The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering crockpot chili mac and cheese that promises pure culinary magic.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly for a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Creamy cheese cascades through tender pasta while robust chili spices dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners never looked so deliciously simple and inviting.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will adore how effortlessly this dish comes together.

Minimal prep work means maximum flavor with zero stress.

Hungry souls can anticipate a bowl of pure, warm happiness waiting to surprise and delight.

Reasons to Love Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Spice Up Your Meal: Transform ordinary hot dogs into a flavor explosion with jalapeños, bacon, and creamy cheese that delivers a kick of excitement.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for backyard barbecues, game day gatherings, or casual family dinners where everyone craves something deliciously different.
• Customize Your Heat: Control the spice level by removing jalapeño seeds, making this recipe adaptable for mild to adventurous taste buds.
• Grill-Friendly Delight: Minimal prep and cooking steps mean you can spend more time enjoying the meal and less time in the kitchen, with everything prepared right on the grill.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the chili mac.

• Onions, Garlic: These aromatics add depth and savory notes to the dish.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide moisture and a tangy base for the chili.

• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Beans: Add texture and extra protein to the meal.
• Macaroni: The classic pasta that makes this a comforting mac and cheese variation.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Create a warm, complex spice blend for the chili.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the meaty flavor of the chili.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, cheesy texture.
• Green Onions: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.

How to Prepare Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Brown Savory Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium temperature and cook ground beef until nicely browned. Drain away any extra fat from the meat.

Step 2: Enhance With Aromatic Vegetables

Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Create Hearty Chili Base

Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the crockpot.

• Beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Slow Cook The Flavor Explosion

Allow the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors by cooking on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

Step 5: Introduce Pasta Magic

Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add uncooked macaroni to the crockpot.

Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution and cook until pasta becomes perfectly tender.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the crockpot and stir until completely melted, creating a creamy and indulgent texture.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Dish out the chili mac while warm. Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra burst of freshness and color.

Pro Tips for Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop a rich, deep flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chili mac.
• Drain excess fat completely to prevent a greasy texture and keep the dish lighter and more enjoyable.
• For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans for protein.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cumin to suit personal taste preferences.
• Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Variations for Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans. Add diced bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Chili Mac: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Tex-Mex Style Chili Mac: Mix in corn kernels, use Mexican blend cheese, and top with fresh cilantro. Add a dollop of sour cream before serving.
• Mediterranean Inspired Chili Mac: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, add Mediterranean spices like oregano and mint. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar for a tangy flavor.

Serving Ideas for Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Hearty Family Dinner Extravaganza: Top with crispy tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream for extra crunch and creaminess. Guests will love the added texture and cool contrast.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Sprinkle fresh jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to give the dish a zesty Mexican-inspired kick. The bright flavors will elevate the comfort food classic.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Serve in individual bread bowls or with cornbread on the side for a filling meal perfect for sports watching. These accompaniments transform the chili mac into a substantial, satisfying feast.
• Leftovers Makeover: Repurpose remaining chili mac as a stuffing for bell peppers or as a topping for loaded nachos. This clever trick prevents food waste and creates an exciting new meal experience.

Storage Tips for Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese

• Transfer leftover chili mac and cheese to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Pour cooled chili mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Warm the stored chili mac in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of beef broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding liquid as needed to maintain creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili mac and cheese has a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing chili powder and adding optional hot sauce.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein substitute. It will blend well with the other ingredients and provide similar flavor.

• Do I need to pre-cook the macaroni?

No, you add uncooked macaroni directly to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid and become tender.

• What type of beans work best?

Kidney beans or black beans are ideal for this recipe. They add texture, protein, and complement the chili mac’s overall taste profile.

Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot chili mac and cheese blends comfort food classics with a spicy twist. Creamy pasta and zesty ground beef simmer together, creating a satisfying meal that brings families around the table with warmth and flavor you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Transfer the seasoned meat mixture to the crockpot, combining with kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, concentrated tomato base, rich beef stock, and aromatic spices including chili powder, cumin, paprika, plus salt and pepper.
4. Allow the mixture to simmer slowly on low temperature for 6-7 hours, developing deep, complex flavors.
5. Approximately 35 minutes prior to serving, introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the crockpot, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly.
6. Continue cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, absorbing the savory liquid and becoming tender.
7. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy, luxurious consistency.
8. Ladle the hearty chili mac into serving bowls, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped green onions for added brightness and crisp texture.

Notes

• Perfectly brown ground beef by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding meat, preventing excess moisture and achieving a flavorful caramelized exterior.
• Drain fat thoroughly to reduce greasiness and create a lighter, healthier chili mac without compromising rich taste.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Enhance protein content by adding black beans or kidney beans, creating a more nutritious and filling one-pot meal that stretches servings economically.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 482 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg