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
Scale
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.
