The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe You’ll Love

Savory chili mac and cheese dance across your plate with bold, comforting flavors that promise pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a slow cooker, creating a meal that hugs your soul.

Comfort meets convenience through this one-pot wonder guaranteed to please hungry crowds.

Pasta absorbs rich, spicy seasonings while cheese melts into creamy perfection.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Simple ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing classic that feels like a warm embrace.

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Overview

• Unleash Hands-Off Cooking: Crockpot method lets you walk away while delicious flavors develop without constant monitoring.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Fusion: Combines two beloved dishes – hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese – creating an irresistible meal that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Quick Ingredient Assembly: Minimal prep work means throwing everything into the slow cooker with minimal chopping and measuring, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• One-Pot Wonder: Simplifies cooking by creating a complete, protein-packed meal in a single pot, reducing cleanup and kitchen chaos.

Chili Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for this comforting dish.
• Onions: A aromatic vegetable that adds depth and sweetness to the chili mac.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the recipe.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the chili mac.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, savory liquid base for the slow-cooked meal.

• Beans: Provides additional protein and a creamy texture to the dish.
• Macaroni: The classic pasta that gives the recipe its signature mac and cheese appeal.

• Cheese: Adds creamy richness and a melty, comforting element to the chili mac.

• Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin: Essential spices that build a robust and complex flavor profile for the chili mac.

Preparation Steps for Chili Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it develops a rich, golden color.

Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Break the beef into small, even crumbles as it cooks to ensure uniform texture.

Step 2: Transfer Flavor Powerhouse

Carefully move the beef mixture into the crockpot.

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Chicken broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything thoroughly to distribute the spices and create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Magic

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat.

Let the chili simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for 6 hours.

The slow cooking process will tenderize the meat and meld all the spices together.

Step 4: Introduce Creamy Comfort

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, add cooked elbow macaroni and shredded cheese to the crockpot.

Gently fold the ingredients together, allowing the cheese to melt and create a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the chili mac and cheese into bowls.

Garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, or additional shredded cheese.

Serve piping hot and savor the comforting, hearty meal.

Tips for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

• Remove excess fat to prevent greasy chili mac and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Select elbow macaroni or rotini that holds up well in slow cooking without becoming mushy during the long simmering process.
• Add shredded cheese directly into the crockpot during the last 15-20 minutes to create a creamy, smooth texture without breaking or separating.
• Enhance depth by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a richer, more complex taste.
• For gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free before preparing the dish.

Variations on Chili Mac and Cheese

• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced portobello mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, swap regular cheese with pepper jack, and include a dash of chipotle powder for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free macaroni, replace regular flour-based cheese sauce with cornstarch-thickened version, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Protein Power Bowl: Replace macaroni with quinoa, add grilled chicken strips, and mix in Greek yogurt for a high-protein alternative.

Serving Ideas for Chili Mac and Cheese

• Comfort Food Feast: Pair this hearty chili mac with a crisp green salad to balance the richness and add freshness.
• Topping Paradise: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch and flavor layers.
• Game Day Delight: Serve as a satisfying main dish during football watch parties or casual weekend gatherings with friends and family.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for quick lunches, and the flavors will continue to develop and taste even better the next day.

Storage Instructions for Chili Mac and Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chili mac is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The combination of pasta, cheese, and ground beef makes it a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike. It’s comforting and easy to eat.

• Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to increase the heat level according to your preference. Adjust spices to suit your taste.

• Do I need to pre-cook the macaroni?

Yes, cook the macaroni separately before adding it to the crockpot in the last 30 minutes. This ensures the pasta doesn’t become mushy and maintains the right texture.

• What type of ground meat works best?

Ground beef is traditional, but you can easily substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist on the recipe.

Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty crockpot chili mac and cheese brings comfort and zest to weeknight dinners, blending spicy chili flavors with creamy cheese. Cheesy pasta lovers will savor this simple, satisfying one-pot meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound elbow macaroni

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans

Liquid and Cheese:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a large skillet until meat is thoroughly browned and vegetables are translucent.
2. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and transfer to the crockpot.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and salt for robust flavor complexity.
4. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 5-6 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, rich flavors.
5. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in cooked macaroni and shredded cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the chili.
6. Gently fold ingredients to create a creamy, hearty consistency, allowing cheese to melt completely.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
8. Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or additional cheese if desired.

Notes

• Lean protein options like ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully for a lighter version of this comfort dish.
• Vegetarian cooks can substitute meat with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for protein-packed alternatives.
• Choose whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the meal.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar and pepper jack for a more complex flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg