Chili And Meatballs(With Cornmeal Dumplings)
A hearty chili with tender meatballs and cornmeal dumplings, featuring bold spices and flavorful beans, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 cup onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped fine ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 5 teaspoons beef flavor instant bouillon ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/4 oz.) cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, 3/4 cup onions, bread crumbs, egg, 3 teaspoons bouillon, and 1 teaspoon chili powder.
- Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Roll the meatballs in flour and brown them in a skillet.
- Drain the meatballs and set aside.
- In a slow cooker, combine the remaining ingredients: tomatoes, kidney beans (undrained), cumin, remaining onions, chili powder, and bouillon.
- Stir in the browned meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for about 30 minutes.
- Stir in the kidney beans.
- Cook on high for 15 minutes before adding the cornmeal dumplings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chili mixture. If you don't have beef flavor bouillon, chicken bouillon can be a suitable substitute. For meatballs, ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. You can also experiment with different ground meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili and meatballs hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or shredded cheese. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or over rice for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad. This dish also goes well with other comforting American recipes like Mother'S Shepherd'S Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave in a microwave-safe dish, covering it to retain moisture. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili And Meatballs(With Cornmeal Dumplings) contains roughly 628 calories, with 27g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (87% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and protein (55% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs for convenience. Just add them directly to the slow cooker with the other ingredients, but increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes to ensure they are heated through.
How can I adjust the recipe for a vegetarian option?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or finely chopped mushrooms and lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef bouillon and ensure the dumplings are made without eggs.
What can I serve with chili and meatballs?
Chili and meatballs are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the meal with toppings like sour cream and green onions. Pair it with cornbread or tortilla chips for added texture. For a refreshing side, serve a simple cucumber salad or coleslaw.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).