Description
Hearty crockpot chili mac and cheese combines comfort classics for a rich, satisfying meal. Creamy pasta and spicy beef blend seamlessly, making you crave another comforting spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Canned and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
Pasta and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
Instructions
- Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet until meat is thoroughly browned and crumbly. Eliminate excess grease through careful draining.
- Incorporate aromatic spices including chili powder and cumin into the meat mixture. Blend in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and season with salt and pepper. Allow flavors to meld for approximately 5 minutes.
- Transfer seasoned meat mixture into the crockpot and introduce beef broth, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Set crockpot to low temperature and allow contents to simmer and develop rich flavors for 4-6 hours, creating a robust base.
- Approximately 30-40 minutes before serving, introduce uncooked macaroni directly into the crockpot. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the surface. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Garnish with optional toppings such as fresh sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños for added zest and personalization. Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- Prevent Mushy Pasta by adding macaroni only in the last 30-40 minutes of cooking to maintain ideal texture and prevent overcooking.
- Boost Flavor Depth by using a combination of spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder alongside chili powder for a more complex taste profile.
- Customize Dietary Needs by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version or using lean ground turkey for a lower-fat option.
- Enhance Cheese Meltability by grating cheese fresh and letting it melt slowly, which creates a smoother and more luxurious sauce compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (or 6 hours)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg