If you’re ever craving a meal that wraps all your favorite comfort food flavors into one cozy, easy-to-make dish, then you have to try this Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe. This dish perfectly blends tender elbow macaroni with hearty ground beef, savory beans, and a robust chili tomato sauce, all simmered slowly to let the flavors meld beautifully. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family feast, this recipe promises warmth, satisfaction, and plenty of seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a dish so rich in flavor and texture. Each element, from the ground beef to the spices, plays a crucial role in making this Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe a standout meal.
- 1 pound ground beef: Browning and draining the beef keeps the dish flavorful without excess fat.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the chili base.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: The heart of the spice mix, bringing warmth and kick.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Offers an earthy undertone that complements the chili powder.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 15 ounces kidney beans, drained: Adds a creamy bite and extra protein.
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Provides tanginess and subtle heat.
- 6 ounces tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and deepens the tomato flavor.
- 8 ounces tomato sauce: Creates the silky chili base that coats the pasta.
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth: Keeps everything moist without overpowering the flavor.
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape for holding the sauce and blending textures.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For a melty, cheesy finish on top.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds lively freshness as a garnish.
How to Make Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy. Toss the browned beef, chopped onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beef broth, and dry elbow macaroni into your slow cooker. This mix is the foundation, setting the stage for the flavors to develop deeply as it cooks together.
Step 2: Cook on Low
Cover your slow cooker and cook the mixture on low for 1 to 2 hours. This gives the pasta enough time to cook through while all the spices and ingredients meld into a hearty, comforting sauce. Keep an eye towards the end of cooking to make sure the macaroni reaches your preferred tenderness without overcooking.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Garnish
Once your Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe is ready and the pasta is tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top while it’s still hot. Let it melt into the warm chili mac for a creamy, indulgent finish. Add chopped fresh cilantro to brighten the dish with a fresh herbal note if you like, and you’re ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh cilantro on top creates a vibrant contrast to the rich chili base. You can also try a dollop of sour cream or sliced jalapeños if you want to add creaminess or extra heat. A handful of diced green onions or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes also turn this into a truly customizable experience.
Side Dishes
This Chili Mac shines as a hearty stand-alone meal but pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out its richness. Cornbread or garlic bread offer a great way to soak up every last bit of sauce, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, serve the Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe in individual ramekins topped with cheese and broiled briefly until bubbly and golden. You can also turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers for an impressive twist that reimagines the dish without new cooking hassle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chili Mac should be cooled down and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or second dinner option.
Freezing
You can freeze extra portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave room for expansion and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to evenly warm the pasta and sauce. If it seems thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up and revive that fresh-from-the-crockpot quality.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will still absorb the chili spices beautifully. Just brown it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No problem. You can prepare this dish on the stove by simmering the ingredients in a large pot over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the macaroni is cooked and the flavors meld. It just might take a bit more attention.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with extra beans or plant-based meat alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep those big flavors intact without any meat.
Is it okay to use different pasta shapes?
While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce well, feel free to experiment with small pasta shapes like shells or rotini. Just be mindful of cooking times, especially when using a slow cooker.
How spicy is this Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe?
This recipe has a gentle to moderate kick thanks to the chili powder and green chilies in the tomatoes. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or topping with hot sauce or jalapeños as you like.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe is one of those crowd-pleasers that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, combining familiar, comforting flavors into one magic pot. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and share it with those you love!
Print
Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Chili Mac recipe combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni into a flavorful, comforting one-pot meal. Slow-cooked to perfection, it offers a rich chili taste with the creamy texture of melted cheddar cheese and optional fresh cilantro garnish, perfect for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (browned and drained)
- 1 onion (chopped)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Beans and Tomatoes
- 15 ounces kidney beans (1 can, drained)
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, drained)
- 6 ounces tomato paste (1 can)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (1 can)
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the browned and drained ground beef, chopped onion, chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, tomato sauce, low-sodium beef broth, and dry elbow macaroni into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 1 to 2 hours. Check to ensure the macaroni is fully cooked and tender, stirring occasionally if possible. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top to melt. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chili mac.
Notes
- For a thicker chili mac, reduce the amount of beef broth slightly.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust chili powder and cumin to taste for preferred spice level.
- If cilantro is not preferred, parsley or green onions can be used as garnish.
- To make this dish vegetarian, replace ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead.
