Chili Meatballs Crockpot

Chili Meatballs Crockpot is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the warmth of a classic chili with the tender bite of juicy meatballs. Slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, spicy sauce, these meatballs are packed with flavor and are ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.

The crockpot method allows the meatballs to soak in the savory sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with bold chili flavors. Featuring a blend of ground meat, spices, beans, and a touch of heat, this dish is as comforting as it is satisfying. Serve them over rice, alongside cornbread, or enjoy them as a standalone dish—they’re guaranteed to impress.

Whether you’re hosting friends or prepping a family-friendly meal, Chili Meatballs Crockpot delivers all the classic chili vibes in a fun and versatile format.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking

With minimal prep, the crockpot handles the cooking, freeing you up for other tasks.

Versatile and Hearty

This dish works as a main course, party appetizer, or even a game-day snack.

Packed with Flavor

The combination of spices, beans, and a zesty tomato-based sauce guarantees bold, comforting flavors in every bite.

Great for Meal Prep

Make a large batch, and enjoy it throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and even tastes better the next day!

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort

From kids to adults, this recipe is universally loved for its familiar, comforting flavors and satisfying textures.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: About 5–6 meatballs with sauce

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 7g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed tortilla chips for a chili twist)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chili Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Parmesan cheese, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs (Optional)

For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs until browned on all sides. This step is optional but adds a delicious caramelized crust.

Step 4: Prepare the Chili Sauce

In the same skillet (if searing meatballs), sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Transfer the onions and garlic to the crockpot.

Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, broth, and red chili flakes to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Add Meatballs to the Crockpot

Gently place the meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are submerged.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. The meatballs should be fully cooked and tender, and the chili sauce will be rich and flavorful.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips.

Ingredient Background

Ground Meat: Ground beef or turkey works well in this recipe. Beef provides a robust flavor, while turkey offers a lighter option.

Breadcrumbs: These act as a binder, keeping the meatballs tender. Crushed tortilla chips can add a chili-inspired flavor.

Tomatoes: A mix of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste creates a rich, flavorful base for the chili.

Kidney Beans: A classic chili ingredient, beans add texture, protein, and fiber to the dish.

Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano form the flavor backbone, infusing the sauce with warmth and depth.

Technique Tips

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can result in tough meatballs. Combine just until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Sear for Flavor: Browning the meatballs before adding them to the crockpot enhances their flavor and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.

Layer Carefully: Place the meatballs gently in the crockpot to avoid breaking them.

Taste and Adjust: Always taste the chili sauce toward the end of cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Recipe Variations

Cheesy Meatballs: Add a fun twist by stuffing each meatball with a small cube of cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese. As the meatballs cook, the cheese melts, creating a gooey surprise in every bite. Pair with extra cheese sauce for an indulgent experience.

Vegetarian Chili: Replace the meatballs with plant-based options like lentil meatballs, black bean patties, or sautéed mushrooms. Incorporate additional beans like chickpeas or pinto beans to make the dish hearty while keeping it vegetarian.

Tex-Mex Style: Take the flavors south of the border by adding corn, black beans, diced green chilies, and a dash of taco seasoning to the sauce. Top the finished dish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crumbled queso fresco for a Tex-Mex-inspired variation.

Spicy Heat: Turn up the heat with sliced fresh jalapeños, a splash of chipotle sauce, or a few extra teaspoons of chili flakes. For those who enjoy bold spice, add smoked chipotle powder or diced habanero peppers to the sauce.

Sweet and Smoky: Add a tablespoon of molasses or maple syrup to the sauce for a subtle sweetness that balances the chili spices. Pair this with smoked paprika for a unique depth of flavor.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: For short-term storage, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to preserve freshness and prevent any sauce from leaking. Reheat the meatballs in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Freezing: Allow the chili meatballs to cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. This is a fantastic way to have a ready-to-eat meal on hand for busy days.

Reheating Tip: When reheating frozen meatballs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Heat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water, broth, or additional tomato sauce to maintain the dish’s saucy consistency. Stir gently to prevent breaking apart the meatballs.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Family Dinner: Serve the chili meatballs over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, or pair them with buttery cornbread and a simple green salad. This hearty combination is ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.

Game Day Snack: For a casual and fun presentation, arrange the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Add tortilla chips on the side for scooping up the rich chili sauce.

Potluck Favorite: Transport the dish in a crockpot to keep it warm and ready to serve. Set up a small garnish station with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and cilantro to let guests customize their servings.

Casual Lunch: Transform the meatballs into a flavorful chili meatball sub by spooning the meatballs and sauce onto a toasted roll. Add a slice of provolone or melted cheddar for a sandwich that’s as hearty as it is satisfying.

Dinner Party Main Course: Plate the meatballs on a bed of polenta or mashed potatoes for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side of roasted vegetables.

Special Equipment

Crockpot: The cornerstone of this recipe, a reliable crockpot ensures that the meatballs cook evenly, absorb the rich flavors of the sauce, and remain tender over hours of slow cooking.

Mixing Bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for efficiently combining all the meatball ingredients without creating a mess.

Skillet: While optional, a skillet is invaluable for searing the meatballs and sautéing aromatics like onion and garlic before adding them to the crockpot. This step deepens the flavor of the dish.

Ladle: A ladle simplifies serving by ensuring neat portions of both meatballs and the chili sauce. This is especially useful when serving the dish at potlucks or buffet-style gatherings.

Toothpicks (Optional): If serving as an appetizer or finger food, toothpicks make it easier for guests to enjoy the meatballs mess-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, store-bought frozen meatballs can be used. Add them directly to the crockpot without thawing, and adjust the cooking time slightly.

2. What’s the best way to make this spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.

3. Can I skip searing the meatballs?
Yes, you can skip this step, but searing adds depth and enhances the meatballs’ flavor.

4. Can I use other beans?
Absolutely! Black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas work well in this recipe.

5. How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the meat mixture has enough binder (egg and breadcrumbs) and handle them gently when forming and placing in the crockpot.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your tomato paste and spices are certified gluten-free to adapt this recipe.

7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply increase the ingredient quantities proportionally. Ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.

8. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the meatballs and sauce in a large pot over low heat for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion

Chili Meatballs Crockpot is the perfect fusion of comfort food and bold chili flavors. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is as versatile as it is satisfying. With its hearty sauce, tender meatballs, and slow-cooked convenience, it’s a dish that delivers on every level.

The recipe’s adaptability allows you to tailor it to your preferences—spicy, cheesy, or loaded with veggies, making it a staple for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with rich flavors, Chili Meatballs Crockpot is a must-try recipe that will become a family favorite.

So fire up your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let this dish bring warmth and flavor to your table. You’ll savor every bite and have guests begging for the recipe!

Print