Cozy up to a bowl of Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese! This dish combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of chili and the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this Chili Mac and Cheese recipe will become your go-to comfort food favorite.

Contents

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese

Convenient Cooking: With the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly while you go about your day.
Comforting Combination: The hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or feeding a crowd.
Versatile Dish: This crockpot chili mac recipe offers a balance of protein, carbs, and dairy, making it a complete meal in one pot. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or add-ins for extra flavor.

If you love this recipe then why not try Million Dollar Mac And Cheese too!

Chili Mac And Cheese Ingredients

Lean Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and savory base for the crock pot Chili Mac.
Frozen Peppers and Onions: Adds convenience and a mix of flavors to the dish.
Chili Seasoning: Enhances the crock pot chili mac with a perfect blend of spices.
Garlic Powder or Minced Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the chili.
Diced Green Chiles: Brings a mild heat and extra flavor.
Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy tomato base.
Red Kidney Beans, Undrained: Adds protein and a rich texture to the crock pot chili mac.
Black Beans, Rinsed and Drained: Provides additional protein and a creamy texture.
Tomato Paste: Thickens the chili and deepens the tomato flavor.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and chiles.
Water or Beef Broth: Adds moisture and helps blend the flavors together.
Macaroni Noodles: Adds a pasta element to create the mac and cheese component.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the dish, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
Scallions for Topping: Adds a fresh and crisp finishing touch.

How To Make Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese?

Step One: Cook and drain the ground beef in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned. Transfer the cooked beef to a slow cooker and add onions, bell peppers, garlic, green chilies, tomatoes, tomato paste, red kidney beans, black beans, sugar, beef broth, and chili seasoning. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Step Two: Approximately 20 minutes before serving, stir in the elbow macaroni. Five minutes before serving, mix in half of the shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it melt. Serve the delicious Slow Cooker Chili Mac hot with your favorite toppings. Enjoy this hearty and comforting dish!

Top Tips For Cooking Chili Mac and Cheese

Cooking Time Flexibility: If pressed for time, you can increase the cooking temperature slightly to shorten the overall cooking time while ensuring the flavors meld together.
Batch Cooking: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing individual portions for quick meals on busy days, reheating them for a convenient and satisfying dinner option.
Broil for Crispy Top: For a crispy top layer, transfer the Chili Mac to an oven-safe dish after slow cooking, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.

Slow Cooker Chili Mac And Cheese Variations

Tex-Mex Fusion: Infuse Tex-Mex flavors by incorporating corn, diced poblano peppers, and a blend of Mexican spices like cumin and smoked paprika for a zesty twist.
Savory Chicken Chili Blend: Ground chicken cooked in tomato sauce with a hint of oregano and smoked paprika, topped with melted cheese for a delicious twist on a classic dish.
Turkey Tomato Melt: Combine ground turkey with tomato sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder, then finish by melted cheese on top for a deliciously melty and flavorful twist on a traditional dish.

How To Store Chili Mac And Cheese

Refrigerate: Store any leftover Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: Transfer the chili mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw: Defrost the chili mac and cheese in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Warm the chili mac and cheese in a saucepan on the stove over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until warmed to your liking.

What To Serve With Chili Macaroni And Cheese?

Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the chili mac and cheese.
Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce from the chili mac and cheese.
Vegetables: Serve some steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots on the side for a pop of color and added nutrition.
Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread makes a delicious accompaniment to crock pot chili mac and cheese, adding a contrasting texture and flavor.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of the crock pot chili mac and cheese.

Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese

Cozy up with a bowl of this Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese! Combining the hearty goodness of chili with the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, this dish is the ultimate in comfort food.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Serving Size Servings

Ingredients

1 Pound Lean Ground Beef
1 Cup Peppers
1 Cup Onions
1 Ounce Chili Seasoning
3 Cloves Garlic minced
4 Ounce Can Diced Green chiles
10 Ounce 10 Tomatoes Green Chiles
15 Ounce Red Kidney Beans
15 Ounce Can Black Beans
1 Ounce 6 ounce can of tomato paste
1 Tablespoon Sugar
2 Cups water or beef broth
8 Ounce macaroni noodles
2 Cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
Scallions for topping

Instructions

Cook and drain the ground beef in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned.
Transfer the cooked beef to a slow cooker and add onions, bell peppers, garlic, green chilies, tomatoes, tomato paste, red kidney beans, black beans, sugar, beef broth, and chili seasoning. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Approximately 20 minutes before serving, stir in the elbow macaroni.
Five minutes before serving, mix in half of the shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
Serve the delicious Slow Cooker Chili Mac hot with your favorite toppings. Enjoy this hearty and comforting dish!

Nutrition

Notes

Cooking Time Flexibility: If pressed for time, you can increase the cooking temperature slightly to shorten the overall cooking time while ensuring the flavors meld together.

Batch Cooking: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing individual portions for quick meals on busy days, reheating them for a convenient and satisfying dinner option.

Broil for Crispy Top: For a crispy top layer, transfer the Chili Mac to an oven-safe dish after slow cooking, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.

More Easy Recipe Ideas