Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Name: Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained; 1 can (46 oz) tomato juice; 4 oz spaghetti or angel hair pasta, broken into thirds; 1-2 Tbs. mild chili powder; 1 Tbs. granulated sugar; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1 tsp. pepper; Optional garnishes: shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, sour cream

Recipe By:

Juniper

Posted:

September 3, 2025

Updated:

September 3, 2025

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Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls is a delightful dish that combines the hearty goodness of chili with the sweet comfort of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for family gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in, this recipe stands out due to its rich flavors and satisfying texture. The combination of ground beef with spices creates a savory base that pairs beautifully with soft, warm cinnamon rolls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a comforting meal ready in under an hour.
Flavorful Combination: The spicy chili and sweet cinnamon rolls create a unique flavor profile that will please any palate.
Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or a side dish; it’s perfect for any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: With eight servings, this recipe is great for sharing at parties or family dinners.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need a few essential tools. These items will ensure that your Hillbilly Chili turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for simmering the chili evenly without overcrowding.
Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping vegetables.
Chef’s knife: Essential for quickly dicing onions and other ingredients with precision.

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, typically 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
Corn chips
Sour cream

How to Make Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the onion and break the spaghetti into thirds if you haven’t done so already.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break up any clumps as it cooks.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion

Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the mild chili powder, salt, pepper, granulated sugar, chili beans (with liquid), tomato juice, and broken spaghetti into the pot. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld together.

Step 6: Prepare for Serving

Once cooked, serve your Hillbilly Chili hot in bowls garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, corn chips, and sour cream as desired.

Enjoy this comforting dish paired with warm cinnamon rolls for a truly delightful meal!

How to Serve Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Hillbilly Chili is a hearty dish that pairs perfectly with sweet cinnamon rolls. This combination creates a delightful balance of savory and sweet, making it an ideal meal for gatherings or family dinners.

Classic Serving Suggestions

Top with Shredded Cheddar: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of your chili for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Add Corn Chips: Serve the chili with a side of corn chips for a crunchy contrast that enhances every bite.
Sour Cream Scoop: A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess and cut through the chili’s spiciness.
Serve in Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve the chili in hollowed-out bread bowls to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Unique Pairing Ideas

Chili Over Spaghetti: For an extra filling meal, serve your chili over broken spaghetti or angel hair pasta, combining two comfort foods.
Cinnamon Roll Sandwiches: For a creative twist, use half of a cinnamon roll as a sandwich to scoop up the chili; it’s a fun way to enjoy both treats together.

How to Perfect Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls is simple, but following some tips can elevate your dish to the next level.

Bold Chili Powder: Use 1-2 tablespoons of mild chili powder for that perfect balance of flavor without overwhelming heat.
Quality Meat Choice: Opt for ground beef like ground round or sirloin for lean meat that still provides great flavor.
Simmer Slowly: Allow your chili to simmer longer if possible; this helps deepen the flavors and meld everything beautifully.
Sweet Balance: Adding granulated sugar can help balance out acidity from the tomato juice, enhancing overall taste.

Best Side Dishes for Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider serving alongside Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls.

Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad provides a crisp contrast that complements the richness of the chili.
Cornbread Muffins: Soft cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up any leftover chili while adding a slightly sweet flavor profile.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the hearty nature of the chili.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables make for a healthy side that brings color and nutrients to your plate.
Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with butter or sour cream as a filling accompaniment to soak up that delicious chili sauce.
Garlic Breadsticks: Warm garlic breadsticks offer an additional carb element that’s perfect for dipping into your chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using the wrong type of meat: Ground beef is ideal for this recipe. Avoid using tougher cuts that may not cook well in the chili.
Skipping the seasoning: Seasoning is crucial for flavor. Don’t forget to add chili powder, salt, and pepper—taste as you go!
Overcooking the pasta: The spaghetti or angel hair should be al dente before adding it to the chili. Cook it just enough so it holds its shape.
Not letting it simmer: Allowing your chili to simmer enhances the flavors. Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful dish.
Ignoring garnishes: Toppings like shredded cheddar and sour cream add richness. Don’t skip these for a more enjoyable meal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Hillbilly Chili in an airtight container.
It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hillbilly Chili unique?

Hillbilly Chili is known for its hearty ingredients like ground beef and beans combined with tomato juice. The addition of pasta gives it a comforting twist.

Can I make Hillbilly Chili vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add extra beans or lentils for protein.

How do I spice up my Hillbilly Chili?

To increase heat, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños. Experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika for added depth.

What goes well with Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls?

This dish pairs nicely with cornbread or a fresh garden salad. Enjoying it with cinnamon rolls adds a delightful sweetness that balances the chili’s heat.

Final Thoughts

Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls offer a warm, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Its simplicity allows for plenty of customization—add your favorite beans or toppings! We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own while enjoying its delicious flavors.