Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili: 1 Hearty Meal

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Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili has always been my go-to for a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal. I remember my mom making this homestyle ground beef chili on cold autumn evenings, the aroma of spices filling our kitchen and making my stomach rumble. It’s packed with tender noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato base that just screams cozy. If you’ve ever wondered how to make hillbilly chili that’s both hearty and easy, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili

This chili is a winner for so many reasons:

• It’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying, a true homestyle ground beef chili experience.
• You can whip it up in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• It’s packed with protein and fiber from the ground beef and beans, making it a hearty meal.
• It’s super budget-friendly, using common pantry staples for a delicious meal.
• This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
• It’s a fantastic example of a comforting, homestyle ground beef chili that’s both easy and delicious.
• The combination of noodles and savory chili is wonderfully unique and comforting.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili

When you’re wondering what ingredients for hillbilly chili are essential, this list covers everything for a truly delicious and hearty meal. This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced – about 1 cup, provides a sweet base
• 1 green bell pepper, diced – about 1 cup, adds a fresh, slightly bitter note
• 1 pound lean ground beef – the savory heart of the dish
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential fragrant kick
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed – adds texture and protein
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed – creamy texture and more protein
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – forms the rich, tomatoey base
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – provides chunks of tomato and extra liquid
• 1 tablespoon chili powder – the classic chili spice
• 1 teaspoon cumin – adds warmth and earthiness
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for a hint of smoky depth
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) – enhances all the flavors
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of spice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – balances the acidity and adds a subtle sweetness
• 2 cups beef broth – creates the liquid base and adds savory flavor
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked) – the signature pasta element
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, green onions, sour cream

How to Make Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili

Making this hearty chili is a breeze, and it’s a fantastic option when you’re looking for an easy ground beef hillbilly chili. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, comforting meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

1. Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

   Start by heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1 medium yellow onion, diced, and the 1 green bell pepper, diced. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened and the onion is translucent. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your chili.

2. Step 2: Brown Beef and Garlic

   Add 1 pound lean ground beef to the pot with the softened vegetables. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned all over. Drain off any excess grease if needed. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for just one more minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

3. Step 3: Combine Chili Base

   Now it’s time to bring everything together. Stir in the 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed, and the 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed. Add the 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. These ground beef chili seasonings are key to that classic flavor.

4. Step 4: Simmer and Flavor

   Pour in 2 cups beef broth and stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially (leaving a small gap for steam to escape), and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, developing a wonderful smoky chili flavor.

5. Step 5: Cook the Noodles

   Add 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked) directly into the simmering chili. Stir gently to make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Continue to cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender. This is what makes this an easy ground beef hillbilly chili – the noodles cook right in the pot!

6. Step 6: Serve and Garnish

   Ladle the hot Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili into bowls. It’s delicious served as is, but you can elevate it with your favorite toppings. I love a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, some fresh green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this chili truly shine. Follow these tips for a perfect pot every time!

• For a richer, deeper flavor, let the chili base simmer for at least 30 minutes before adding the noodles. This really lets those spices meld.
• Don’t be afraid of the brown sugar! It perfectly balances the acidity from the tomatoes and adds a subtle sweetness that makes the chili irresistible.
• Make it a day ahead! Seriously, this hearty ground beef chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to marry.

What’s the secret to perfect Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili?

The real secret to an authentic hillbilly chili ground beef dish is patience with the simmering. Letting the base flavors develop before adding the pasta makes a world of difference. It’s about building layers of taste. For more on flavor development, check out this guide on culinary techniques.

Can I make Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chili is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble everything up to the point of adding the noodles, store it in the fridge, and then cook the noodles just before serving. It also tastes even better the next day! For more make-ahead meal ideas, visit our homepage.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili?

A couple of common pitfalls to watch out for are not browning the beef properly, which can lead to a greasy chili, and overcooking the noodles, making them mushy. Make sure your beef is nicely browned and drain excess fat, and keep an eye on those noodles in the last few minutes! Learn more about food preparation tips.

Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili

This hearty chili is so versatile and truly shines when paired with the right sides. It’s the kind of meal that feels complete and satisfying, embodying a true country style chili experience.

• Cornbread is a classic for a reason! A slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread is the perfect contrast to the savory, rich chili. I love making a batch of skillet cornbread to serve alongside.
• For something a little unexpected but incredibly delicious, try serving it with cinnamon rolls. The sweetness of the roll against the savory chili is surprisingly amazing and a comforting combination I discovered years ago.
• If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty bread for dipping works wonderfully too.

Nutrition Facts for Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili

This classic dish offers a hearty and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

• Calories: 390
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 750mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your preparation of this hearty ground beef chili. For more information on nutritional guidelines, you can refer to resources like the USDA MyPlate guidelines.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili

This hearty ground beef chili is a fantastic make-ahead meal, and storing and reheating it properly ensures it tastes just as delicious later. Once your chili has cooled down significantly, typically for about an hour at room temperature, transfer it to airtight containers. For refrigerator storage, it will keep well for 3 to 4 days. If you plan to freeze it, which is perfect for future quick dinners, ensure it’s in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat it is slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first for the best results. For more on food safety, consult our policies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili

What is hillbilly chili?

What is hillbilly chili, you ask? It’s a hearty, comforting, and often rustic style of chili, typically featuring ground beef and noodles, that originated in the Midwest. Unlike some regional chili variations, it’s known for being a complete meal in a bowl, packed with flavor and easy to make.

Why is it called hillbilly chili?

The name “hillbilly chili” is thought to come from its humble, down-to-earth origins and simple, accessible ingredients, often made in rural or “hillbilly” communities. It’s a nod to its comforting, no-frills, homestyle nature, reflecting a traditional American cooking style that’s both filling and budget-friendly. Read more about our affiliate disclosures.

Can I make Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili in a slow cooker?

Yes, you absolutely can! To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and ground beef with garlic on the stovetop first, then add them to your slow cooker along with all the other ingredients except the noodles. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the uncooked macaroni during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking, stirring occasionally until tender. This makes for an even easier, hands-off version of this classic homestyle ground beef chili.

What can I substitute for kidney beans or pinto beans?

If you don’t have kidney or pinto beans on hand, or if you prefer a different bean, you can easily swap them out. Cannellini beans, black beans, or even great northern beans would work wonderfully in this hearty ground beef chili. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the pot, just like the original recipe calls for.

Variations of Ground Beef Hillbilly Chili You Can Try

While this recipe is wonderfully classic, I love experimenting to see how I can tweak it. Here are a few variations that are just as delicious and offer a slightly different take on this comforting dish.

• No-Bean Rustic Beef Chili: If you’re not a fan of beans or prefer a chili with a smoother texture, simply omit the kidney and pinto beans. The chili will still be hearty and flavorful, with the noodles providing plenty of substance. This version really highlights the savory beef and rich tomato base.
• Slow Cooker Convenience: For an even easier approach, convert this to a slow cooker meal. Sauté the aromatics and brown the beef as usual, then transfer everything (except the noodles) to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the uncooked macaroni during the last 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender. This makes for a truly hands-off, rustic beef chili.
• Spicy Kick: If you like your chili with a bit more heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper. You can also increase the chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce at the end to suit your preference.
• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans. You might also want to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

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