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Crockpot Chili Meatballs and Spaghetti Recipe

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3.9 from 62 reviews

A hearty and flavorful crockpot chili meatballs and spaghetti recipe featuring tender meatballs cooked in a spicy tomato and bean chili sauce, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti and topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and green onions. This comforting dish blends robust spices with easy slow cooker preparation, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Meatballs and Chili Sauce

  • 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, divided
  • 1 can (28 ounce) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 poblano pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
  • 1 can black beans, drained

Pasta and Topping

  • 3/4 pound dry spaghetti
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or chicken, chopped onion, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to blend all the spices and ingredients evenly. Lightly oil your hands, then shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs, yielding approximately 15-16 meatballs in total. Place these meatballs into the crockpot or dutch oven depending on cooking method chosen.
  2. Assemble the Chili Sauce: Pour the fire-roasted diced tomatoes over the meatballs in the crockpot or dutch oven. Add the tomato paste, beef broth, chopped poblano pepper, and chopped pickled jalapeños. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Gently stir everything to combine well without breaking the meatballs, ensuring an even coverage of sauce and spices.
  3. Cook the Meatballs and Sauce: For the crockpot method, cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours until meatballs are thoroughly cooked and the sauce is flavorful and simmered. For the oven method, cover the dutch oven and roast at 325°F for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the sauce is slightly thickened and meatballs are cooked through.
  4. Add Beans and Spaghetti (Crockpot Method Only): Increase the crockpot temperature to high. Stir in the drained black beans. Pour in 1 cup of water and nestle the dry spaghetti into the chili sauce, pressing it down gently to submerge. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until spaghetti is cooked al dente.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce in the crockpot or over the meatballs and beans in the dutch oven. For the crockpot, let the cheese melt undisturbed for 10-15 minutes. For the oven, remove the lid, increase the temperature to 425°F, and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  6. Prepare Spaghetti (Oven Method Only): Just before serving, cook the spaghetti separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain and serve the meatballs and chili sauce over the cooked pasta.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Serve the cheesy meatballs and chili sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro and green onions for added freshness and flavor contrast.

Notes

  • Using ground beef will provide a richer flavor, while chicken offers a lighter alternative.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the chili heat level according to preference.
  • Pickled jalapeños add a tangy and spicy depth to the sauce; fresh jalapeños can be substituted for less acidity.
  • For the best texture, stir the spaghetti in the crockpot midway through cooking to prevent clumping.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/crockpot-chili-meatballs-and-spaghetti-recipe/