Meatball Chili
A hearty and comforting meatball chili featuring tender meatballs in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, perfect for a quick family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the chili seasoning mix, canned tomatoes, water, and meatballs with gravy in a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Drain the cooked egg noodles and stir in the butter until melted.
- Gently toss the noodles with the meatball chili mixture to coat and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the chili mixture. If you don’t have egg noodles, any pasta shape works well, or even rice for a gluten-free option. You can also use homemade meatballs for an extra touch. Experiment with different canned tomatoes, like diced or fire-roasted, to enhance the taste of your dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatball chili hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider a green salad on the side or some roasted vegetables. This dish also makes a great filling for burritos or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it appears too thick. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatball Chili contains roughly 333 calories, with 10g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 520mg per serving (23% 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 use frozen meatballs instead of canned?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the chili mixture. Thawing them in the microwave can save time, and they will absorb the chili flavors beautifully.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Meatball chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to store the noodles separately if you're prepping ahead to prevent them from getting soggy.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for vegetarian diets. Use vegetarian meatballs or skip the meatballs altogether and add extra beans or lentils. Additionally, make sure to choose a vegetarian chili seasoning mix and vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
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).