Crockpot Chili Mac

Crockpot Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food — a delicious fusion of two classics: hearty beef chili and creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s a dish that warms the soul and fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting the flavors blend beautifully over time, resulting in a rich, savory, and slightly spicy meal that’s perfect for busy days or chilly evenings.

This recipe delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner — flavor, convenience, and satisfaction — all in one pot.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s comfort food made easy. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese creates an irresistible dish that everyone in the family loves. The crockpot allows all the ingredients to simmer slowly, developing deep, complex flavors with almost no effort.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can make it spicy or mild, cheesy or tomato-rich, and it tastes even better the next day. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Crockpot Chili Mac is a must-try because it:

• Combines two comfort food favorites in one!
• Requires minimal prep — just brown the meat and toss everything into the slow cooker.
• Feeds a crowd easily and reheats beautifully.
• Is hearty, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with protein, carbs, and fiber.

It’s the perfect dish when you want something hearty, cheesy, and comforting that practically cooks itself.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours (on low) or 2.5 hours (on high)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chili Base:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro or parsley

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic.
2. Add beef mixture and all chili ingredients to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 4 hours (or high for 2.5 hours).
4. Add uncooked macaroni and cook for 20–25 minutes more.
5. Stir in cheese before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Meat

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
• Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant.
• Drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture to the crockpot.

Step 2: Add the Chili Base

• Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Slow Cook

• Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2.5 hours.
• This allows all the flavors to blend together perfectly.

Step 4: Add Pasta

• About 25 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
• Cover again and cook until the pasta is tender (about 20–25 minutes).

Step 5: Add Cheese

• Once pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Final Touch

• Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder.
• Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve

Serve the Crockpot Chili Mac hot, right out of the slow cooker!
Top with:

• A dollop of sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Shredded cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips or jalapeño slices

It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, cornbread, or garlic toast.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t add the pasta too early — it will become mushy if overcooked.
• If you prefer thicker chili mac, reduce the broth slightly.
• Want more heat? Add cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or diced jalapeños.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese before serving.
• Stir occasionally once the pasta is added to prevent sticking.

Variations

• Turkey Chili Mac: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Omit beef and add extra beans, corn, and bell peppers.
• Cheesy Tex-Mex Chili Mac: Use a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese, and top with crushed tortilla chips.
• Spicy Chili Mac: Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or a can of diced green chilies for a kick.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

• Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

To Reheat:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker / Crockpot
• Large skillet (for browning beef)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes! You can cook the macaroni separately on the stove, then stir it into the chili mixture right before serving.

Q2: Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely — penne, rotini, or shells work well. Just choose a small pasta that holds sauce nicely.

Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q4: How do I make it thicker?
Let the lid stay off for the last 10 minutes of cooking, or reduce the broth slightly.

Q5: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

The Crockpot Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort dish — hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. It’s an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers all the satisfaction of chili and the creamy goodness of mac and cheese in one pot.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite for its convenience, flavor, and versatility. With minimal effort and maximum taste, it’s a comfort food masterpiece that deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.