Sweet Home Apple Butter Chili

Classic chili with a subtle sweetness that adds depth without overpowering.

This cozy Southern-style, Sweet Home Apple Butter Chili blends ground beef, spices, tomatoes, and a generous spoonful of Sweet Home Apple Butter for an unforgettable hint of sweetness and warmth. The apple butter melts into the sauce, rounding out the spices and giving the chili a smooth, slow-cooked flavor—without the wait.

Perfect for fall dinners, chilly nights, or game-day gatherings.

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup Sweet Home Apple Butter
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green onion, cornbread croutons

Instructions

Brown the Beef:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef with onion and bell pepper until browned. Drain excess fat.

Season:
Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.

Build the Base:
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and Sweet Home Apple Butter. Stir until the apple butter melts into the mixture.

Simmer:
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and flavorful.

Finish:
Add kidney beans and cook 10 minutes more.

Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, or cornbread.

Perfect Pairings

• Classic or Cajun Candy Southern Cornbread — the sweetness in the chili is perfect with a crispy, savory cornbread.
• Baked potatoes — chili-stuffed potatoes become a full meal.
• Chili dogs — the apple butter adds incredible depth.
• Sharp cheddar or smoked gouda — amazing flavor contrast.
• Sweet Home Hot Sauce — for those who like heat with their sweet.