If you’re craving something wildly delicious and comfortingly different, you have to try this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of hearty, smoky chili with a surprising hint of creamy peanut butter and chocolate from a chopped Reese’s cup that melts right in, creating a rich depth you’ll fall head over heels for. Trust me, this isn’t your typical chili — it’s a flavor adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds and sharing stories about the unexpected magic in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is rooted in simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that bold, savory, and slightly sweet punch. From the smoky turkey bacon that adds an irresistible crunch to the slow-simmered tomatoes and beans creating the perfect base, every component brings heart, texture, and vibrant color to your bowl.
- 1 pound ground beef: The sturdy, flavorful foundation of the chili that soaks up all the spices beautifully.
- 1/2 cup turkey bacon, cut into pieces: Adds smoky notes and just the right crispiness without overwhelming the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fresh, aromatic intensity that wakes up the other ingredients.
- 1 whole onion, diced: Provides a sweet, savory backbone that caramelizes perfectly in the pot.
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes: Creates a vibrant, tangy sauce base packed with luscious color and flavor.
- 15.5 ounces chili beans: Adds hearty texture and that classic chili mouthfeel you love.
- 1 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, chopped: The secret ingredient that introduces a divine swirl of creamy, chocolatey richness.
- 2 teaspoons Chipotle chili powder: Brings smoky heat with a subtle kick that compliments the sweet notes.
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder: The essential chili seasoning that layers warmth and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons Better than Bouillon, Beef Flavored: Intensifies the meaty umami for a deeply satisfying stew.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Balances and enhances all the complex flavors in the pot.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili Recipe
Step 1: Cook your turkey bacon and ground beef
Start by heating your Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the turkey bacon pieces until they’re halfway crispy but still tender. Then, add the ground beef and use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. This creates those perfect little morsels of seasoned meat that soak up every bit of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté onions, garlic, and spices with the meat
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned meat along with half of your chili powders and the Better than Bouillon. Stir everything together, letting the onions soften and the aromas really come alive. This step ensures your chili base bursts with deep, layered flavors before the liquids even join the party.
Step 3: Add crushed tomatoes, beans, and salt
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chili beans, stirring gently but thoroughly. Sprinkle in the salt, which will elevate all those savory notes. This mix forms the heart of your chili, thick and luscious, ready to meld with the rest of the ingredients during simmering.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup
Here’s the fun twist — sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into your pot. As it slowly melts, it infuses each bite with a creamy, slightly sweet richness that’s totally unexpected but completely addictive. It’s what makes this chili so uniquely memorable.
Step 5: Simmer to perfection
Turn the heat down to low and let your chili simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This slow cook time is crucial because it allows all the flavors — from smoky and spicy to sweet and savory — to blend harmoniously into one irresistible dish.
How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili Recipe experience to the next level, consider topping it with freshly chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. These garnishes add pops of color, refreshing coolness, and creamy texture that complement the richness of the chili beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this chili with warm cornbread, crunchy tortilla chips, or a simple side salad. Each side balances the hearty and slightly sweet notes, while also providing a little textural contrast that keeps your palate excited throughout the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chili in individual ceramic bowls for a cozy vibe, or go bold by presenting it inside hollowed-out bell peppers or bread bowls. You can even top it with crushed peanuts to echo the peanut butter flavor of the Reese’s cup — it makes a striking and delicious presentation perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili Recipe is just as delicious the next day. Store any extra chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier on reheating.
Freezing
Want to keep this chili for longer? Freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave a little room at the top of the container since the chili will expand as it freezes.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your chili again, gently reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or broth helps if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works too; just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Does the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup make the chili taste sweet?
Yes, but in the best possible way. The chopped candy melts into the chili, lending a subtle, creamy sweetness that balances the smoky heat without overpowering it. It creates a unique depth that sets this chili apart.
Can I substitute ground turkey for the beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and keeps the chili leaner. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning as ground turkey tends to be milder in flavor.
What if I don’t have Better than Bouillon beef base?
No worries! You can substitute with a good quality beef broth or bouillon cubes dissolved in water. The key is to add that rich umami presence that boosts the chili’s savoriness.
Is this chili very spicy?
This chili has a moderate kick thanks to the chipotle chili powder, but it’s balanced with sweet and rich flavors. You can adjust the spice levels by using less chili powder or opting for milder chili powders if preferred.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, swap ground beef and bacon for lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef base. The Reese’s cup adds richness that still works well in a meatless version.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili Recipe, you’ll never think of chili the same way again. It’s a deliciously unexpected combo of smoky, spicy, and sweet that warms you inside and out. Grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare for a bowl full of smiles and surprise. This recipe is destined to become your new favorite comfort food!
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Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A unique and flavorful chili recipe combining traditional chili ingredients with a surprising twist of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup for a rich, subtly sweet depth. This hearty dish features ground beef, turkey bacon, beans, and a blend of smoky chili powders, simmered to perfection for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Proteins
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup turkey bacon, cut into pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 whole onion, diced
Canned Goods
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15.5 ounces chili beans
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Chipotle chili powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons Better than Bouillon, Beef Flavored
- 2 teaspoons salt
Special Ingredients
- 1 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Turkey Bacon and Ground Beef: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until it is halfway done. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Sauté Aromatics and Add Spices: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic along with half of the chipotle chili powder, chili powder, and Better than Bouillon. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and the onions are softened.
- Add Tomatoes and Beans: Mix in the crushed tomatoes and chili beans, then add the salt. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Melt Peanut Butter Cup into Chili: Incorporate the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup into the chili, allowing the chocolate and peanut butter to melt into the mixture creating a rich, unique flavor layer.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Using turkey bacon adds a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
- Allowing the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup to melt fully is key to infusing the chili with its nutty, sweet notes.
- Simmering the chili for at least 30 minutes enhances the depth of flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- You can adjust the level of spice by modifying the amount of chili powders according to your heat preference.
- This chili pairs well with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
