Ever heard of chili spaghetti?
Spicy and tasty, it’s a perfect combo for those of you who are big fans of chili, and spaghetti! Let’s take a look.
Is This Chili Spaghetti Healthy?
The short answer is yes, our chili spaghetti is healthy. Here are a few reasons why:
First, this dish has a significant amount of protein, which is 24 g per serving, thanks to the addition of beef.
Moreover, our chili spaghetti is low in saturated fats, which is only 7 g for each serving. Instead of butter, we use olive oil, and only add 1 oz cheese for extra creaminess. If you want to lower the fat proportion, or are allergic to dairy-products, you can omit the cheese.
For this recipe, the level of sodium is less than 600 mg, in line with the nutrition goals set by USDA Dietary Guidelines 2020-2025.
Plus, each serving only yields 495 calories, which is perfect for a fulfilling and nutritious dish like this one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Spaghetti
All you need is beautifully cooked spaghetti and you’re good to go.
Simply cook the spaghetti as instructed on the package. Remember not to add salt to the cooking water if you want to adhere to the calculated sodium level indicated on our nutrition card. If you don’t have a problem with some extra salt, you can add some more to the boiling water. After the spaghetti is done, drain it and set it aside.
While waiting for it to cook, make use of the time and prepare the other ingredients you will need for the chili spaghetti dish.
For the Chili Sauce
Ground beef
For this recipe, we chose ground beef with 85% lean meat and only 15% fat for more protein and a leaner eating experience. It’s best to use fresh meat, but you can also use frozen ground beef if you already have it in the fridge.
Beans
You can choose the kind of beans that you like, but here we would recommend using kidney beans for their soft, buttery texture. These beans work well with the chili and will add flavor and color to your dish.
Seasonings
- Chili powder: This is the very essence of our chili spaghetti. For chili lovers, it’s the heat from the chili that ignites the senses, elevates the taste, and makes this dish irresistible.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme is added to enhance the flavor, while aromatic parsley is sprinkled over the dish.
- Red wine: The taste of red wine adds an exquisite, subtle touch to our chili spaghetti. It also helps to balance out the intense smell of the beef.
- Sauce: Tomato sauce and tomato paste are definitely must-haves. The sweet and sour taste from tomatoes is what makes this spaghetti dish so special. Meanwhile, the Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce brings that extra umami flavor to please your taste buds.
- Flour: Adding flour helps thicken the sauce and gives it the desired texture.
- Chicken broth: Adding chicken broth will instantly boost the overall flavor of the dish.
- Others: We use olive oil and a mixture of spices including garlic, onion, pepper, salt, gravy mix, and paprika to season.
How to Store and Reheat the Leftovers
Every dish is at its best when served hot and fresh, but if you happen to have any leftovers, you can put them in airtight containers or Ziplock bags, and keep them in the fridge for later use.
This chili spaghetti can last in the fridge for up to 5 days or 2 months in the freezer.
You can also divide them into serving portions to make it more convenient when you need to reheat a small batch.
To reheat, it’s best to let it thaw overnight, then simply place in a bowl and heat in the microwave for 2 minutes.
What to Serve With
Spaghetti is an extremely versatile dish. You can serve it in different styles and numerous ways.
For example, soft cornbread or crunchy garlic bread works beautifully with chili spaghetti.
Or you can go with our suggested meal plan, which includes light and creamy burrata salad and a refreshing lime juice to lighten up the whole meal.
Discover a New Favorite Meal with These Beef Pasta Recipes
This classic Italian dish is a family favorite that never goes out of style. Made with layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce, this recipe is hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a cozy night in, lasagna is always a good choice.
Take your taste buds on a journey with this delicious Asian beef noodles recipe. Thinly sliced beef is stir-fried with vegetables and tossed with noodles in a savory sauce that's bursting with flavor.
Looking to expand your repertoire of beef pasta recipes? Our roundup has got plenty of tasty options to choose from.
How to Make Chili Spaghetti
Spicy, cheesy, garlicky. Serve this on a cold winter day and feel the melting heat on your tongue!
- by Tuyet Pham, Luna Regina, 2022-07-13
- cook TIME 15 mins
- prep TIME 10 mins
- total TIME 25 mins
- COURSE Main Course
- CUISINE American
- SERVINGS servings
- CALORIES 495 kcal
INGREDIENTS
- 10 oz 85% lean ground beef
- 13 oz cooked spaghetti
- 3 oz red kidney beans
- 2 oz onions (diced)
- 1 cup homemade tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 fl oz red wine
- 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted chicken broth
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 oz cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 1/2 tsp brown gravy mix
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
INSTRUCTIONS
In a skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp garlic, 2 oz onions and sauté over medium heat for 1 minute.
Add 10 oz ground beef with 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 3 1/2 tsp gravy mix, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Add 2 fl oz red wine and cook for 1 minute.
Add 1/2 tbsp flour, 3 oz kidney beans and 1 cup tomato sauce, then stir well.
Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and cook to boil. Continue cooking on low heat for the next 5 minutes.
Add 13 oz cooked spaghetti. Stir to cook for 1 minute.
Bring to plate. Top with 1 oz shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tbsp parsley.
NUTRITION
Tuyet Pham
Head Chef, Culinary ConsultantLuna Regina
Writer, AuthorNatalie Butler, RD, LD
Nutrition Reviewer- Jeschili and spaghetti, that's a nice combo, cant wait to try