Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Name: Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, diced; 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 15.5 ounces chili beans; 1 Reese's Peanut Butter Cup; Salt to taste

Published: January 24, 2026

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The addition of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup creates a delightful contrast between savory and sweet.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein from ground beef and beans, this chili will satisfy your hunger.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Great for Meal Prep: This recipe yields enough servings for leftovers or can be frozen for future meals.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it alone, over rice, or with cornbread for a complete meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation smoother. These essentials will help you create the perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch oven
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons
Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch oven: This heavy pot retains heat well, ensuring even cooking of your chili.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface makes chopping ingredients safe and easy.
Knife: A sharp knife helps you dice vegetables quickly and efficiently.
Stirring spoon: A good stirring spoon ensures all ingredients are mixed thoroughly for optimal flavor.

Ingredients

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili combines turkey bacon and ground beef with smoked chili seasonings, beans, and the secret Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

For the Meat Base

1/2 pound Turkey Bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 pound ground beef

For the Vegetables

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole onion, diced

For the Seasonings

2 teaspoons Chipotle chili powder
1 tablespoon Chili powder
2 tablespoons Better than Bouillon, Beef Flavored

For the Tomatoes & Beans

28 ounces crushed tomatoes
14.5 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes
15.5 ounces chili beans

For Flavoring

2 teaspoons salt
1 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Begin cooking cut Turkey Bacon in the bottom of a Dutch oven on medium heat. When it’s half cooked, add the ground beef. Break apart the meat as you cook it until browned.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the meat mixture. Stir well to combine everything. Then add half of both chili powders along with the Better than Bouillon. Continue cooking until all meat is fully cooked.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans

Pour in both crushed tomatoes and fire-roasted tomatoes into the pot. Stir in salt and add chili beans to complete this savory base.

Step 4: Melt in the Secret Ingredient

Add the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Stir until it completely melts into the chili, creating that distinct flavor profile.

Step 5: Simmer for Full Flavor

Let your chili simmer on low heat for at least 30 minutes or longer if time allows. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully together.

With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious pot of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Serving Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili can elevate your dining experience. This unique dish pairs well with various sides and toppings that enhance its rich flavors.

Top with Fresh Ingredients

Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note to balance the richness of the chili.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Provides creaminess and a slight tang that complements spicy flavors.
Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully over warm chili, adding flavor and texture.

Pair with Crunchy Sides

Cornbread: A slightly sweet bread that contrasts well with the spicy notes of the chili.
Tortilla Chips: Perfect for dipping or crumbling on top for added crunch.
Guacamole: Creamy avocado spread that adds richness and pairs well with chili.

Create a Chili Bar

Various Toppings: Offer options like diced onions, jalapeños, or pickled peppers for guests to customize their bowls.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve on a bed of rice or quinoa to absorb the flavors and make it more filling.

How to Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Perfecting your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili can turn an already delicious dish into an unforgettable meal. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking process.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onions will provide better flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder based on your heat preference.
Simmer Longer: Letting the chili simmer longer allows flavors to meld, creating a richer taste.
Experiment with Beans: Try different types of beans such as black beans or kidney beans for varied textures and tastes.
Add Chocolate: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder in addition to the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

Best Side Dishes for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Complement your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili with these delightful side dishes. Each pairing enhances the overall meal experience.

Cornbread: A Southern classic that’s sweet and crumbly; great for soaking up chili juices.
Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes provides a refreshing contrast.
Steamed Rice: Simple white or brown rice acts as a base that absorbs the flavors from the chili beautifully.
Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds a tangy crunch, balancing out the richness of the chili.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy potatoes can be topped with chili for a hearty meal option.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and flavor while keeping things healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili can be a delightful experience, but certain missteps can compromise the dish.

Using too much salt: Over-salting can overpower the flavors. Start with less and adjust as needed.
Not browning the meat properly: Failing to brown the meat well can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned.
Ignoring the simmer time: Skipping the simmering step can prevent the flavors from developing fully. Allow at least 30 minutes for best results.
Forgetting to chop ingredients evenly: Unevenly chopped onions or garlic may result in inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform sizes for even cooking.
Neglecting to taste as you go: Not tasting while cooking may leave you with an unbalanced chili. Sample your dish at different stages to adjust seasoning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3–5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili that many home cooks have.

What makes Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili unique?

The addition of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup adds a surprising sweetness and depth, balancing out the savory ingredients perfectly.

Can I use other meats for this chili?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb if you prefer. Each will impart a different flavor profile.

How spicy is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili?

The spice level depends on your use of chili powders. Adjusting these will allow you to control the heat according to your preference.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and skip the turkey bacon for a delicious vegetarian version.

Is there a way to thicken my chili?

You can thicken your chili by letting it simmer longer or adding ingredients like beans or mashed potatoes for extra texture.

Final Thoughts

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili is an exciting twist on traditional chili recipes, offering both savory and sweet flavors that are sure to please everyone. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite beans or adjusting the spices. This dish is not only hearty but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion!

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