfully with the hearty chili.
• Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is a classic companion for chili, adding sweetness and comfort to every bite.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini bring additional color and nutrients to your meal while complementing the flavors of the chili.
• Baked potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as another filling side that’s great for soaking up any leftover chili sauce on your plate.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to create an unforgettable meal with your Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Hillbilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making lunch or dinner a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to keep any garnishes, like cheese or sour cream, separate until serving.

Freezing

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl; heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

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

Can I make Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans for a delicious vegetarian version.

What should I serve with Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls?

Alongside these delightful cinnamon rolls, consider topping your chili with shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.

How spicy is this Hillbilly Chili recipe?

This recipe uses mild chili powder, so it’s not very spicy. However, you can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños if you prefer a kick!

Can I use other types of pasta instead of spaghetti?

Yes! Feel free to use any small pasta shape you like. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente before adding it to your chili.

How long does it take to make Hillbilly Chili from scratch?

The total time is about 50 minutes, including prep and cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal yet comforting enough for special occasions!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Hillbilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls as much as I do! It’s such a heartwarming dish that brings together flavors and comfort like no other. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or any tweaks you made along the way—I’d love to hear from you! Happy cooking!