One Pot Meatball Chili with Dumplings

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When I think of comfort food, Meatball Chili with Dumplings comes to mind as a perfect choice.

This hearty dish combines the best of chili and soft dumplings, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.

I love how the flavors meld together, creating a delicious recipe that warms you up, especially on chilly nights.

Jump to Recipe

One of my favorite ways to prepare this dish is in a crockpot. This method allows me to set it and forget it, letting the meatballs and dumplings soak in all the delicious flavors. As the aroma fills my home, I get excited to share this comforting meal with family and friends.

If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or just want a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe is a must-try. It’s easy to shop for the ingredients and even easier to make, ensuring that I can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creating the Base: Chili Preparation

To create a delicious meatball chili, I focus on a fantastic blend of spices, high-quality ingredients, and the perfect simmering process. Each part is essential for building a hearty and satisfying dish.

The Perfect Blend of Spices

Spices bring the chili to life. I typically use chili powder, which is a key ingredient. It adds warmth and depth of flavor. Along with chili powder, I like to use red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Another important spice is beef bouillon granules. These enhance the meat depth and overall taste of the chili. I also include fresh garlic cloves for their aromatic qualities. The combination of these spices makes for a well-seasoned base.

Choosing Your Ingredients

Selecting the right ingredients is crucial. I always opt for diced tomatoes as they provide a juicy texture and rich tomato flavor. A mix of kidney beans and other beans adds heartiness and balances the dish.

Onions are equally important. I prefer using yellow onions for their sweetness when cooked. When preparing the meatballs, I ensure the ground beef is high quality. This makes a noticeable difference in the final dish. Using beef broth instead of water can elevate the richness of the chili.

Simmering the Chili

Once I’ve prepared the base, it’s time to let it simmer. I start by heating oil in my skillet and browning my meatballs. After draining them, I wipe the skillet clean and add the prepared ingredients.

In a pot, I combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, onions, and my spice mix. After stirring in the meatballs, I let the mixture cook on low heat for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Finally, I stir in the beans and let them heat through before serving.

Assembling and Cooking the Meatballs

In this section, I will detail how to form, brown, and integrate meatballs into the chili. These steps are crucial for reaching the right texture and flavor.

Forming the Meatballs

To begin, I gather my ingredients: ground beef, dry bread crumbs, and spices. The use of bread crumbs helps bind the meatballs, giving them a pleasing texture.

In a large bowl, I combine the ground beef with about 1 cup of dry bread crumbs. I usually add salt, pepper, and any desired spices, like garlic powder or Italian seasoning, to enhance flavor.

Next, I mix everything by hand until well combined. With my hands, I form meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. It’s important to keep the meatballs uniform in size, so they cook evenly. I place them on a tray, ensuring there’s space between them to prevent sticking.

Browning the Meat

Once the meatballs are formed, it’s time for browning. I heat about 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, I carefully add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding.

I cook the meatballs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they form a golden-brown crust. This step enhances the flavor and adds depth to the dish. If I want a spicier kick, I may add crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.

After browning, I remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. This keeps them moist and ready for the chili.

Integrating into the Chili

Now, I’m ready to integrate the meatballs into the chili. In a large pot, I have my base ingredients like broth, tomatoes, and spices simmering.

I gently add the browned meatballs to the pot. Mixing them into the spicy meatball stew allows them to soak up the flavors.

I cover the pot and let everything simmer on low for about 20 minutes. This ensures the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and infused with the rich flavors of the chili. After that, I occasionally stir in other ingredients like beans to boost nutrition and texture.

Meatball Chili with Dumplings

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Chili Base:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (240ml) beef broth or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1/3 cup (75g) butter, melted
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

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1. Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix until well combined, then roll the mixture into meatballs about 1.5-inch (4 cm) in diameter. Set aside.

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2. Brown the Meatballs

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the meatballs in batches until they form a golden crust, about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside on a plate.

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3. Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

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4. Add Meatballs and Simmer

1. Return the browned meatballs to the pot with the chili mixture. Stir everything well.
2. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.

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5. Prepare the Dumplings

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Pour in the milk and melted butter, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can result in dense dumplings. Stir in chopped parsley.

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6. Add Dumplings to the Chili

1. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the chili.
2. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer gently for another 15 minutes, until the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.

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7. Serve

• Serve the meatball chili hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
• Enjoy it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

I often get questions about meatball chili and how to make dishes with meatballs. Here are some useful answers regarding slow cooker adaptations, creative uses for frozen meatballs, and other meatball-based recipes.

How can I adapt a meatball chili recipe for a slow cooker?

To adapt a meatball chili recipe for a slow cooker, I first brown the meatballs in a skillet for added flavor. Then, I add all the ingredients—like tomatoes, beans, and spices—directly to the slow cooker. I set it on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

What are some creative ways to use frozen meatballs in meals?

I can use frozen meatballs in many dishes. One option is to add them to soup for a quick meal. Another idea is to create meatball subs with marinara sauce and cheese. They also work well in casseroles or as an appetizer with dipping sauces.

Can you suggest a recipe that features meatballs but doesn’t include pasta?

I can suggest a meatball and vegetable stir-fry. I sauté meatballs with broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. Then, I add soy sauce and serve it over rice or quinoa for a hearty meal without pasta.

What are the steps to making a meatball casserole with potatoes?

To make a meatball casserole with potatoes, I start by cooking the meatballs until browned. Then, in a baking dish, I layer sliced potatoes, cooked meatballs, and a creamy sauce. I cover it with cheese and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 minutes until bubbly.

How do I make a classic Swedish meatball dish at home?

To make Swedish meatballs, I mix ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, onion, and spices. I shape them into small balls and fry until browned. I then prepare a creamy sauce with beef broth, cream, and mustard, adding the meatballs back to simmer in it.

What ingredients are required for making meatballs with cream of chicken soup?

For meatballs with cream of chicken soup, I use ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings for the meatballs.

For the sauce, I need a can of cream of chicken soup, some milk, and optional herbs for added flavour.

I mix these together for a quick, comforting dish.