Herbed Chili-Spaghetti
A hearty herbed chili spaghetti featuring ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying fans of bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 4 (16 oz.) cans whole tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can kidney beans (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) pkg. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried whole marjoram ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper in a Dutch oven until browned, stirring to crumble the meat.
- Drain off drippings. Add remaining ingredients; mix well.
- Cover; reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef with the onions and peppers for an extra minute or two. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or tempeh. You can also add other beans like black beans for variety. Adjust the chili powder according to your spice preference; you can even add a bit of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This herbed chili-spaghetti pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Beefy Appetizer Soup for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if necessary. You can also microwave individual servings until heated through, stirring halfway for even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Chili-Spaghetti contains roughly 290 calories, with 15g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), iron (61% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 868mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
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 make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili-spaghetti can be made a day in advance and actually tastes better after the flavors meld overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings.
What can I serve with herbed chili-spaghetti?
In addition to garlic bread or a green salad, you might enjoy serving this dish with cornbread or even over rice for a different texture. Consider pairing it with a mild cheese like Monterey Jack to balance the spices.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
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).