Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe

Craving a dish that’s warm, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors? Look no further than this Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese! Combining the rich, savory taste of chili with the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, this one-pot wonder is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. Best of all, your slow cooker does all the work—just toss in the ingredients, and a hearty, satisfying dinner will be ready in no time. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and delicious variations to make this easy crockpot chili mac and cheese recipe!

this Recipe

---

What is Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese?

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a delicious mashup of two classic comfort foods: chili and mac and cheese. In this dish, ground beef is slow-cooked with beans, tomatoes, and spices to create a flavorful chili base. Then, tender pasta and plenty of gooey cheese are added, making it an irresistible meal that’s both filling and easy to make. The slow cooker makes this recipe even more convenient, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day.

---

Ingredients List for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty, crowd-pleasing chili mac and cheese:

• Ground Beef (80% lean) – 1 pound, for a hearty base.
• Onion – 1 medium, diced, for extra flavor.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced, for depth of flavor.
• Chili Powder – 2 tablespoons, for that classic chili taste.
• Cumin – 1 teaspoon, for warmth and a touch of smokiness.
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon, for a mild kick of heat.
• Diced Tomatoes (canned) – 1 can (14.5 oz), undrained, to form the base of the chili.
• Tomato Sauce – 1 can (8 oz), for a rich, smooth sauce.
• Kidney Beans (or black beans or pinto beans) – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed.
• Beef Broth – 2 cups, for cooking the pasta and creating a flavorful base.
• Elbow Macaroni (or another small pasta) – 8 oz (about 2 cups), uncooked, to make it a chili mac.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups, for that ooey-gooey cheesy goodness.
• Cream Cheese (optional) – 4 oz, for added creaminess.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning.

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Tortilla chips or crushed crackers

---

Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is versatile, so feel free to change it up based on your taste or dietary preferences:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra beans, like black beans or pinto beans, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.
• Spice It Up: For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: For a healthier or gluten-free option, swap the regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.

These substitutions allow you to customize the recipe to suit your preferences while keeping it delicious and satisfying.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Transfer to the Crockpot:
   • Transfer the browned beef mixture to your Crockpot. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and drained beans. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine everything.
4. Slow Cook the Chili:
   • Cover the Crockpot and cook the chili on Low for 4-6 hours, or on High for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chili to thicken.
5. Add the Pasta:
   • After the chili has cooked, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the Crockpot. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on High for another 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
6. Add the Cheese:
   • Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese (if using). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the chili mac is creamy.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or chopped green onions.

---

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

Here’s a quick recap of the steps for making Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese:

1. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic.
2. Transfer to the Crockpot and add tomatoes, beans, spices, and broth.
3. Slow cook the chili for 4-6 hours on low.
4. Add uncooked pasta and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in the cheese and serve with your favorite toppings.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Add the pasta during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn’t become mushy. Cooking it for too long can cause it to absorb too much liquid and lose its texture.
• Skipping the Browning Step: Be sure to brown the ground beef before adding it to the Crockpot. This step develops flavor and ensures the beef is fully cooked.
• Not Adding Enough Liquid: Make sure to add enough beef broth or liquid to cook the pasta. If the mixture looks too thick, you can always add a little extra broth during the final stages.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest sauce, shred your cheese from a block.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chili mac and cheese is hearty and comforting, and with a few extra toppings, you can make it even more delicious and visually appealing.

How to Serve Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese:

• Family-Style: Serve directly from the Crockpot, allowing everyone to scoop out their portion and top it with their favorite garnishes.
• Individual Bowls: Ladle the chili mac into bowls and top each one with sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, or cilantro.
• Serve with Sides: Pair with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese:

• Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, and tortilla chips so everyone can customize their serving.
• Rustic Look: Serve the chili mac in cast iron bowls or small Dutch ovens for a rustic, cozy presentation.
• Crispy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or crackers over the top just before serving.

---

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chili base ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chili in the Crockpot and add the pasta and cheese.
• Freezing: Chili mac and cheese freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the mixture becomes too thick.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni works best, you can use any small pasta like rotini, penne, or shells.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and add extra beans, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes, if you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately on the stovetop and stir it into the chili before serving. This ensures the pasta doesn’t overcook in the Crockpot.

How do I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy chili powder or pepper jack cheese.

---

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe combines the best of two comfort food favorites—rich, hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese—into one irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is easy to make, full of flavor, and highly customizable. With tender pasta, cheesy goodness, and a kick of chili spices, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Serve it with your favorite toppings and enjoy every warm, comforting bite!

Print