Description
Crock Pot Chili Mac combines creamy cheddar cheese, hearty pasta, and zesty chili flavors into a comforting slow cooker dinner that feeds the whole family with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Optional diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice bell peppers if using
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until translucent
- Add ground meat and cook until fully browned
- Transfer the meat mixture to the crock pot
- Add macaroni, diced tomatoes with juices, chili beans, broth, spices, and bell peppers
- Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
- Add shredded cheddar cheese about 15 minutes before serving and stir until melted
Notes
- Swap ground beef with turkey or black beans for added protein options
- Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder or adding jalapeños
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat with a splash of broth or milk
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- 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