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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a large skillet until meat is thoroughly browned and vegetables are translucent.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture and transfer to the crockpot.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and salt for robust flavor complexity.
- Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 5-6 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, rich flavors.
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in cooked macaroni and shredded cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the chili.
- Gently fold ingredients to create a creamy, hearty consistency, allowing cheese to melt completely.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
- 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