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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the crockpot, stirring gently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Continue cooking on high setting for 20-30 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, maintaining moisture and preventing overcooking.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a luxuriously creamy consistency.
- Taste the final dish, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for balanced flavor profile.
- 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