When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s a steaming bowl of Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac that wraps you up in warmth like a cozy blanket. Imagine the rich, cheesy aroma wafting through your kitchen as you stir in silky cheddar, hearty pasta, and zesty chili. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve just won the culinary lottery. For more inspiration, check out this hearty dinner recipes recipe.
This recipe isn’t just about flavors; it’s about memories. Picture this: family gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as everyone digs into their bowls of deliciousness. Whether it’s a chilly evening or game day with friends, Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that promises to leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is incredibly simple to prepare and requires minimal effort
- The flavor melds beautifully over time, creating a comforting dish perfect for any occasion
- It looks vibrant and inviting with its cheesy goodness and can easily be customized to suit your taste buds
- Great for leftovers or meal prep, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it throughout the week
I still remember my friend’s face when I first served this at our potluck—a perfect blend of surprise and delight!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese; it holds sauce well and cooks evenly.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Lean meat adds protein; choose according to your preference for richness.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted variety for an extra smoky flavor.
Canned Chili Beans: These add depth and heartiness; rinse them well before adding.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a robust flavor that melts beautifully.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and minced garlic create aromatic depth; sauté them until fragrant.
Spices (Chili Powder, Cumin): These spices elevate the flavor profile; adjust based on your heat tolerance.
Chicken Broth or Water: This provides moisture during cooking; opt for low-sodium options if preferred.
Bell Peppers (optional): Dice these for added color and sweetness; any variety works well!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Measure out all other ingredients so you’re ready to rock this recipe with ease!
Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped onions and garlic until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or turkey into the skillet with the onions. Cook until browned completely; ensure there are no pink bits left—this takes around 5-7 minutes.
Add Everything into the Crock Pot: Transfer your meat mixture into a crock pot. Add elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (including juices), chili beans, chicken broth, spices, and bell peppers. Stir well to combine.
Crock It Up!: Set your crock pot on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally if you can resist opening that lid too often!
Cheese It Up!: About 15 minutes before serving time, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. The aroma will have everyone gathering around eagerly!
Enjoy every bite of your Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac! You’ve created something special that warms both hearts and bellies alike!
You Must Know
- This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is a game-changer for weeknight dinners
- The creamy cheese and spicy chili create a comforting dish that pleases even picky eaters
- Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you, leaving you free to relax
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat and onions in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker with pasta and broth. This step enhances flavors significantly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or even add black beans for extra protein. Spice it up with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your pasta is al dente before serving, since it continues cooking in the residual heat
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving to enhance flavors
- Layer cheese on top just before serving for an irresistible melty finish
The first time I made this dish, my friends devoured it so quickly they forgot to compliment me! Their happy faces were all the validation I needed to know I’d struck gold.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta in this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How spicy is the Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?
The spice level can be adjusted by varying chili powder amounts or adding jalapeños.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
- Total Time: 52 minute
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheddar cheese, hearty pasta, and zesty chili for a dish that warms both hearts and bellies. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home, this easy-to-make recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. With its rich aroma wafting through your kitchen, it’s no wonder this crowd-pleaser leaves everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Bell peppers (optional, diced)
Instructions
- Chop onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Measure all ingredients.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic until translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Add ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Transfer the meat mixture to a crock pot. Add elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juices), chili beans, chicken broth, spices, and bell peppers; stir well.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For added protein, swap ground beef for turkey or incorporate black beans. - Adjust spice levels by varying chili powder or adding jalapeños. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
