Irresistible Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe

Name: Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485881H25M4S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred); 1 (15 oz) can chili beans (any variety); 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cups beef broth

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

June 4, 2025

Updated:

June 4, 2025

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There’s something magical about a bubbling pot of comfort food that makes your heart sing and your stomach dance. Imagine the rich aroma of melted cheddar mingling with spices and tender pasta, creating an irresistible dish that warms you from the inside out. That’s precisely what Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac delivers—a symphony of flavors that invites you to dig in and savor every bite.

This dish is not just for cold winter nights; it’s perfect for family gatherings, game days, or whenever you’re craving that ultimate cozy meal. As it simmers, it fills your kitchen with a tantalizing scent that draws everyone within a five-mile radius. Trust me, once you serve this up, you might just become the neighborhood’s favorite chef.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is easy to prepare and practically cooks itself while you relax
The creamy cheese sauce combined with zesty chili flavors creates a taste explosion in every bite
Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, ensuring it stands out on any dinner table
Plus, this dish is versatile enough to customize based on your pantry staples or dietary needs

I still remember the first time I made Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac for my friends during a football game night. Their delighted faces were priceless as they scooped seconds!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Elbow Macaroni: Choose regular or whole wheat pasta depending on your preference; both cook beautifully in the slow cooker.
Ground Beef or Turkey: I like using lean ground beef for richer flavor, but turkey keeps it lighter.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes to add an extra layer of smokiness.
Chili Beans: You can use any variety—black beans or kidney beans work wonderfully too!
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic add depth; sauté them briefly before adding them to the slow cooker.
Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bolder taste that complements the chili perfectly.
Spices (Chili Powder & Cumin): These spices are essential; they bring warmth and complexity to each bite.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion and mincing garlic; these two will create a flavorful base. Cook the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly.

Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked meat into your crock pot along with elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, chili beans, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Pour in Broth and Stir Well: Add enough beef broth to cover all ingredients; give everything a good stir to combine flavors evenly.

Set It and Forget It!: Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours; enjoy the heavenly aroma wafting through your home.

Add Cheese Before Serving: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey; this is where the magic truly happens!

Enjoying this dish becomes an event; it’s comforting yet exciting enough to make even your most discerning friends ask for seconds! Each bite bursts with cheesy goodness wrapped around silky macaroni infused with zesty chili notes—utter bliss!

By following these steps closely while keeping that warm tone throughout the cooking process, you’ll create something truly special—a bowl of happiness that evokes nostalgia while forging new memories around the dinner table!

You Must Know

The Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food, combining cheese and chili in a cozy pasta dish
It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to indulge
The aroma will make your home feel warm and welcoming as it cooks

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef and onions in a skillet, then transfer everything to the crock pot. This ensures rich flavors before adding the pasta and cheese.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or add bell peppers for extra crunch. A dash of hot sauce can also spice things up!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low in the microwave to keep the mac creamy and delicious.

Chef's Helpful Tips

When making Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac, always use freshly grated cheese for better melting
Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should remain al dente after cooking
A little splash of milk can revive any leftover mac when reheating!

A friend once told me that this dish saved her from a dinner disaster; she forgot about her guests until she smelled that cheesy goodness wafting through her house!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta in my Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?

Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time as gluten-free pasta may cook faster.

How do I prevent my mac from becoming too mushy?

Avoid overcooking; check doneness around 30 minutes before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute beans or lentils for meat, and load up on veggies instead.

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