Quick & Cheesy Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy crockpot chili mac and cheese brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, creating a robust meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Spicy notes dance with rich cheese, promising a delightful culinary experience.

Slow cooking works magic, blending flavors into a seamless, mouthwatering dish.

Pasta absorbs the savory seasonings while tender meat adds substantial texture.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Scoop up a bowl and let warmth embrace your senses.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Simply substitute it in equal amounts and follow the same cooking method.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili seasoning adds mild heat. You can control spiciness by using mild chili seasoning or adding more or less to suit your taste preferences.

• Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, the uncooked elbow macaroni cooks directly in the crockpot during the last 30 minutes, absorbing the delicious flavors of the chili.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure your chili seasoning is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Comfort

• Crush Family Dinners: Transform ordinary weeknight meals into extraordinary comfort food experiences with this hearty one-pot wonder.
• Create Hands-Off Cooking: Let your crockpot do all the heavy lifting while you relax, minimal prep and zero babysitting required for this delicious meal.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize the dish with optional toppings like crispy bacon, diced jalapeños, or fresh herbs to match everyone's taste preferences.
• Satisfy Hungry Crowds: Perfect for feeding large families or casual gatherings, this filling recipe stretches ingredients and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients For Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the chili mac.
• Kidney Beans: A classic bean that adds extra protein and texture to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base flavor for the recipe.
• Chili Seasoning: A spice blend that gives the dish its signature chili taste and warmth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Ingredients that create a tangy, rich sauce for the chili mac.
• Beef Broth: A liquid that helps develop depth and moisture in the dish.
• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly absorbs the cheesy, saucy mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy richness.
• Sour Cream: A tangy ingredient that provides extra creaminess and smoothness to the final dish.

• Green Onions, Jalapenos, Extra Cheese: Toppings that add fresh flavor, heat, and additional texture to the final presentation.

Crockpot Method For Chili Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook for 5-7 minutes until meat is completely browned. Drain excess fat from the pan.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Chili seasoning

Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine and distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Develop Rich Taste Profile

Cover crockpot and cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours.

This slow cooking process allows ingredients to blend and intensify their taste.

Step 4: Introduce Pasta

Thirty minutes before serving, add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the crockpot.

Cover and cook on high setting for additional 20-30 minutes until pasta becomes perfectly tender.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth and luxurious.

Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

• Chopped green onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra cheese shreds

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting one-pot meal.

Hacks For Creamy Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish, ensuring a rich and hearty texture.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor and reducing overall fat content.
• Use gluten-free macaroni to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious taste.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for an extra depth of flavor and subtle smoky undertone to the chili mac.
• Prep ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator to streamline cooking process and save time during busy weeknights.

Remix Ideas For Chili Mac And Cheese

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Ensure chili seasoning is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, a dash of cayenne pepper, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Top with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum to maintain the creamy consistency.

Side Suggestions For Chili Mac And Cheese

• Comfort Food Night: Serve this hearty chili mac with warm garlic bread on the side for a complete, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Tailgate Party Dish: Transform the recipe into a crowd-pleasing potluck offering by serving in a large cast-iron skillet with multiple topping options like crispy bacon bits, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro.
• Game Day Delight: Create individual servings in small bread bowls or ramekins, letting guests customize their chili mac with personal favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions.
• Family Style Feast: Present the dish in a large rustic serving bowl placed in the center of the table, encouraging everyone to scoop and share this warm, cheesy comfort classic.

Storing Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Refrigerate chili mac in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
• Store in the fridge for 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
• Use shallow containers to help cool the dish quickly and evenly.

Best Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese brings comfort food to new heights with its creamy, spicy fusion. Melted cheese and robust chili flavors combine for a satisfying meal that delivers warmth and richness you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 15 ounces (425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 15 ounces (425 grams) diced tomatoes
• 8 ounces (226 grams) tomato sauce

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Jalapenos
• Additional sour cream
• Cilantro

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes, then carefully drain excess fat.
2. Transfer seasoned beef mixture to the crockpot, incorporating diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, beef broth, and chili seasoning, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Slow cook the mixture on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, allowing complex flavors to develop and integrate thoroughly.
4. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the crockpot, stirring gently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Continue cooking on high setting for 20-30 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, maintaining moisture and preventing overcooking.
6. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a luxuriously creamy consistency.
7. Taste the final dish, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for balanced flavor profile.
8. Serve immediately, garnishing with optional toppings like sliced green onions, diced jalapeños, or additional cheese sprinkled on top for enhanced visual appeal and texture.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish, ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version that reduces overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy chili seasoning based on personal preference or family tolerance.
• Replace beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly alternative that maintains the recipe’s hearty character.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (on Low) or 2 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg