Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that combines the best of both chili and mac and cheese? This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is the ultimate one-pot meal, combining tender pasta, zesty chili, and a creamy cheese sauce, all cooked together in your slow cooker for an easy weeknight dinner. Perfect for feeding a crowd, this dish is full of bold flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s super simple to make—just toss everything into your crockpot, and let it do the work for you!

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What is Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese?

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a fusion of two comfort food favorites—rich, beefy chili and creamy macaroni and cheese. It’s made with ground beef (or turkey), beans, tomatoes, spices, and cheese, along with pasta cooked right in the slow cooker. The result is a savory, cheesy meal with a little kick that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and comforting one-pot meal:

For the Chili:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any short pasta, uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella)
• ½ cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup milk (or heavy cream, for added creaminess)

Toppings (Optional):

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced avocado
• Shredded cheese (extra for topping)

Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is super versatile and can be easily adjusted based on your preferences or pantry ingredients. Here are a few popular substitutions and variations:

• Meat alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can be used in place of beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Beans: If you prefer, use pinto beans, white beans, or even skip the beans altogether if you’re not a fan.
• Cheese blend: Use your favorite cheeses! Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend all work beautifully in this recipe.
• Spice level: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat, or reduce the chili powder for a milder dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This crockpot chili mac and cheese is incredibly easy to make—just brown the meat, toss in the ingredients, and let the crockpot do the work!

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

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. If you’re using leaner ground meat (like turkey), you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Browning the meat before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and add the raw meat directly to the crockpot.

Step 2: Combine the Chili Ingredients in the Crockpot

Transfer the browned meat to your crockpot. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine well.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chili

Cover the crockpot and cook the chili mixture on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the beans and spices to infuse the dish.

Step 4: Add the Uncooked Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir the uncooked pasta into the chili mixture. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add an extra ½ cup of beef broth or water.

Pro Tip: If you’re not ready to serve the chili mac right away, you can cook the pasta separately and stir it into the chili just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked (about 25-30 minutes), reduce the crockpot to warm or low. Stir in the shredded cheese, cream cheese (if using), and milk. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.

Step 6: Serve

Once the cheese is melted and the pasta is tender, your chili mac and cheese is ready to serve! Spoon generous portions into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or extra shredded cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Keep a close eye on the pasta once you add it to the crockpot. It should cook in about 25-30 minutes. If you’re not serving the dish immediately, cook the pasta separately and stir it in just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Not enough liquid: Pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks, so be sure to add extra broth or water if the chili seems too thick before adding the uncooked pasta.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the meat before adding it to the crockpot builds flavor. While it’s an optional step, it’s highly recommended!

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

This chili mac and cheese is a hearty, filling dish that’s best served hot, straight from the crockpot. It’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or even game-day parties. Pair it with a simple side salad, some crusty bread, or serve it on its own as the main attraction.

Presentation Ideas for Chili Mac and Cheese

• Toppings bar: Set up a toppings bar with a variety of garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro, and let everyone customize their own bowl.
• Family-style: Serve the chili mac and cheese directly from the crockpot at the table and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual bowls: Dish up the chili mac and cheese in individual bowls, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a cozy, comforting presentation.

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the chili mixture in advance, then add the pasta and cheese when you’re ready to serve. The chili base can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer-friendly: Chili mac and cheese freezes well! If you’re making this for meal prep, freeze individual portions (without the pasta) in airtight containers. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and stir in freshly cooked pasta and cheese.
• Add more veggies: You can easily add more vegetables to this dish. Diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach would be great additions that will blend seamlessly into the chili.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can skip the ground beef and double up on beans or use a plant-based meat substitute. The result will be just as flavorful and hearty.

2. Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes, if you prefer, you can cook the pasta separately and stir it into the chili just before serving. This prevents the pasta from overcooking if you’re planning to keep the chili warm for an extended period.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover chili mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

4. Can I freeze chili mac and cheese?
Yes, chili mac and cheese freezes well! It’s best to freeze the chili without the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when frozen and reheated. Simply freeze the chili mixture, and when ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and stir in freshly cooked pasta and cheese.

5. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells will work well in this dish.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe is the ultimate combination of comfort foods—rich, flavorful chili, tender pasta, and plenty of gooey cheese. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day parties. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a big bowl of cheesy, hearty goodness! Happy cooking!

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