Are you craving a hearty, comforting meal that's easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd? Look no further! This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is a one-pot wonder combining two of everyone's favorite comfort foods: chili and mac and cheese. Whether you're a busy parent or just someone who loves a good home-cooked meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Read on for step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks on how to make the best Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese ever!
What is Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese?
Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish that merges two all-time favorite meals: a robust, flavorful chili and creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. Cooking everything in a crockpot ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly, and the best part is that it’s super easy to make! Just toss your ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work for you. It's the perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.
Ingredients List for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
The ingredients for this crockpot recipe are simple yet pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Ground beef or turkey – Around 1 lb. of lean ground beef or turkey works well. You can also use a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Onion – 1 large onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic – 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for that fragrant flavor.
- Diced tomatoes – 1 can (15 oz.) of diced tomatoes, undrained.
- Tomato sauce – 1 can (8 oz.) of tomato sauce.
- Kidney beans – 1 can (15 oz.) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
- Black beans – 1 can (15 oz.) of black beans, drained and rinsed.
- Elbow macaroni – 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Beef broth – 2 cups of beef broth (or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option).
- Chili powder – 2 tablespoons of chili powder.
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon of ground cumin for that smoky flavor.
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to give it a subtle heat.
- Cheddar cheese – 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
Ingredients List for Toppings and Garnishes
This dish can be customized with a variety of toppings to suit your taste. Some delicious topping ideas include:
- Sour cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and helps cut through the richness.
- Green onions – Finely chopped green onions give a fresh crunch.
- Jalapeños – If you like it spicy, add some sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños.
- Cilantro – A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a pop of color and flavor.
- Tortilla chips – Crushed tortilla chips give an added crunchy texture.
- Hot sauce – A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can crank up the heat.
Substitutions and Variations
There are plenty of ways to switch up this Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe depending on your dietary preferences or what you have in your pantry. Here are some ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or even extra beans like pinto or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Spicy Kick: Love heat? Add more chili powder, or toss in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to spice things up.
- Different Pasta: If you don't have elbow macaroni, other pasta types like shells, penne, or rotini work just as well.
- Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix in other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for an extra flavor punch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check your canned goods for gluten-free labeling if you're cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to dive in and make this dish? Follow these simple steps for a foolproof Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese!
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook your ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain the excess fat.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
- Add to Crockpot: Transfer the cooked meat, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add Canned Ingredients: Dump in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add Broth: Pour in the beef broth, ensuring everything is mixed well.
- Slow Cook: Set your crockpot to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, letting all the flavors meld together.
- Add the Macaroni: About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked elbow macaroni into the crockpot and stir. Continue cooking on high until the pasta is tender, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and let it melt. Ladle the Chili Mac and Cheese into bowls, and garnish with your favorite toppings!
How to Cook Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simplified guide to cooking your Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese:
- Brown meat and sauté veggies.
- Add everything except pasta and cheese into the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Add pasta 30 minutes before the end.
- Stir in cheese, serve, and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is relatively simple, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to add the pasta at the very end, about 30 minutes before serving. If added too early, it can become mushy.
- Not Enough Liquid: If the chili mixture seems too thick, feel free to add a bit more broth. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid, so you want to make sure there’s enough.
- Skimping on Seasoning: Taste the chili before adding the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want the flavors to be bold!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can take this dish from homey to gourmet! Here are some serving tips:
- Serve in Bowls: Chili Mac and Cheese is best served in deep bowls, allowing all the toppings to nestle in.
- Garnish Generously: Pile on your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of extra cheese.
- Side Dishes: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a side of cornbread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Serve Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
Serve Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese piping hot, straight from the crockpot. Ladle it into bowls and let your guests choose from a selection of toppings. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy night in, a game day party, or even as leftovers the next day!
Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
For a more elevated presentation, you can:
- Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs for a restaurant-style look.
- Serve in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic touch.
- Offer a toppings bar with shredded cheese, jalapeños, and tortilla strips for guests to customize their bowls.
Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips
- Make it Ahead: You can prep the chili base ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Add the pasta when you're ready to cook.
- Freezing Leftovers: This dish freezes well! Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe if you're cooking for a crowd or want leftovers for the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can substitute or mix in other beans like pinto beans or even chickpeas.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add more chili powder, cayenne, or use spicy sausage or ground meat for an extra kick.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese freezes well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
No, the uncooked pasta cooks right in the crockpot. Just make sure to add it towards the end of the cooking time so it doesn't overcook.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup that combines the hearty, spicy flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a game day gathering or making it for a weeknight dinner, it's sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!
PrintCrockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe
This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe blends chili's bold flavors with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a delicious, one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a convenient, hearty dish that everyone will love. The slow cooker method ensures a rich, developed flavor, and the addition of cheese brings irresistible creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Kidney beans
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Elbow macaroni
- Cheddar cheese
- Chili powder
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then transfer to crockpot.
- Add beans, tomatoes, sauce, chili powder, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Add uncooked macaroni and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Stir in cheddar cheese and let melt.
- Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or add extra veggies like bell peppers.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapenos or hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
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