Mom’s Spaghetti Chili Recipe with Ground Beef
Introduction
Today, we’re sharing a hearty family favorite: Mom’s Spaghetti Chili by Chef Natalie. This comforting dish brings together spaghetti noodles, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, two kinds of beans, and a flavorful combination of chili seasonings.
If you’re looking for a chili spaghetti recipe that combines the comfort of pasta with the rich flavors of homemade chili, this is one to try. Made with Kinder’s Original Chili Seasoning and Woodfired Chili Seasoning, this recipe delivers a delicious combination of flavors in every bite.
Let’s get cooking!
Mom's Spaghetti Chili Recipe
This spaghetti chili combines two family favorites into one satisfying meal. Tender spaghetti noodles are served with a hearty beef and bean chili made with ground beef, sautéed onions, tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, and two varieties of chili seasoning.
One special tip from Natalie:
Do not drain the liquid from any of the cans! The liquid goes into the chili along with the tomatoes and beans.
Recipe Overview
Recipe name: Mom’s Spaghetti Chili
Recipe by: Chef Natalie
Cuisine: American-inspired comfort food
Course: Main Course, Dinner
How to Make Spaghetti Chili
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to the package instructions until tender.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the onions
Dice three onions and sauté them in a large pot or deep skillet until softened.
The sautéed onions add flavor and a delicious base to the beef chili.
Step 3: Brown the ground beef
Add the 2 pounds of grass-fed ground beef to the pot with the onions.
Break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until browned and fully cooked through. For food safety, use a food thermometer to verify that ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 4: Add the chili seasoning
Add both packets of Kinder’s chili seasoning:
- Kinder’s Original Chili Seasoning
- Kinder’s Woodfired Chili Seasoning
Stir well so the seasoning coats the ground beef and onions evenly.
Using two different seasoning varieties gives the chili a combination of flavors.
Step 5: Add the tomatoes and beans
Add both cans of tomatoes, including the can with green chilies.
Next, add the black beans and kidney beans.
Remember Natalie’s important tip: Do not drain the liquid from any of the cans!
Stir everything together so the tomatoes, beans, ground beef, onions, and seasoning are evenly combined.
Step 6: Let the chili cook
Allow the mixture to cook until the ingredients are heated through and the flavors come together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
The tomatoes and beans create a hearty chili mixture that pairs perfectly with the spaghetti.
The original notes do not specify an exact simmering time or liquid consistency, so adjust the cooking time according to the desired texture and confirm with the original video.
Step 7: Serve over spaghetti
Add a serving of cooked spaghetti to a bowl or plate. Spoon the hot ground beef and bean chili mixture over the noodles.
Step 8: Add the toppings
Finish with shredded Colby Jack cheese and a spoonful of sour cream.
For an alternative topping, use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, just as Natalie does.
Serve warm and enjoy Mom’s Spaghetti Chili!
Ingredients for Mom’s Spaghetti Chili Recipe with Ground Beef
For the spaghetti and chili
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta noodles
- 2 lbs grass-fed ground beef (90% lean, 10% fat)
- 2 packets Kinder's chili seasoning
- -Kinder's Original Chili Seasoning
- -Kinder's Woodfired Chili Seasoning
- 3 onions, diced and sautéed
- 2 cans of tomatoes, one with green chilies
- 2 cans of beans:
- -1 can black beans
- -1 can kidney beans
Important: Do not drain the liquid from any of the tomato or bean cans.
For the toppings
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Natalie uses plain Greek yogurt as an alternative to sour cream
Tips for Making the Best Chili Spaghetti
A few simple tips from Vito’s Italian Cucina to help you prepare a flavourful and satisfying spaghetti chili dinner.
- Don’t drain the canned ingredients: Keep the liquid from both the tomato cans and bean cans, as Natalie recommends.
- Use both chili seasonings: Combining Original and Woodfired Chili Seasoning gives the recipe its distinctive flavor.
- Brown the ground beef properly: Break it into small pieces and cook it thoroughly before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Sauté the onions first: Cooking the onions before adding the beef helps build flavor.
- Cook the spaghetti separately: This makes it easier to control the pasta texture and serve the chili over the noodles.
- Customize the toppings: Colby Jack cheese and sour cream make delicious toppings, while plain Greek yogurt is another option.
- Serve it fresh: Spoon the chili over the spaghetti just before serving for a comforting meal.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Chili
Mom’s Spaghetti Chili is a hearty meal on its own, but you can serve it with bread, vegetables, or other homemade favorites.
Here are a few recipes from Vito’s Italian Cucina to try alongside it:
- Oven Roasted Rosemary Tomatoes -Roasted tomatoes with garlic, rosemary, and Parmesan.
- Easy Deviled Eggs -A simple appetizer for family meals and gatherings.
- Stuffed Shells Recipe -Another comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich -A warm and cheesy side for a comforting meal.
- Lemon Chicken Recipe -A flavorful chicken dish for another family dinner.
Explore more dishes in the Vito’s pasta recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is spaghetti chili?
Spaghetti chili is a hearty meal that combines cooked spaghetti noodles with a chili mixture made from ingredients such as ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning. It brings together pasta and chili in one comforting dish.
2. Can you put spaghetti noodles in chili?
Yes! Spaghetti noodles pair well with chili. You can serve the chili over cooked spaghetti, as Natalie does in this recipe, or mix the noodles into the chili before serving.
3. What is the difference between chili spaghetti and regular spaghetti?
Regular spaghetti is commonly served with pasta sauces such as tomato or meat sauce. Chili spaghetti combines pasta with a chili mixture, often containing ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
4. Can I use different beans in spaghetti chili?
Yes. Natalie’s recipe uses one can of black beans and one can of kidney beans. You can experiment with other beans, but using these two varieties keeps the recipe closest to the original.
5. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Natalie uses plain Greek yogurt as an alternative to sour cream. It provides a creamy topping and is an option for those who prefer it.
6. Can I make spaghetti chili ahead of time?
You can prepare the chili mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the spaghetti separately and combine them when ready to serve. Reheat the chili thoroughly before serving.
Want to learn more about the ingredients used in this recipe? These resources provide additional information:
- Kinder’s Woodfired Chili Seasoning -Learn more about the Woodfired Chili Seasoning used in Natalie’s recipe.
- USDA Ground Beef Cooking Temperature Guide -Food safety guidance recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
