Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods—chili and macaroni and cheese—brought together in one delicious, slow-cooked dish. This recipe combines hearty chili with tender pasta and gooey, cheesy goodness for a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and easy to make. The best part? The slow cooker does most of the work, making it ideal for busy weeknights, game days, or family gatherings.

Let’s dive into this Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe, including step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips to make this cheesy, flavorful dish a hit at your dinner table.

this Recipe

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What is Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese?

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese combines the savory, spiced flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy comfort of macaroni and cheese. This dish starts with a base of ground beef (or turkey) and beans, simmered with chili spices, tomatoes, and broth. Near the end of the cooking time, uncooked pasta is added to the slow cooker and cooked until tender. The final touch is a generous helping of cheese, stirred in until perfectly melted, creating a creamy, cheesy chili mac that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients List for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this hearty, cheesy chili mac:

For the Chili:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 packet chili seasoning (or homemade, see below)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for added depth)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any short pasta like shells or rotini)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips or corn chips
• Hot sauce
• Chopped cilantro

Homemade Chili Seasoning (Optional):

If you prefer to make your own chili seasoning, combine:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or even ground pork can be used instead of ground beef. You can also make this dish vegetarian by using a plant-based ground meat substitute or skipping the meat altogether and adding more beans or vegetables.
• Beans: Use any combination of beans you like—kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, or even chickpeas. For a beanless chili mac, simply omit the beans and add more meat or veggies.
• Cheese: Feel free to use a mix of your favorite cheeses. Pepper Jack cheese adds a nice kick, or you can use Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
• Pasta: Any short pasta will work for this recipe, such as elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Vegetables: Add more vegetables like diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to make the dish even heartier and more nutritious.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.

3. Add the Chili Ingredients

Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, chili seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, and smoked paprika to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine.

4. Cook the Chili

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the chili on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, until the flavors meld together and the chili is thick and rich.

5. Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker and stir it into the chili. Cover and cook on High for about 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

6. Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to Low. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, along with the sour cream if using. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the chili mac into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like sliced green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve hot and enjoy!

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How to Make Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Browning the Beef

Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker helps to build flavor. If you're using ground turkey or chicken, you can follow the same process. Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the meat to avoid greasy chili.

Step 2: Slow Cooking the Chili

Slow cooking the chili gives the flavors plenty of time to develop, creating a rich and flavorful base for the chili mac. Cooking on Low for 6-8 hours yields the best results, but if you're short on time, cooking on High for 3-4 hours works too.

Step 3: Adding the Pasta

Adding the pasta near the end of the cooking time ensures it doesn’t overcook and turn mushy. Stir the pasta in about 30 minutes before serving and check for doneness after 20 minutes. If the chili gets too thick, you can add more broth or water to thin it out.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to add the pasta toward the end of the cooking time to avoid mushy pasta. It only needs about 20-30 minutes to cook in the slow cooker.
2. Not Draining the Ground Beef: If your beef is too fatty, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning. Otherwise, the dish can turn out greasy.
3. Forgetting to Stir the Cheese: After adding the cheese, stir well to ensure it melts evenly into the chili. This step is crucial for creating a creamy, cheesy sauce.
4. Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the meat and sautéing the onions before adding them to the slow cooker adds depth and flavor. Don’t skip this step if you can help it!

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for serving to family and friends. Here are some ideas to make the meal even more enjoyable:

How to Serve Chili Mac and Cheese

• Family-Style: Serve the chili mac straight from the slow cooker, allowing everyone to help themselves. Offer a toppings bar with sliced green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips so everyone can customize their bowls.
• Side Dishes: Chili mac pairs well with simple sides like a green salad, cornbread, or garlic bread. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for scooping.
• For a Crowd: This recipe is perfect for game days, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It makes a large batch, so you can easily double the recipe if you're feeding a crowd.

Presentation Ideas for Chili Mac and Cheese

• Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with fresh garnishes like green onions, cilantro, sour cream, and hot sauce so everyone can personalize their bowl.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each serving and let it melt for an ultra-cheesy finish.
• Colorful Garnishes: Brighten up the dish by adding fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes on top. These garnishes add both color and flavor.

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Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Adjust the Thickness: If the chili mac is too thick after adding the pasta, you can stir in a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
• Make it Spicier: For a spicier version, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also top each serving with sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chili portion ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then reheat it in the slow cooker before adding the pasta and cheese.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the chili portion ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to serve, reheat the chili in the slow cooker, then add the pasta and cheese as directed.

Can I freeze Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese?

You can freeze the chili part of this dish, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the pasta. Cook the chili, let it cool, and transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight, reheat it in the slow cooker, and add fresh pasta and cheese.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. You can also use plant-based ground meat as a substitute for the beef.

What can I serve with Chili Mac and Cheese?

Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty dish, so it pairs well with lighter sides like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or cornbread. Tortilla chips are also a great side for scooping up the cheesy goodness.

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Conclusion

This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining the bold flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your own twist, this hearty and satisfying meal is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of chili mac and cheese!

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