Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe
If you love comfort food that brings together the best of cheesy, hearty, and lightly spiced flavors, then the Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is going to be your new go-to recipe. This delightful dish combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground meat, and a vibrant chili twist, all slowly cooked to perfection in the crock pot. The sharp cheddar melts in just before serving, creating a creamy, richly flavored bowl that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and fills your belly with cozy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe thrives on simple, familiar ingredients, each bringing its own essential contribution to the final flavor, texture, and color. From the chewy macaroni to the robust spices and melty cheddar, every element plays a star role.
- Elbow macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds sauce beautifully and offers a perfect bite every time.
- Ground beef or turkey: Provides the hearty base with protein and savory depth; choose turkey for a leaner option.
- Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Adds juiciness and a bright acidic balance to the rich flavors.
- Chili beans (15 oz can), drained and rinsed: Boosts the chili vibe with creamy texture and extra fiber.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a rich, tangy creaminess that melts perfectly into the dish.
- Onion, chopped: Creates a subtle sweetness when sautéed and layers of flavor.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses warmth and an aromatic punch that elevates everything.
- Chili powder (2 tsp): Gives that signature chili kick without overwhelming heat.
- Cumin (1 tsp): Adds a smoky, earthy background note that deepens the dish.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Keeps it moist and flavorful while controlling saltiness.
- Bell peppers (optional, diced): Introduce a fresh crunch and pop of color for added visual appeal and taste.
How to Make Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing any bell peppers you want to include. Gathering and measuring all your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a skillet set over medium heat, cook the onions and garlic just until they turn translucent and release their aroma, about 3 to 4 minutes. This simple step enhances the flavor foundation for your dish and softens the veggies for a gentle mouthfeel.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Meat
Add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet with the softened onions and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. This step locks in savory juiciness and ensures a well-cooked base for the meal.
Step 4: Combine Everything in the Crock Pot
Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your crock pot. Then, add the elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes along with their juices, chili beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and the optional bell peppers. Stir everything together so the flavors mingle evenly.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crock pot to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally if you can. This slow cooking allows the pasta to absorb the chili-spiced broth and the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a tender, comforting dish.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese
About 15 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It will melt smoothly into the mac, creating that signature creamy and cheesy texture that makes the Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac unforgettable.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions for a burst of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of jalapeno also make excellent toppings, enhancing the creamy, spicy balance.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can round out the plate with a contrast in texture and color. Cornbread or garlic bread is an irresistible option to scoop up every last cheesy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to dress up your Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac for guests or family gatherings? Serve it in individual bread bowls or baked bell pepper halves for a fun, edible serving vessel. Garnish the top with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkling of crunchy tortilla strips for an exciting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac cools, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, so you have comfort food ready on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back its creamy texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works perfectly for this recipe, you can substitute with shells, rotini, or any short pasta you have on hand. Just make sure the pasta cooks fully in the crock pot during the cooking time.
Is it possible to make Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out the ground meat for plant-based crumbles, extra beans, or diced vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms to keep it hearty and flavorful without animal products.
How spicy is this recipe?
The chili powder and cumin give it a warm, mild heat that enhances the flavors without being too spicy. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or incorporating cayenne if you like a kick.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before adding it to the crock pot?
Nope! The elbow macaroni cooks perfectly during the slow cooking process. Just be sure to stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and refrigerate before cooking?
It’s best to cook the meat mixture fresh for optimum flavor, but you can chop the vegetables and measure out spices ahead of time to save prep work. If you want, combine everything except the cheese and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.
Final Thoughts
The Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is one of those comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping a cozy weeknight meal, or simply craving some cheesy chili goodness, this recipe will deliver every single time. Give it a try and soon you’ll be sharing this delicious favorite just like I do with my closest friends.
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Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal combining tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef, flavorful chili beans, diced tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy days, it simmers slowly to meld bold spices and rich flavors into a creamy, cheesy chili mac that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Macaroni and Meat
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Bell peppers (optional, diced) – about 1/2 cup
Beans, Tomatoes, and Broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Cheese and Spices
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the bell peppers if using. Measure out all other ingredients so you have everything ready to go.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cook Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until browned thoroughly, about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks.
- Combine in Crock Pot: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the crock pot. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes with their juices, drained chili beans, low-sodium chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and diced bell peppers if using. Stir everything well to combine.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook the mixture in the crock pot on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help flavors meld.
- Add Cheese Before Serving: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Serve hot for a creamy, cheesy chili mac.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef to reduce fat content.
- Using low-sodium broth helps control salt levels; adjust seasoning at the end if needed.
- Diced bell peppers add extra color and nutrition but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: chili mac, slow cooker recipes, crock pot meals, cheddar cheese recipes, ground beef dinner, easy weeknight meals, chili beans, comfort food
