Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. This one-pot dish brings together the hearty, savory flavors of chili with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. Whether you’re looking for a simple family dinner, a dish to serve at a casual get-together, or a meal to prep ahead of time, this recipe is a winner. Read on to learn how to make this easy, flavor-packed dish, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to take your Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese to the next level!

What is Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese?

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a fusion of two classic comfort foods: chili and mac and cheese. It’s a one-pot meal where seasoned ground beef, beans, and tomatoes create a flavorful chili base, and macaroni pasta is cooked to perfection right in the Crockpot. Finally, it’s finished off with gooey, melted cheese to form the creamy mac and cheese component. This dish is hearty, filling, and perfect for cold nights, game-day gatherings, or any time you need a no-fuss meal that can feed a crowd.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Chili

To make the chili portion of this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Ground Beef – 1 pound of lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version).
2. Onion – 1 medium onion, diced.
3. Garlic – 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
4. Canned Tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained.
5. Tomato Sauce – 1 can (8 oz) of tomato sauce.
6. Kidney Beans – 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
7. Black Beans – 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed.
8. Chili Powder – 2 tablespoons of chili powder (adjust to taste).
9. Cumin – 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
10. Paprika – 1 teaspoon of smoked or regular paprika.
11. Salt and Pepper – To taste.
12. Beef Broth – 2 cups of beef broth (or chicken broth if using ground turkey).
13. Corn (optional) – 1 cup of frozen corn kernels for added sweetness and texture.

Ingredients List for Mac and Cheese

Once the chili is cooked, you'll add in the ingredients for the mac and cheese portion:

1. Elbow Macaroni – 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni (or another short pasta of your choice).
2. Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
3. Cream Cheese – 4 oz of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
4. Milk – 1 cup of milk (whole or 2% for creaminess).
5. Monterey Jack Cheese (optional) – 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese for extra cheesy flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to customize your Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few suggestions:

• Meat Options: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
• Beans: If you’re not a fan of kidney or black beans, feel free to substitute with pinto beans, navy beans, or omit the beans altogether for a bean-free chili.
• Spices: Adjust the chili powder, cumin, and paprika levels according to your spice tolerance. Add in cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like a little extra heat.
• Cheese: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like Colby, Gouda, or Pepper Jack for different flavor profiles.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This recipe is incredibly easy, thanks to the Crockpot doing most of the work for you. Here's how to make it:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Prepare the Chili Base: Transfer the beef, onions, and garlic to your Crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, corn (if using), chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
4. Cook the Chili: Set your Crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will allow all the flavors to meld together, and the chili will thicken and become deliciously flavorful.
5. Add the Macaroni: About 30-40 minutes before you're ready to serve, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and 2 cups of broth. Stir to combine, cover, and let the pasta cook until tender.
6. Add the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and milk. Stir well until everything is melted and creamy.
7. Serve: Once the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, your Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is ready to serve!

How to Cook Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is simple, but here’s a breakdown to make sure everything goes smoothly:

1. Prep Time: Start by prepping your ingredients. This means browning the meat, chopping onions and garlic, and gathering all your canned goods and spices.
2. Chili First: Remember that the chili base needs time to develop its rich flavors. Letting it cook on low for several hours is key. You want the beans, meat, and spices to blend perfectly before adding the pasta.
3. Pasta Timing: Add the uncooked pasta about 30-40 minutes before the end of the cooking time. This allows it to cook to al dente without becoming mushy.
4. Cheese Last: The cheese should always be added at the end. This prevents it from curdling or losing its creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Adding the macaroni too early will cause it to become mushy. Add it in the last 30-40 minutes to avoid this.
• Not Browning the Meat: Browning the ground beef (or turkey) before adding it to the Crockpot is essential for developing flavor. Don’t skip this step.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. It’s best to shred your own cheese for a creamier result.
• Forgetting the Liquid: If the chili mixture looks too thick before adding the pasta, don’t forget to add extra broth or water. The pasta will absorb liquid as it cooks.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty dish that doesn’t need much, but how you serve and present it can elevate the meal:

1. Garnishes: Top each serving with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and color.
2. Serve with Sides: Serve your chili mac with a side of crusty bread, cornbread, or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
3. Family-Style: Place the Crockpot on a heat-resistant trivet and serve straight from the pot for a casual, family-style meal.

How to Serve Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

• In Bowls: Serve piping hot in individual bowls. This makes it easy to enjoy and allows for adding toppings like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños.
• Taco Style: Spoon the chili mac into taco shells for a fun twist on taco night.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

• Cast Iron Skillet: Transfer the finished dish to a cast-iron skillet and broil for a few minutes to achieve a crispy, cheesy topping.
• Baked Chili Mac: Transfer the cooked dish to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can prep the chili portion a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and simply reheat in the Crockpot before adding the pasta and cheese.
• Freezer-Friendly: The chili base (without pasta) freezes well. Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! You can substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free variety. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or simply omit the meat and add more beans and veggies.

How long does Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that combines the best of chili and mac and cheese in one delicious pot. Easy to make, versatile, and satisfying, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. Give it a try and enjoy the rich, creamy, and flavorful results! Don’t forget to play around with the variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

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