chili and spaghetti recipe

chili and spaghetti recipe

The Best chili and spaghetti recipe

I have been making this chili and spaghetti recipe for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a classic American dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

My kids love it because it’s hearty and filling, and my husband loves it because it’s a great way to get a lot of protein and fiber into our meals. I love it because it’s a versatile recipe that can be made in large quantities for family gatherings or in smaller batches for weeknight dinners.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to customize to your tastes – add some extra spices for an extra kick, or swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or beans for a vegetarian option. The key to this recipe is the combination of flavors from the chili powder, cumin, and oregano, which gives it a deep, rich flavor that’s hard to resist.

One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is how well it freezes – simply portion out individual servings, label them with the date, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. This makes it perfect for meal prep or for sending leftovers with your kids to school in their lunches.

And don’t even get me started on the health benefits – with all those vegetables and lean protein sources, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you might have on hand.

I’ve made this recipe so many times now that I’ve lost count – but every time I serve it up, I’m reminded of why it’s become such a staple in our household.

Chili Spaghetti

Chili Spaghetti

4.7 from 1989 votes

A hearty and flavorful dish combining savory chili with tender spaghetti. This one-pot meal is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup beef broth

For the Spaghetti

8 oz spaghetti
Water for boiling
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
4While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
5Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
6Drain any excess fat.
7Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
8Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and softened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
9Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and beef broth.
10Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
11Let the chili simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
12Add the cooked spaghetti to the chili and toss gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
13Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes over low heat until everything is heated through.
14Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese or chopped green onions.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Colander
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno with the onions. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Chili Spaghetti Works

This chili and spaghetti recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just need something quick and easy on a weeknight.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze individual servings for up to three months.

When reheating, just be sure to heat it thoroughly until steaming hot throughout before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chili Spaghetti

Q: What type of meat should I use in this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use either ground beef or ground turkey. If you prefer a leaner option, go with the turkey – but if you want more flavor and texture, beef is the way to go.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply brown the meat in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Q: How do I customize this recipe to suit my tastes?

The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it however you like. Want more heat? Add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the mix. Want less spice? Omit the cayenne pepper altogether.

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

Sure thing! Just be aware that canned tomatoes will give your chili a slightly different flavor profile than using fresh tomatoes.

Q: What if I want to add some extra protein sources like beans or lentils?

Absolutely! You can add up to 1 cup of cooked beans or lentils per serving without affecting the overall flavor profile.

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