Chili Meatballs & Spaghetti: Your Crockpot Comfort!

Chili Meatballs & Spaghetti: Your Crockpot Comfort!

Chili Meatballs: Savor juicy ground beef meatballs simmered in a rich, smoky sauce with tender spaghetti, all made easy in your crockpot. Perfect for a hearty family dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef or chicken
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 can (28 ounce) fire-roasted dice tomatoes

Instructions

 

• Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt to a bowl. Mix to combine. Coat your hands with oil, and roll the meat into tablespoon-size balls (will make 15-16 meatballs). Place the meatballs in the bowl of your crockpot.
• Pour over the tomatoes. Add the tomato paste, broth, poblano pepper, and pickled jalapeños. Season with salt. Give everything a gentle stir. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
• Crank the heat on the slow cooker to high. Mix in the beans. Add the spaghetti and pour over 1 cup of water. Nestle the spaghetti into the sauce. Cover and cook 20-30 minutes, or until the spaghetti is al dente, stirring halfway through. Sprinkle the cheese over the chili. Let melt for 10-15 minutes.
• Serve the cheesy meatballs over the spaghetti and sauce. Top with cilantro and green onion.

Notes

– Ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check after cooking.
– Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs and sauce (without spaghetti if possible) for up to 2-3 months.
– Variation: For a vegetarian option, swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
– Don’t overmix the meatballs; gentle handling keeps them tender. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.

Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Keyword chili meatballs

The Technique: Building Flavor in the Crockpot

The magic of this chili meatballs recipe lies in the slow, moist cooking environment of the crockpot, which allows flavors to meld and deepen over time. Unlike searing meat on a stovetop, which relies on the Maillard reaction for browning and complex flavor development, this method prioritizes tenderness and the infusion of spices into the meat and sauce. The key here is to ensure adequate moisture from the diced tomatoes and to allow sufficient cooking time for the spices to bloom and the meatballs to become tender without drying out. The ground meat, when cooked in liquid, will release its fats and juices, contributing to the richness of the sauce. The slow cooker’s gentle heat prevents the meatballs from becoming tough, a common issue with overcooked ground meat.

Troubleshooting

• Problem: Meatballs are dry and tough.

  Fix: This usually happens from overcooking or cooking at too high a heat. Ensure your crockpot is on a low setting for the duration, and check for doneness after the minimum recommended time. If the meatballs are cooked through but still seem dry, it might be due to the leanness of the ground meat used; consider adding a little more liquid or a touch of fat next time.

• Problem: Sauce is too thin.

  Fix: Uncover the crockpot for the last 30-60 minutes of cooking on high heat to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can create a slurry with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or flour mixed with an equal amount of cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.

• Problem: Flavors are not developing enough.

  Fix: Ensure you are using fresh, potent spices. The cayenne pepper and chili powder need time to bloom in the moist heat. If the flavor is still lacking, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of Worcestershire sauce during the last hour of cooking for an umami boost.

• Problem: Meatballs are falling apart.

  Fix: This can occur if the meatballs are too loosely formed or if the cooking liquid is too agitated. Ensure the meatballs are gently but firmly packed. Cooking on the ‘low’ setting rather than ‘high’ can also help maintain their structural integrity.

Substitutions

• Ground Chicken for Ground Beef: Using ground chicken will result in a lighter, less fatty dish. The flavor profile will be slightly milder, so you might want to increase the chili powder or cayenne slightly to compensate. The texture will remain tender due to the slow cooking method.
• Different Canned Tomatoes: Substituting regular diced tomatoes for fire-roasted will yield a less smoky, less intense tomato flavor. If using plain diced tomatoes, consider adding a teaspoon of liquid smoke or a pinch more smoked paprika to replicate the fire-roasted notes.
• No Cayenne Pepper: Omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder heat. The dish will still have a pleasant warmth from the chili powder and cumin, but without the sharp kick.
• Vegetarian Option (using plant-based ground): A plant-based ground ‘beef’ can be used. The cooking time may need slight adjustment based on the product’s instructions. The flavor will be influenced by the specific plant-based product, but the spice blend should still create a cohesive chili-like taste.

Pro tips

• Ensure ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check after cooking.
• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs and sauce (without spaghetti if possible) for up to 2-3 months.
• Variation: For a vegetarian option, swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
• Don’t overmix the meatballs; gentle handling keeps them tender. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.

This Crockpot Chili Meatballs and Spaghetti recipe is a true weeknight winner, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Frequently asked questions

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