Chili spaghetti combines two comforting classics into one delicious meal. With its heartwarming flavors and simple preparation, this dish has become a favorite for many home cooks. Imagine a rich, slightly spicy chili topped with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a filling dish that satisfies hunger while bringing warmth to the table.
Why We Love This Chili Spaghetti Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this chili spaghetti recipe. First and foremost, it’s an easy meal to whip up, requiring only a few common ingredients that you probably have on hand. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Furthermore, this recipe makes great use of a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it while you take care of other tasks. The long cooking time lets the flavors deepen, resulting in a rich and hearty chili that wraps around the spaghetti like a warm hug. Plus, you can customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Chili spaghetti is also an excellent option for meal prep. Make a big batch on the weekend, and you’ll have comforting lunches ready for the week ahead. Each bowl serves as a reminder of home-cooked goodness, no matter when you enjoy it.
Ingredients for Chili Spaghetti
Here’s everything you need to create your own mouthwatering chili spaghetti. Gather the following ingredients with their measurements:
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can stewed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans Mexican style chili beans
- 2 cups water
- 4 ounces spaghetti noodles
With these simple ingredients, you’re already on your way to making a delicious chili spaghetti that’s both filling and flavorful.
How to Make Chili Spaghetti
Creating your chili spaghetti is straightforward and doesn’t require any special culinary skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft this dish.
Brown the Ground Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to make the dish a little lighter.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef to a crockpot. To this, add the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, and water. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, sugar, chili powder, and the Mexican-style chili beans. Make sure everything is well combined for maximum flavor.
Set the Heat: Cook the mixture on low for at least 2 hours. If you have more time, letting it cook for longer can enhance the flavors even more, making it worth the wait.
Cook the Spaghetti: As the chili nears completion, break the spaghetti noodles into thirds to make them easier to mix and eat. Boil the spaghetti according to the directions on the package until it’s al dente, then drain it well.
Combine and Serve: Once the chili is finished cooking, stir in the drained spaghetti noodles. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure every bite is flavorful. Now your chili spaghetti is ready to serve!
How to Serve Chili Spaghetti
Serving chili spaghetti is just as fun as making it. You can dish out generous portions into bowls and top them with your favorite garnishes. Popular toppings include shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. These additions not only enhance the meal’s flavor but also add a delightful texture.
Chili spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a side of warm garlic bread and a simple green salad, making it a balanced meal. Invite friends or family to the table and enjoy the communal experience of digging into this hearty dish. Whether you’re having a cozy dinner at home or hosting a gathering, this meal offers everyone a generous serving of comfort.
Expert Tips for Chili Spaghetti
To elevate your chili spaghetti game, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality ground beef and fresh garlic for the best flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, consider using ground turkey or chicken.
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference. You can also add diced jalapeños if you desire extra heat.
Let It Simmer: If you have the time, let the dish simmer longer—up to 4 hours. This will develop a richer flavor as all the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Taste the chili as it cooks and be generous with salt and pepper to bring out the depth of flavors.
Alternative Pasta: You can experiment with different types of pasta. While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.
How to Store Chili Spaghetti
Storing chili spaghetti is simple and provides convenience for your future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping.
If you want to keep it for a longer time, consider freezing the chili spaghetti. Portion out servings in vacuum-sealed bags or freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variations of Chili Spaghetti
While the classic chili spaghetti recipe is delicious as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with variations. Here are some ideas to inspire your cooking:
Vegetarian Chili Spaghetti: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or increase the amount of beans and vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, for a hearty vegetarian version.
Spicy Chili Spaghetti: For those who love heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mix before serving.
Cheesy Chili Spaghetti: For a creamy twist, stir in some cream cheese or your favorite cheese just before serving. This will add a rich, flavorful layer to the dish.
Taco Chili Spaghetti: Mix in taco seasoning and top with tortilla strips and avocado for a fun taco-inspired dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chili spaghetti?
Chili spaghetti is a delightful fusion of chili and spaghetti, offering you a hearty and flavorful meal. It typically consists of ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato sauce combined with spaghetti noodles.
Can I cook chili spaghetti in advance?
Absolutely! Chili spaghetti is convenient for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals.
How can I customize my chili spaghetti?
There are numerous ways to personalize your chili spaghetti. You can adjust the spice levels, add different beans or vegetables, or experiment with various types of pasta.
Is chili spaghetti gluten-free?
This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti noodles and ensuring that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Chocolate Avocado Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring Cups
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almond Milk or Regular Milk Serves as the base for your smoothie.
- 1 cup Ice Cubes Adds chill and thickness.
- 1/2 large Avocado Flesh The star ingredient for creaminess.
- 2 Tbsp Cocoa Powder Unsweetened for deep chocolate flavor.
- 1 medium Banana Natural sweetener.
- 2 Tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup For sweetness.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Enhances taste and aroma.
Instructions
- Scoop out the flesh of the avocado and peel the banana.
- Place the almond milk in your blender first.
- Add the avocado flesh, cocoa powder, banana, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ice cubes.
- Blend on high speed for about 15 to 20 seconds until smooth.
- Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup if desired.
- Serve the smoothie immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!