Ingredients
Ground beef, chicken or turkey meatballs Yellow onion Garlic cloves Chili powder Smoked paprika Cumin Cayenne powder Garlic powder Kosher salt Fire roasted dice tomatoes Tomato paste Beef broth Poblano pepper Pickled jalapeños Black beans Dry spaghetti Shredded cheddar cheese Fresh cilantro Chopped green onion
Kitchen Supplies
baking sheet large bowl crockpot/ slow cooker or large dutch oven
We’ve had some seriously cold temperatures here recently. With snow over the weekend and temps in the negatives. I am very much into my “cozy era”. I’ve been having a lot of fun with my crockpot and slow-braising dishes in the oven. They always turn out so yummy. I made these chili meatballs and spaghetti in the crockpot or you can slow braise them in the oven too. Ethier way, you’ll have such a simple cozy family meal, and it’s all made in one pot. We just love that! Growing up in Cleveland, Cincinnati chili was fairly common. It’s also my mom’s favorite style of chili. In fact, she won’t eat chili without angel hair pasta underneath and a pile of cheddar cheese on top. Bowl-style chili just isn’t for her, and honestly, I prefer her way too. It’s yet another cozy, childhood comfort food that we both love. I thought it would be interesting to make chili meatballs and spaghetti. I know it sounds odd, but I promise, this is going to be delicious and feel like a fun family-style dinner!
The details
Step 1: mix the meatballs I love to use ground beef, but ground chicken is great too. I seasoned the meatballs with our favorite mix of chili seasonings, onion, and garlic. Then chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, and of course, salt. Roll this mix together until very well combined, then scoop and roll the mixture into 15-16 bite-size meatballs. You can add red pepper flakes at this point if you want to increase the heat! You can also add panko breadcrumbs if you’re interested in a bit of a crunch! Step 2: assemble the chili Now, you can cook this in the crockpot or in the oven using a large Dutch oven with a lid. I personally, prefer the crockpot. Arrange the meatballs in the crockpot, then pour over a big can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes. Add tomato paste and broth, then a chopped poblano pepper and pickled jalapeños too. Be sure to season again with salt. At this point, slow-cook the meatballs in the sauce for a few hours. By the time these are finished cooking your house will smell wonderful. Like your favorite pot of Sunday chili. This recipe makes for two batches – one for dinner and one for leftovers. Step 3: cook the spaghetti If you’re using the crockpot, you can cook the spaghetti in the sauce. Add dry spaghetti directly to the meatballs. Pour over water, then nestle the pasta into the sauce. Let the pasta cook for 20 to 30 minutes. Just make sure to stir once or twice throughout cooking to ensure the pasta does not clump up. Alternatively, you can cook the spaghetti separately on the stove. Either option works well. Step 4: finish the meatballs When the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the meatballs and sauce. Let the cheese melt, about 10 minutes. Now pull the spaghetti out of the sauce, plate it, and top with the cheesy meatballs, cilantro, and green onions. If you cooked the spaghetti in boiling water, just plate the spaghetti, then spoon the sauce and cheesy meatballs over the spaghetti. You can serve this up on busy weeknights, but it’s equally great for those upcoming holiday dinners with friends and family. I always do a salad. And if you have a little more time highly suggest adding some 5 Ingredient Beer Bread, it doesn’t take long. A note on the meatballs… The longer you cook the meatballs the more they will eventually break apart, that’s okay. Just keep them in the sauce and serve as directed. They’re delicious both whole or broken up! Crockpot Chipotle Queso Chicken Chili Creamy White Chicken Chili Healthy Slow Cooker Turkey and White Bean Chili Healthy Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili One Skillet Saucy Chicken Tortilla Enchilada Rice Bake Healthy Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Skins Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup with Salty Lime Chips Lastly, if you make this Crockpot Chili Meatballs and Spaghetti, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
