Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheese, hearty chili flavors, and tender pasta—all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish not only warms the soul but also pleases every palate with its rich and savory taste. With minimal prep time, you can sit back and let the crockpot do all the work while enjoying delightful aromas filling your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft.
- In a crockpot, combine browned beef mixture with diced tomatoes, chili powder, kidney beans, and uncooked elbow macaroni; stir well.
- Pour in enough broth to cover all ingredients (about 4 cups) for perfect pasta cooking.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, try adding spices like cumin or jalapeños. - Substitute different cheeses or use gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs. - Customize with leftover vegetables like zucchini or corn for added nutrition.