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.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- 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 and cheese 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, Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta, Slow Cooker Chicken Chili and Slow Cooker Spare Ribs recipes.
⭐ Star 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.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- 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.
- 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.
🔪How To Make Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
- Step 4: Serve the delicious Slow Cooker Chili Mac hot with your favorite toppings. Enjoy this hearty and comforting dish!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- 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.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the chili and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just transfer it to the Crock Pot when you're ready to cook and follow the instructions. This makes meal prep a breeze, especially for busy days!
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner substitute for ground beef. Just be sure to adjust seasoning to taste, as turkey and chicken can be milder in flavor than beef.
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers! Just let the chili mac cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
If you like your chili mac with more heat, consider adding extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or use spicy sausage for a more robust kick. Adjust it to your spice level preference!
Store any leftover Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Transfer the chili mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Defrost the chili mac and cheese in the refrigerator overnight.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here are the best sides to serve with Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese:
- Avocado Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the chili mac and cheese.
- Cheesy Garlic Pizza 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.
- Jalapeno Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread makes a delicious accompaniment to crock pot chili mac and cheese, adding a contrasting texture and flavor.
- Red Cabbage Coleslaw: Coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of the crock pot chili mac and cheese.
🍽 More Hearty Recipes
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Crock Pot Chili Mac And Cheese
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!
Notes
Nutrition
this was sooo easy and very tasty.
Awesome. We do love our chili mac.
I love this recipe because it combines the hearty flavors of chili with the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, all cooked effortlessly in the slow cooker. It's a family favorite that brings warmth and satisfaction to our dinner table.