Zesty Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort arrives in a creamy, hearty chili mac and cheese that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Tangy tomatoes and rich ground beef mingle with tender pasta shells, creating a one-pot wonder.

cheese melts into every delicious crevice, blanketing each ingredient with irresistible flavor.

Slow cookers work magic, transforming simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this simple, satisfying recipe.

Spices dance through the dish, adding depth and excitement to each bite.

You’ll want seconds – maybe even thirds – of this crowd-pleasing classic.

How to Make Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Brown Meaty Base

Cook ground beef in a skillet with chopped onions and minced garlic until meat is completely browned. Drain excess fat from the pan to keep the dish lighter.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook The Mixture

Allow chili to simmer in crockpot on low setting for 6 hours or high setting for 3 hours, developing rich deep flavors.

Step 4: Add Pasta Goodness

During final 30 minutes of cooking, introduce uncooked macaroni directly into crockpot. Stir gently and let pasta become tender within the chili mixture.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Finish

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over top and stir until completely melted, creating a luxurious and smooth texture.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Top with fresh chopped green onions for a bright, zesty finish.

Serve piping hot directly from crockpot for maximum comfort food experience.

Helpful Tips for Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease in the final dish, ensuring a cleaner, more appetizing chili mac.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cumin for personal taste preferences.
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef and use low-fat cheese.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Make this dish vegetarian by replacing beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans.

Flavor Twists for Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version packed with protein.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to boost heat and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Chicken Chili Mac: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein alternative that keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.

Suggested Pairings for Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Cozy Game Night Delight: Serve this chili mac as the star of your board game evening, with friends gathered around munching and playing together.
• Hearty Tailgate Favorite: Pack this dish in a thermos for outdoor sports events, keeping everyone warm and satisfied during chilly game days.
• Comfort Food Family Dinner: Present in individual ceramic bowls topped with extra cheese and green onions, creating a welcoming family meal atmosphere with minimal cleanup.
• Potluck Party Showstopper: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community gatherings, where its rich flavors and hearty texture will make you the most popular guest.

Storage Guidelines for Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chili mac sealed tightly to preserve its flavor and texture.
• For freezing, transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and store for up to 2-3 months.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this chili mac recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding to the crockpot.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild chili flavor. If you want more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or increase the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a large pot and cooking the pasta directly in the sauce. The cooking time will be shorter, around 30-40 minutes.

Reasons to Try Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Boost Family Dinner Excitement: Transform ordinary weeknight meals into a crowd-pleasing feast that kids and adults will absolutely love, packed with hearty protein and cheesy goodness.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Toss ingredients into the crockpot with simple steps, allowing the slow cooker to do most of the work while delivering rich, complex flavors without complicated techniques.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combines two classic favorites – chili and mac and cheese – into one satisfying dish that provides warmth, nutrition, and pure culinary comfort in every single bite.
• Stress-Free Cooking Solution: Perfect for busy households, this one-pot wonder requires minimal kitchen skills, delivers consistent results, and creates minimal cleanup, making mealtime a breeze.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty meat that provides the main protein base for this chili mac dish.
• Kidney Beans: A protein-packed legume that adds texture and additional nutrition to the recipe.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a creamy and flavorful finish to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a deep and savory flavor foundation for the chili mac.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Provide a tangy and rich tomato base that adds moisture and depth to the recipe.
• Green Onions: A fresh garnish that adds a light, crisp finish to the dish.

• Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that absorbs the chili and cheese sauce perfectly.

• Beef Broth: Adds extra moisture and enhances the overall meaty flavor of the dish.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Warm spices that create a traditional chili flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the recipe.

Simple Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese blends comfort classics into one satisfying meal. Cheesy pasta mingles with robust ground beef and zesty seasonings, creating a simple slow cooker dinner perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring meat is fully cooked and crumbled. Drain excess fat thoroughly.
2. Pour beef mixture into crockpot, combining with kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and classic chili spices including chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients until evenly distributed.
3. Allow mixture to slow cook on low temperature for 6 hours or high temperature for 3 hours, developing rich, deep flavors.
4. During final 30 minutes of cooking, introduce uncooked macaroni directly into crockpot, gently stirring to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.
5. Once pasta is tender, fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the top for a bright, crisp garnish and added flavor dimension.
7. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion captures the hearty blend of chili and cheesy mac.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, lighter version that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack to add an extra flavor kick and customize the dish’s spice level.
• Prepare extra portions and freeze in individual containers for quick, convenient meals during busy weekdays – this chili mac reheats beautifully without losing texture or taste.
• For gluten-free options, replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg