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.

Explore Sweet Home Food Recipes for other Perfect Pairings.

Show Us How You Serve It

Every table is different—and that’s the point. Share your Sweet Home creation and tag @SweetHomeFoods.