Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Looking for a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal that you can make effortlessly in your crockpot? This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe combines two classic comfort foods—chili and mac and cheese—into one delicious dish. With tender macaroni, rich chili-flavored beef, and creamy cheese all cooked to perfection, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd. It’s an easy, hands-off meal that the whole family will love. Plus, the crockpot does all the work for you, making cleanup a breeze!

Let’s get started with this easy and flavorful slow cooker chili mac and cheese recipe.

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What is Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese?

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a fusion dish that combines the bold, hearty flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. The ground beef is slow-cooked with beans, tomatoes, and spices to create a delicious chili base, and then pasta is stirred in during the last phase of cooking. To top it all off, melty cheese is added for an irresistible finish. It’s a one-pot meal that’s rich, filling, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious crockpot chili mac and cheese:

For the Chili Base:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies (optional, for added heat)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream (for extra creaminess)

For Toppings (Optional):

• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Jalapeños
• Tortilla chips (for crunch)

Substitutions and Variations

This crockpot chili mac and cheese is very customizable, so feel free to change up the ingredients to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Meat Options: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or plant-based ground meat.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like Pepper Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor.
• Beans: You can swap the kidney beans and black beans for pinto beans or white beans if you prefer a different variety.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni works great for this recipe, but you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells.
• Heat Level: For a spicier version, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or use a can of hot diced green chilies.
• Gluten-Free Version: Simply use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the cooked beef to your crockpot.

Step 2: Add the Chili Ingredients

To the crockpot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, diced green chilies (if using), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the chili mixture on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the chili base to develop a rich, savory taste.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the crockpot. Stir it into the chili mixture and cover the crockpot again. Let the pasta cook until tender, about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and milk (or cream). Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the chili mac becomes creamy and cheesy.

Step 6: Serve

Once the cheese is melted and everything is well combined, taste the chili mac and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sliced green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, or tortilla chips for added texture.

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

1. Brown the ground beef: Cook the ground beef or turkey in a skillet until browned and drain the fat.
2. Add chili ingredients: Combine the beef with onions, garlic, beans, tomatoes, and spices in the crockpot.
3. Slow cook: Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4. Add pasta: Stir in uncooked macaroni about 30 minutes before serving.
5. Stir in cheese: Add shredded cheese and milk, stirring until creamy and cheesy.
6. Serve: Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to add the pasta about 30 minutes before serving, not at the start of the cooking process. Overcooking the pasta can result in mushy noodles.
• Too Much Liquid: If your chili mixture seems too watery after adding the pasta, leave the lid off for a few minutes during the final stage of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.
• Not Stirring the Cheese: Make sure to stir the cheese thoroughly until it’s fully melted and creamy. This will prevent clumps and ensure the chili mac has an even, cheesy texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty, rustic dish, but you can still make it look and taste even more appetizing with these serving and presentation tips:

• Family-Style Serving: Serve the chili mac directly from the crockpot for a cozy family meal. Set up a toppings bar with options like sour cream, green onions, cilantro, and tortilla chips so everyone can customize their bowl.
• Individual Bowls: Spoon the chili mac into individual bowls and top each with a sprinkle of extra cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and color.
• Game Day Platter: For game day or a casual gathering, serve the chili mac in small bowls with a side of tortilla chips for scooping. You can also serve it in smaller portions for a great party dish.

How to Serve Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

• Classic Style: Serve the chili mac in bowls with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
• With a Crunch: Add crushed tortilla chips, Fritos, or crackers on top for extra texture and crunch.
• Pair with a Side: Serve this chili mac alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chili Mac and Cheese

• Toppings Bar: Set up a fun toppings bar with bowls of chopped jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips, so everyone can customize their serving.
• Rustic Look: Serve the chili mac in rustic bowls or cast iron dishes for a cozy, homey presentation.
• Bright and Fresh Garnishes: Top each bowl with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chili base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat the chili in the crockpot, add the pasta, and proceed with the recipe.
• Freezing Leftovers: This chili mac freezes well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stovetop or microwave.
• Control the Consistency: If you like a thicker chili mac, reduce the amount of broth or add more pasta. For a soupier version, add a little more broth when cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta in this recipe?
A: Yes! You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can omit the ground beef and add extra beans, such as pinto beans or chickpeas, or use a plant-based ground meat substitute.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the chili base for extra nutrition and flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover chili mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it's a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or game day. Combining hearty chili with creamy, cheesy macaroni, this one-pot meal is rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious, fuss-free meal that everyone will love!

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