Easy Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights

My weeknight dinner solution just got a whole lot creamier with this crockpot chili mac and cheese that promises pure comfort.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a slow cooker, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Cheese lovers will go crazy for the rich, melty combination of classic mac and spicy chili flavors.

We combine pantry staples and simple proteins to craft an effortless meal everyone adores.

Minimal prep means maximum satisfaction, with each bite delivering incredible depth and warmth.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze when you let the crockpot work its magic.

Ditch complicated recipes and embrace this simple, satisfying one-pot wonder that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Wins Big On Flavor And Ease

Quick Family Dinner Savior: Transform weeknight meals into a hassle-free feast with minimal prep and maximum flavor explosion.

Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Crockpot does all the heavy lifting, letting you walk away while delicious chili mac slowly simmers to perfection.

Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Combines two ultimate kid favorites – chili and mac and cheese – creating an irresistible meal that guarantees clean plates.

Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, beans, and pantry staples to feed a hungry family without breaking the bank.

Chili Mac And Cheese Slow Cooker Breakdown

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the chili mac.
• Kidney Beans: Adds protein, texture, and classic chili component.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds deep, savory flavor foundation for the dish.
• Chili Powder, Cumin: Delivers authentic chili spice and warmth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, tangy base for the chili.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that captures sauce and provides comforting texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adds creamy sharpness to the dish.

Chili Mac And Cheese Crockpot How-To

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef With Aromatics

Brown the ground beef in a skillet, breaking it into small crumbles.

Dice fresh onions and mince garlic cloves, then add them to the beef.

Cook until the meat turns completely brown and the vegetables become fragrant and translucent.

Step 2: Build Robust Flavor Base

• Browned beef and onion mixture
• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and ingredients.

Step 3: Slow Simmer The Hearty Mixture

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat.

Allow the mixture to simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for 4-5 hours.

The slow cooking process will help tenderize the meat and meld all the seasonings together.

Step 4: Introduce Pasta Goodness

Add uncooked macaroni directly into the crockpot.

Stir gently to incorporate the pasta into the existing sauce.

Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes until the pasta becomes perfectly tender and absorbs the delicious liquid.

Step 5: Finish With Cheesy Decadence

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili mac.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy and luxurious texture.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting one-pot wonder.

Chili Mac And Cheese – Crockpot Tips For Creaminess

• Opt for ground beef with 90% lean meat to reduce excess grease and keep the chili mac healthier.
• Add macaroni in the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure perfectly al dente texture and prevent overcooking.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin to match your heat preference, using mild or hot varieties for a personalized kick.
• Combine different cheese types like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex and rich cheese profile.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans to create a meat-free version of this comforting dish.

Chili Mac and Cheese: Storage and Warm-Up Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a little milk to prevent drying out.

Ideal Companions for Chili Mac & Cheese Nights

• Elevate Comfort with Wine Pairing: Choose a bold Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the rich, hearty chili mac and cheese, matching its robust meat and spice profile.
• Craft a Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creamy, heavy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Enhance with Crunchy Garlic Bread: Serve toasted garlic bread alongside the chili mac, offering a perfect textural crunch and additional flavor that melds beautifully with the cheesy, meaty dish.
• Pair with Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA to balance the meal's richness, with the beer's carbonation and slight bitterness cleansing the palate between bites.

Chili Mac and Cheese Crockpot Twists

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef drippings.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Upgrade: Add diced green chilies, jalapenos, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Include a dash of smoked paprika for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of macaroni. Choose a lower-carb cheese like mozzarella and reduce bean quantity.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply brown the turkey the same way as you would ground beef.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili mac has a mild warmth from chili powder and cumin. If you prefer more heat, add additional chili powder or include some diced jalapeños during cooking.

• Do I need to precook the macaroni?

No, you can add uncooked macaroni directly to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The pasta will absorb the liquid and cook perfectly within the chili.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure your spices and canned ingredients are certified gluten-free. The recipe can be easily adapted for gluten-sensitive diets.

Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chili mac and cheese brings comfort straight from your slow cooker, combining zesty chili spices with creamy pasta goodness. Hungry souls will devour this crowd-pleasing dish that merges classic American favorites into one satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 cup cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef in a skillet until thoroughly browned, incorporating finely chopped onions and minced garlic for enhanced flavor depth.
2. Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot and introduce kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a robust blend of chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, stirring to ensure comprehensive integration of ingredients.
3. Allow the mixture to simmer on low temperature for approximately 4 hours, permitting the spices to meld and develop a rich, complex taste profile.
4. Introduce uncooked macaroni directly into the crockpot, gently folding it into the existing mixture to ensure even distribution and prevent clumping.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 30-40 minutes, monitoring the pasta’s tenderness and liquid absorption to achieve the ideal consistency.
6. Moments before serving, generously fold in sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt seamlessly and create a creamy, indulgent texture that binds the entire dish together.
7. Let the chili mac rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to further consolidate and sauce to slightly thicken before plating.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains the hearty texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked gouda to add unique flavor complexity.
• Use gluten-free macaroni to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg