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Hillbilly Chili – Made 2 Ways

October 5, 2017 by Chef Alli 27 Comments

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Hillybilly Chili with Cinnamon Rolls. Is there anything more delicious than an easy homemade chili when the snow is blowing and sub zero temps set in?? If you’re from the Midwest, you already know that every classic chili in the land is served with a cinnamon roll – all you need is one bite of the combination and you’ll be hooked. 

Hillbilly Chili – Made 2 Ways Recipe

When cooler weather sets in, there's nothing more cozy and comforting than a bowl of chili.....especially when it's served with a cinnamon roll alongside! If you're from the Midwest, you already know about this trend, and if you're not, DO try it.  I totally think you'll be hooked if you give it just one shot.  The combination of this chili with my Speedy Cinnamon Rolls or Speedy Maple Cinnamon Rolls will not disappoint, I promise! #Easy #SpeedyMeal #WeekNightMeal #Chili #Soup #Spaghetti #GroundBeef

Howdy. Chef Alli here!   Let’s Get You Cookin’ ….Shall We? 🙂

So, you may be asking yourself this question: Are cinnamon rolls and chili a MIDWEST thing or are cinnamon rolls and chili a KANSAS thing? I’m not sure, but I do know it’s a WONDERFUL thing!

I’m not sure how the tradition of chili and cinnamon rolls got started. Everyone here in my neck of the woods (NE Kansas) thinks it’s a crime if you eat chili and without a side of cinnamon roll.  Totally not kidding, either.

The combination is pretty dang yummy, no matter if we are eating basic Speedy Cinnamon Rolls or a more amped-up version: Speedy Maple Cinnamon Rolls.  Neither recipe will disappoint. 🙂

Are you looking for fun appetizers that feature the flavors of a good hearty chili? Well then, try this Chili Cheese Tamale Dip and Chili Cheese Super Bowl Dip made with pork sausage and black beans.

We also enjoy Chili-Cheese-Dog Tater Tot Bake as a casserole that’s pure comfort food as well as BACON-WRAPPED Chili Dogs…..a real guy-favorite at my house.

What to Love About this Recipe

  • This is a tried-and-true recipe (many times over!) that your family will ask for again and again.
  • It’s quick and easy.
  • You can use any type of ground meat to make this chili.
  • The addition of spaghetti makes this a fun version of chili.
  • It goes perfectly with cinnamon rolls! (Does one need anything else??)

My whole family loves chili, especially this Hillbilly Chili that includes spaghetti. At first I thought this an odd ingredient for chili, but we have absolutely fallen in love with it. (Be warned – many people have said they think the addition of spaghetti is just WRONG.)

When you make this chili, you will notice that it has the consistency of soup rather than a thick chili.  This is a good thing because of the spaghetti.  Pasta has a tendency to really soak up the broth, so this chili lends itself well to the spaghetti.

We eat a lot of soups, chili, and chowders during the Fall and Winter months. I love making soup and chili in my 6-quart Instant Pot (or even my 8-quart Instant Pot for really big batches of soup) to get dinner on the table a whole lot quicker.  We especially enjoy Instant Pot Sausage, Bacon and Potato Soup, Instant Pot Chicken and Orzo Soup and Vegetables, and Tex Mex Corn Chowder, just to name a few.

Here are the ingredients needed to make Hillbilly Chili –

  • Chili powder
  • Ground beef
  • Onion
  • Spaghetti or angel hair pasta
  • Chili beans
  • Tomato juice
  • Granulated sugar
  • Garnishes – shredded cheddar, corn chips, sour cream, if desired
Hillbilly Chili served in big bowls in perfect served beside a warm cinnamon roll.

Easy and Helpful Recipes Tips for Making Hillbilly Chili

If I make this chili on the stove top instead of in an Instant Pot, will it still be as flavorful?

  • I’ll admit that I do think that nearly everything made in the Instant Pot is more flavorful.  I believe it’s due to being cooked under pressure – how can whatever you cook NOT be more flavorful when all the ingredients are force-ably infused into every part of what you are cooking? Before I got my Instant Pot, though, I made this chili on my stove top all the time and it is still a delicious experience – not to worry.

My kids are weenies and don’t care for beans in chili, but I do. Got any suggestions?

  • My boys are weenies too! They prefer Hillbilly Chili without the addition of chili beans…totally ridiculous. What to do?  Well, I make a big batch of chili without the beans, then I serve the weenies first. Next I add warm chili beans to the chili bowls for me and Pa…delicious! This keeps everybody happy and it’s an easy fix.

If I don’t have chili beans on hand, can I substitute other canned beans from my pantry?

  • Yes and I’ve had to do this a number of times when I’ve gone to the pantry and found I was out of chili beans.  I’ve substituted plain pinto beans and also black beans for the chili beans and it works fine.  (Just keep in mind that you may need to use a bit more chili seasoning since canned chili beans typically come packed in a chili sauce.)
Homemade cinnamon rolls should always be served with a bowl of Hillbilly Chili.

CLICK HERE FOR MY FAVORITE SPEEDY CINNAMON ROLLS RECIPE!

Can I use any kind of ground beef in this recipe? I don’t always have ground sirloin on hand.

You can use any type of ground beef that you have on hand.  You’ll just want to be sure that you drain the fats from the ground chuck once it’s been cooked as there could be quite a bit that accumulates.  Otherwise, ground chuck works perfectly for this chili.

Can I make this chili using ground venison instead of ground beef?

I’m so glad you asked this question.  My sons are hunters, so we often have ground venison in the freezer.  I’ve used it in this chili recipe as well as these Meat Burritos with Cheese and Tex Mex Cauliflower Rice with Ground Beef just recently. I like to use ground venison in my recipes that use Mexican ingredients, such as chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, etc.  Here is a favorite appetizer recipe that uses vension, too: Venison Bacon Poppers. 

Can other pastas be substituted for the spaghetti in this chili?

Great question, and YES.  For whatever reason, my boys prefer spaghetti or angel hair pasta in this chili, but you could definitely substitute macaroni, small shell, or penne pasta very successfully.

Why does this chili recipe call for sugar as one of the ingredients? That seems kind of weird.

Actually, it’s not! Tomato products, such as diced or crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or even tomato juice, are acidic in nature and a pinch of sugar (or a tablespoon as in this recipe) cuts that acidity quite nicely, rounding out all of the flavors in the process.  Try it!

A bowl of Hillbilly Chili and Cinnamon Rolls make a warm and cozy meal.

More Recipes to Enjoy –

  • NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE BUTTERFINGER PIE
  • TASTY TEX MEX CHICKEN CORNBREAD CASSEROLE
  • CHEESY HASH BROWN MEATLOAF PIE
  • INSTANT POT BROCCOLI CHEESE NOODLE SOUP
  • ARTICHOKE OLIVE CHEESE BREAD
  • HOT AND CREAMY PIZZA DIP
  • BEEF AND CHEESE SANCHILADAS
  • CRUMBLED BUTTER BRICKLE ICE CREAM DESSERT

Printable Hillbilly Chili Recipe –

When cooler weather sets in, there's nothing more cozy and comforting than a bowl of chili.....especially when it's served with a cinnamon roll alongside! If you're from the Midwest, you already know about this trend, and if you're not, DO try it.  I totally think you'll be hooked if you give it just one shot.  The combination of this chili with my Speedy Cinnamon Rolls or Speedy Maple Cinnamon Rolls will not disappoint, I promise! #Easy #SpeedyMeal #WeekNightMeal #Chili #Soup #Spaghetti #GroundBeef

HillBilly Chili

When cooler weather sets in, there's nothing more cozy and comforting than a bowl of chili…..especially when it's served with a cinnamon roll alongside! If you're from the Midwest, you already know about this trend, and if you're not, DO try it.  #Easy #SpeedyMeal #WeekNightMeal #Chili #Soup #Spaghetti #GroundBeef
4.80 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 355kcal
Author: Chef Alli

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 1-2 15 oz. can chili beans, drained and rinsed
  • 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

Instructions

Instant Pot Directions

  • Using the saute setting on the Instant Pot (or any brand of electric pressure cooker), heat the chili powder, stirring to keep it from scorching, 20-30 seconds, until very fragrant. (This technique is called "blooming" and the heat really brings out the essence of the chili powder.)
  • Add the ground beef and the diced onions to the Instant Pot, continuing to cook until the beef is nicely browned and cooked throughout, and no pink remains.
    Drain any excessive fats from the cooked beef, then stir in the broken spaghetti pieces, letting them cook together for a minute or two.
  • Stir in the chili beans, tomato juice, sugar, salt, and pepper, then give the chili a quick stir. Lock the Instant Pot securely lid into place. Choose the high pressure setting for 3 minutes, bringing the Instant Pot to full pressure. When the timer sounds, perform a quick release to remove all pressure from the pot. 
  • Carefully unlock the IP lid and remove it; give the chili a quick stir.  Serve the chili in deep bowls, garnished with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and sour cream as desired, alongside warm cinnamon rolls.  

Stove Top Directions

  • In a Dutch oven over medium high heat, heat the chili powder, stirring to keep it from scorching, 20-30 seconds, until very fragrant. (This technique is called "blooming" and the heat really brings out the essence of the chili powder.)
  • Add the ground beef and diced onion to the Dutch oven and sauté until the ground beef is nicely browned and cooked through, and no pink remains. Drain the fats well from the beef mixture, then stir in the broken spaghetti pieces to coat them in the juices and spices that surround the crumbled cooked beef.
  • Add the tomato juice, sugar, salt, and pepper to the Dutch oven, giving it a stir.  Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cooking the chili for 30-35 minutes. Serve the chili in deep bowls, garnished with shredded cheese, tortilla chips, and sour cream, as desired, alongside warm cinnamon rolls.

Notes

**Please note:  the cooking time stated for this recipe does not include the time required to bring the Instant Pot up to pressure since this can vary. This recipe was made using a 6-quart Instant Pot. 
Feel free to use any type of ground meat in this recipe, such as ground chicken or turkey, ground venison or ground bison.  Also, if you opt to use beans in this chili, I like pinto beans or black beans. 
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili, ground beef, instant pot, soup

Nutrition

Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 95mg | Potassium: 378mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 297IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 3mg
Did you make this recipe?
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Let’s Get You Cookin’,
Chef Alli

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Related

Filed Under: Main Dishes, Recipes, Soups/Stews/Chowders Tagged With: ground beef, Instant Pot

Previous Post: « Rustic Cheese and Tomato Pizza Pie
Next Post: Speedy Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lona Smith

    October 5, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    If I don’t have a pressure cooker, should I cook pasta separate then add it to the meat mixture and simmer!

    Reply
    • Chef Alli

      November 27, 2019 at 2:28 pm

      Hi Lona – Sorry I’m just NOW seeing your question. You can cook the pasta right in the broth of the chili – works great.
      Happy Thanksgiving,
      Chef Alli

  2. Morgan

    November 13, 2019 at 10:04 am

    5 stars
    One of our family favorite!!!!!!!! So good, and yet so easy!!!!!

    Reply
    • Chef Alli

      November 21, 2019 at 2:24 pm

      Hi Morgan – Glad your fam liked this Hillbilly Chili! We think chili and cinnamon rolls are the perfect companions.
      Chef Alli

    • Herb

      November 24, 2019 at 1:31 pm

      No, the spreghetti will cook in the juice.

    • Andrea

      January 1, 2023 at 11:08 am

      5 stars
      U really can’t mess up chili but never have I made it this way. I never knew about blooming. Learned something new. Chili turned out wonderful.

    • Chef Alli

      January 10, 2023 at 6:22 pm

      Hi there –
      Glad to know you enjoyed the chili…and learned about blooming spices, too. More flavor is always a bonus!
      Let’s Keep Cookin’,
      Chef Alli

  3. Elaine

    May 18, 2020 at 4:17 pm

    I didn’t see any beans mentioned in the ingredients or in the instructions. I’m assuming one can of chili beans? Otherwise, it sounds delicious (and easy)!!

    Reply
    • Chef Alli

      June 4, 2020 at 3:39 pm

      Hi Elaine –
      Good grief! Chili wouldn’t be chili (in my world, anyway!) without beans, right? I just about fell down when I checked the recipe card and saw NO BEANS listed…..eeeek! I’ve corrected the recipe card now to reflect that, yes, beans should be included.
      Thanks so much for letting me know about this.
      Sincerely,
      Chef Alli

  4. Barb

    November 1, 2020 at 4:57 pm

    In Minnesota, we call it chili mac, like a hot dish ( casserole). I usually use elbows, but guess any noodle would work, I just make regular chili and then add the noodles.

    Reply
    • Alli

      November 2, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      Hi Barb!
      I always love learning the local names that each area of the country uses for specific dishes/recipes. When I next make Hillbilly Chili, I’ll try the elbows like you do for chili mac – I bet my guys will love it.
      Thanks for reaching out,
      Chef Alli

  5. Debbie

    November 13, 2020 at 5:16 pm

    5 stars
    I made this tonight for supper and loved it and my husband loved it too. He doesn’t like soup that much but he spooned up the broth till his bowl was finished. We had it with buttered saltines as this was a last minute decision.
    I’ll be making this for our next covered dish at church,

    Reply
    • Alli

      November 13, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      Hi Debbie –
      Thanks for letting me know that you and your Hubs enjoyed the Hillbilly Chili – I so appreciate the 5 star rating too. We have a pot of this chili in our fridge right now, too. 🙂
      I’m glad I’m not the only one who makes last minute decisions at dinner time!
      Your fan,
      Chef Alli
      P.S. Hope you’ll try the cinnamon rolls sometime, too. Cinnamon Rolls and Chili is “a thing” here in Kansas. How about where you live??

  6. Rina

    June 27, 2022 at 11:45 am

    How much pasta should I use in the recipe? Half pound or full pound. Thank you

    Reply
    • Chef Alli

      August 3, 2022 at 6:09 am

      Hi Rina –
      I’ve adjusted the recipe to make it easier. Use about 4 oz. of spaghetti or angel hair pasta since it expands as it cooks.
      Hope you enjoy the recipe – it’s a keeper!
      Chef Alli

  7. Joann

    June 29, 2022 at 11:48 pm

    4 stars
    I gave this 4 stars, just because I have not tried it yet. But I do have a question; What is a cylinder of spaghetti? I’ve never heard or seen that before :). Thanks for any help you can give me. Have a wonderful and blessed day.

    Reply
    • Chef Alli

      August 3, 2022 at 6:08 am

      Hi Joann –
      Yes, that is a bit confusing, isn’t it?? I adjusted the recipe to state using 4 oz. of spaghetti or angel hair pasta – that should help!
      Hope you’ll try this recipe – it’s a family favorite. 🙂
      Chef Alli

  8. Greg

    September 8, 2022 at 2:12 pm

    Hello Chef Alli
    You mention crock pot on the opening page, but nothing in your notes. I was wondering about the pasta and when to add it (any other suggestions would be welcome). New to this and any help would be appreciated.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Chef Alli

      September 8, 2022 at 7:46 pm

      Hi Greg –
      Crazy thing! When I viewed the Hillbilly Chili recipe just now, I can’t see any mention of a slow cooker method any where in the text! As for when to add the broken spaghetti or angel hair pasta, you do that in step 2 in both the stove top and the Instant Pot recipe, right after you’ve browned and drained the ground meat, spices, and onions. Here is the post I’m looking at right now – maybe somehow out there in the virtual space, it somehow got distorted – I honestly have no explanation. Please let me know if I can help you further, truly. Hope you try the chili – we love it! Can’t wait until the weather cools down and it’s soup/chili season once more.
      Sincerely,
      Chef Alli

  9. Michelle

    October 18, 2022 at 7:21 pm

    You use the same ingredients I do, with the exception that I add a can of refried beans. It doesn’t affect the flavor but makes it thicker. I’ve never thought about adding pasta.

    Reply
    • Chef Alli

      November 14, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      Hi Michelle –
      I have never even THOUGHT about adding a can of refried beans to this chili! I am actually making this recipe this eve so I’m going to add the refried beans and test it out. Thanks for letting me know….I’ll try the beans and you can try the pasta, deal?
      Let’s Keep Cookin’,
      Chef Alli

  10. Lacy

    November 27, 2022 at 12:47 pm

    Do you have to rinse and draing the chili beans or its that meant is using black or pinto beans?

    Reply
    • Chef Alli

      January 10, 2023 at 6:41 pm

      Hi Lacy –
      I usually rinse any canned bean that I’m using in a recipe, but it’s truly personal preference. Hope this helps! Let me know if I’m not understanding your questions correctly.
      Sincerely,
      Chef Alli

    • Becky

      January 24, 2023 at 5:38 am

      The thing is, where I’m from, chili beans are precooked beans canned in a chili flavored sauce. So if you rinse those beans you lose all the delicious sauce. I think that is what Lacy was referring to.

  11. DEBORAH

    January 16, 2023 at 6:03 pm

    Love the chili. Good without any add ons. We tried the cinnamon roll thing and really didn’t get the connection. I would rather have a nice slice of bread or cornbread.

    Reply
    • Chef Alli

      January 17, 2023 at 8:04 am

      Hi Deborah – Glad to know you enjoyed the Hillbilly Chili. The cinnamon roll and chili thing doesn’t resonate with everyone. Here in Kansas we connect to it because it was a “delicious duo” that was served to us in the school cafeteria or by our Grandmothers. My fam is still crazy for it!
      Thanks for your comment on the chili – I appreciate you taking time out to do that.
      Sincerely,
      Chef Alli

Trackbacks

  1. Speedy Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Frosting | Chef Alli's Farm Fresh Kitchen says:
    October 5, 2017 at 7:39 am

    […] you want to give this Midwestern combo a try, my family loves this Hillbilly Chili recipe. Or for a more traditional and hearty chili, you could try my Beef Chili recipe. (Just ignore the […]

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