Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili: Sweet & Savory Revelation

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili might sound like a wild idea, but trust me, it’s a flavor revelation! I stumbled upon this combination quite by accident, and it’s become one of my go-to comfort foods. Imagine the rich, savory depth of a classic chili, now enhanced with the irresistible sweet and salty goodness of peanut butter and melty chocolate. It’s a truly unique flavor experience for your taste buds, hitting all the right notes. This isn’t just chili; it’s an adventure in a bowl, taking the familiar comfort of Reese’s candy and transforming it into something truly special. Get ready to explore this unconventional recipe that’s sure to surprise and delight!

Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

This chili isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:

• Unique Sweet and Savory Flavor Profile: The perfect marriage of deep chili spices and the sweet, salty goodness you expect from Reese’s PB cups.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It delivers all the cozy, heartwarming satisfaction of a traditional chili, with an exciting new twist.
• Surprising Twist on a Classic: You’ll love how the familiar taste of Reese’s chocolate and peanut butter elevates a beloved dish.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Easily adjust the spice level to please everyone at the table.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples alongside the star, Reese’s PB cups, making it an affordable indulgence.
• Incredibly Satisfying: The rich combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and savory chili creates a deeply fulfilling meal.
• Conversation Starter: It’s guaranteed to get people talking and asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Gathering everything for this unique chili is part of the fun! You’ll need the usual suspects for a hearty chili, plus a few special additions that make it truly unforgettable. The peanut butter forms a creamy base, enriching the chili’s texture, while the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups add pockets of sweet, salty, chocolatey goodness that melt into the savory depths. It’s these key Reese’s peanut butter candy elements that transform a humble chili into something extraordinary.

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 3-4 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, more chopped Reese’s Cups

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Let’s get cooking! This chili comes together on the stovetop with ease, creating a symphony of flavors and textures. The magic happens as the savory base mingles with the sweet and salty notes of peanut butter and chocolate.

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 lb ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Drain any excess fat if needed. This builds our savory foundation.
2. Step 2: Stir in 1 medium onion, chopped, and 3 cloves garlic, minced. Cook until the onion becomes beautifully translucent and aromatic, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and onions, letting the spices bloom for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed, and 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Step 5: Add 1 cup peanut butter, mixing it thoroughly into the chili base. Watch as it melts and blends in, creating a wonderfully creamy texture. The quality of your peanut butter, one of the key Reese’s peanut butter cups ingredients, really shines here.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the 3-4 chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Allow them to melt slightly into the warm mixture, creating pockets of sweet, gooey goodness that are essential to this unique dish.
7. Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also adjust other seasonings if needed to suit your personal preference for spice and flavor.
8. Step 8: Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook, covered, for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Step 9: Once the chili has thickened to your desired consistency and the flavors have married, your amazing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili is ready to serve!

Pro Tips for the Best Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Want to elevate your chili game? These tips will help you master this unique dish and make your Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili truly unforgettable.

• Control the Sweetness: Adjust the number of Reese’s candy you add. Start with the suggested amount and taste; you can always add more if you prefer a sweeter chili.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground meat for hearty mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based crumble for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to add more heat with extra cayenne, a dash of hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños to complement the sweetness of the candy.
• Flavor Boosters: A pinch of smoked paprika or a teaspoon of dried oregano can add another layer of complexity to the savory base.

What’s the secret to perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili?

The real magic lies in balancing the savory chili with the sweet and salty notes of the Reese’s PB cups. Don’t overcook the candy; you want it to melt slightly, creating pockets of gooey deliciousness without completely disappearing into the base.

Can I make Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chili base up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For the best texture and distinct candy flavor, stir in the chopped Reese’s peanut butter candy during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering when you reheat it.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili?

Be mindful not to add too many Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, as this can make the chili overwhelmingly sweet. Ensure the peanut butter is fully incorporated to prevent clumps, and avoid overcooking the chili after adding the candy to maintain its unique flavor profile.

Best Ways to Serve Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Serving this unique chili is all about complementing its sweet and savory symphony. Classic chili toppings are a must! Think a generous dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp shredded cheese, and some fresh chopped green onions for a bit of bite. For an extra decadent touch that really plays up the theme, try a drizzle of melted Reese’s chocolate or a scattering of crushed peanuts. This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread or even some tortilla chips. It’s a dish that begs for creative garnishes!

Nutrition Facts for Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

This unique chili offers a surprising nutritional profile thanks to its blend of savory ingredients and sweet treats. Here’s a look at what you can expect per serving (approximately 1 cup, without toppings):

• Calories: 450-550 (This can vary significantly based on the meat used and if you add toppings.)
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 8-12g
• Protein: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 8-12g
• Sugar: 15-25g (This is influenced by the Reese’s candy content.)
• Sodium: 700-900mg

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and toppings, especially when incorporating the delicious elements of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

How to Store and Reheat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

This flavorful Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili is fantastic for meal prep, and leftovers are often even better! Once your delicious chili has cooled down completely, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep this amazing Reese’s candy creation for longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. The Reese’s peanut butter candy tends to hold up well to both refrigeration and freezing, ensuring you get that unique sweet and savory kick even days or weeks later.

Reheating is simple! For stovetop reheating, gently warm the leftover chili in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just be sure to stir halfway through for even heating. Enjoy your delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions About Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

Is this chili too sweet?

That’s a common question! While it has a sweet and savory profile, it’s not overly sweet. The chili spices, tomatoes, and savory meat balance the sweetness from the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. You can control the sweetness by adjusting the number of cups you add, so start with less if you’re concerned and add more to taste.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, you absolutely can! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the chili, with little bits of peanut interspersed throughout. It’s a fantastic way to enhance the peanut flavor and provide a bit more chewiness. The texture from the crunchy peanut butter works wonderfully alongside the creamy melted chocolate.

What kind of Reese’s cups are best for this chili?

For this recipe, the classic milk chocolate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups work perfectly. Their balanced sweet and salty flavor is ideal. You could experiment with dark chocolate versions for a richer flavor, or even the seasonal variations if you’re feeling adventurous, but the original delivers that signature taste.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Adjusting the spice is easy! The recipe calls for ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which provides a mild to moderate heat. For a spicier chili, simply increase the cayenne pepper, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even stir in some diced jalapeños along with the onions and garlic. This allows you to tailor the heat to your preference, ensuring a delicious chili experience.

Variations of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but the beauty of this Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chili is its versatility! You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences. For a delicious vegetarian option, swap the ground meat for hearty chopped mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based crumble. These additions soak up the flavors beautifully and offer a satisfying texture. If slow cooking is more your style, simply brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. You can even explore other candy variations! Consider adding a few chopped caramels or even some dark chocolate chips along with the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a more complex sweet profile. And of course, if you love a bit of heat, amp up the cayenne pepper or add some diced jalapeños for an extra kick in these Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups variations.

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