If you’re craving something truly heartwarming and packed full of nostalgic flavors, this Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet. Imagine a rich, savory chili bubbling with tender ground beef, tangy tomato juice, and pasta for that unexpected but delightful twist, all paired with sweet, fluffy cinnamon rolls that offer the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. It’s a comforting combo that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish has such a loyal following.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun with this recipe, and luckily, they are simple and easy to find. Each one plays a crucial role: from the hearty ground beef that builds the base to the sweet bursts of cinnamon in the rolls that round out the meal perfectly.
- 2 lbs ground beef (round or sirloin): This adds robust flavor and protein, giving the chili its meaty depth.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: The onion softens and sweetens as it cooks, creating a flavorful foundation.
- 1-2 tbsp mild chili powder: Adjust to your taste for the perfect gentle warmth in the chili.
- 4 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta, broken into thirds: Pasta brings an unexpected, comforting texture that makes this chili unique.
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained: Adds heartiness and a delicious bean texture to the chili.
- 1 can (46 oz) tomato juice: This gives the chili its rich, tangy body and balances the spices.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish): Melts wonderfully on top, adding creamy, sharp flavor.
- Corn chips (for garnish): Provide a crunchy contrast that’s absolutely addictive.
- Sour cream (for garnish): Adds a cool, velvety finish that complements the spices beautifully.
- Cinnamon rolls: Sweet, fluffy rolls bring the perfect counterpoint and complete this classic pairing.
How to Make Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and browning the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and starting to caramelize. Once browned, remove the excess fat to keep your chili from becoming greasy but still rich and flavorful.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
To the pot, add your diced yellow onion and sauté until it’s softened and translucent. This step is essential because the softened onions lend a subtle sweetness and add layers of flavor to the chili base.
Step 3: Season It Up
Next, stir in your mild chili powder along with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a tiny bit of sugar. These seasonings perk up the chili, balancing the acidity of the tomato juice and deepening all the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Chili Beans, Tomato Juice, and Pasta
Pour in the undrained chili beans and the large can of tomato juice. Then toss in the broken pasta pieces. The pasta will cook directly in the chili, soaking up the savory liquid and softening into delightful little bites.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the chili cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want the pasta to become tender and the flavors to meld into a hearty, comforting stew.
Step 6: Serve with Tasty Toppings
Once the chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese, crunchy corn chips, and a dollop of sour cream. These garnishes not only add texture but elevate every bite with delicious layers of flavor.
How to Serve Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
The classic garnishes—shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, and sour cream—are more than just decoration. They add creaminess, crunch, and a refreshing coolness that transform every spoonful into something extra special. Feel free to get creative with chopped green onions or jalapeños if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
While this chili is a filling meal on its own, pairing it with fresh, buttery cinnamon rolls creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet. You might also consider a crisp green salad to brighten the table or roasted vegetables for a hearty side.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the chili in rustic bowls for that cozy, homemade feel, and stack the cinnamon rolls nearby on a wooden platter. For fun, set out all the garnishes family-style so everyone can customize their bowls — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to engage guests in the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover chili into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to develop even more, making reheated portions taste just as good, if not better than freshly made.
Freezing
The chili freezes beautifully. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Cinnamon rolls freeze well too—wrap them tightly to maintain softness.
Reheating
Reheat chili gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, or microwave in short bursts. If the chili appears too thick, add a splash of water or tomato juice to loosen it up. Warm cinnamon rolls in the oven or microwave to reclaim that fresh-baked warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and flavorful, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences.
Is the broken pasta necessary in the chili?
The pasta adds a unique, filling texture that sets this chili apart from typical recipes. However, if you prefer a more classic chili texture, you can omit the pasta or substitute it with elbow macaroni or small shells.
Can I make the cinnamon rolls from scratch?
Definitely! While store-bought cinnamon rolls save time, homemade ones take the meal to the next level of comfort and indulgence. There are plenty of easy recipes out there that pair beautifully with this chili.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe uses mild chili powder for a gentle warmth. You can always adjust the amount up or down or add a pinch of cayenne if you like more heat, making it perfect for all palates.
What’s the best way to keep leftover chili from becoming soggy when reheated?
Stirring gently and reheating slowly prevents the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy. Adding a splash of tomato juice or water helps maintain the right consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a winning combination of down-home comfort and simple, satisfying flavors that are easy to love. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers a soul-warming meal that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cozy dinner tradition.
Print
Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Hillbilly Chili recipe combines ground beef, tender pasta, and chili beans simmered in a flavorful tomato juice base. Perfect for a comforting meal, it’s garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, and sour cream for added texture and creaminess. Ready in under an hour, this rustic chili is a satisfying dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (round or sirloin)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1–2 tbsp mild chili powder
- 4 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta, broken into thirds
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (46 oz) tomato juice
Garnishes
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
- Corn chips (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown 2 lbs of ground beef until fully cooked, then drain off the excess fat to keep the chili rich but not greasy.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and sauté until soft and translucent, enhancing the chili’s flavor base.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of mild chili powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors evenly throughout the chili.
- Add Beans and Liquid: Pour in the 15 oz can of undrained chili beans and the full 46 oz can of tomato juice, mixing well to combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Incorporate Pasta: Add the broken spaghetti or angel hair pasta pieces, stirring them in to distribute throughout the chili.
- Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the chili has thickened slightly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips for crunch, and a dollop of sour cream for creaminess as desired.
Notes
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level; start with 1 tbsp if you want a mild flavor.
- Do not cover the pot during simmering to allow the chili to thicken and flavors to concentrate.
- You can substitute spaghetti with angel hair pasta or small pasta shapes for quicker cooking.
- For a richer flavor, use sirloin instead of ground round beef.
- Garnishes like cheddar cheese, corn chips, and sour cream add texture and contrast to the hearty chili.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
