Slow Cooker Chili Mac is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With its hearty blend of flavors and tender pasta, this dish warms the soul and satisfies your cravings. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, the combination of savory ground meat, zesty spices, and creamy cheese makes Slow Cooker Chili Mac a delightful meal that you can prepare with minimal effort. Simply gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen!
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Chili Mac Recipe
There’s so much to love about this Slow Cooker Chili Mac recipe. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out the ground beef for turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative to cater to different dietary preferences. The spices bring a warm, comforting flavor that evokes feelings of home. Plus, the slow cooking process melds all the flavors together beautifully, giving you a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s also ideal for meal prep and feeds a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings or game day parties.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Chili Mac
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Mac Directions
To kick things off, you’ll want to begin by browning your ground beef or turkey. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the meat, cooking it until it’s browned. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to break the meat into smaller chunks as it cooks for even browning. Once it’s nicely browned, toss in your diced onion and sauté until… softened. Then, add in the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until it starts to smell amazing. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat from your meat mixture to keep your dish light.
Now comes the fun part! Grab your slow cooker and transfer the meat mixture into it. Add the drained kidney beans, the undrained diced tomatoes, and the tomato sauce. Pour in the beef or chicken broth, which serves as the flavorful base for your chili. Season your mixture with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir, so it’s all evenly mixed.
Once you’ve got everything combined, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can either choose to cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours, depending on when you want to eat. This is the point where you can put your feet up and relax, knowing dinner is in capable hands.
About 20 to 25 minutes before you plan on serving, it’s time to add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Just toss it right into the slow cooker, then cover it again and let it cook until the pasta is tender. The slow cooker does a superb job of ensuring that everything melds together harmoniously.
When you finally unveil your Slow Cooker Chili Mac, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. The heat from the mixture will melt the cheese beautifully, creating a creamy and cheesy texture that you won’t be able to resist. Serve it up with your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, sliced green onions, or jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Serving Slow Cooker Chili Mac is a straightforward but delightful endeavor. Use deep bowls to present this hearty dish, ensuring everyone gets a generous helping. The bright colors of the dish, combined with the melted cheese on top, make it visually appealing. For an added touch, consider garnishing with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream — both not only improve visual appeal but also enhance the flavor profile.
This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider setting out a topping bar where guests can choose from jalapeños, extra cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs. This interactive element makes serving even more fun and allows everyone to customize their bowl just the way they like it.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Chili Mac
To elevate your Slow Cooker Chili Mac to the next level, here are some expert tips that you might find useful:
- Choose Your Meat Wisely: Selecting high-quality ground meat makes a big difference in flavor. If you’re using turkey, choose a slightly fattier blend for a more succulent final result.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. If you enjoy a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mix.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley when you serve this dish can add a fresh burst of flavor.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: When adding the macaroni, ensure that it’s fully submerged in the broth for even cooking. Stir it occasionally for optimal results.
- Keep an Eye on Consistency: If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can reduce the amount of broth slightly or let it cook a bit longer with the lid off.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Storing your Slow Cooker Chili Mac is easy and helps you enjoy the leftovers for days. To store, let the Chili Mac cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it into an airtight container. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop — adding a splash of broth or water can help revive its creamy consistency.
If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. Portion the chili mac into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When it’s time to indulge again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variation of Slow Cooker Chili Mac
While the original Slow Cooker Chili Mac recipe is fantastic as is, there are numerous ways you can customize it to fit your tastes or to use what you have on hand. Here are a few variations worth trying:
- Vegetable Medley: Toss in some bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the mix for extra veggies. This will add color, nutrients, and a little extra texture.
- Add Some Heat: If you crave heat, add chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers when you simmer the mixture. This will give your dish an exciting kick!
- Creamy Version: To enrich the flavor even more, add some cream cheese or sour cream just before serving for a creamy texture that’s hard to resist.
- Different Cheeses: If cheddar isn’t your favorite, experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an added flavor twist. You can even mix different cheeses for a unique taste.
- Taco Style: Turn this dish into a taco-inspired experience by adding taco seasoning instead of the chili powder and cumin and serving with taco toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
FAQ
What is Slow Cooker Chili Mac?
Slow Cooker Chili Mac is a comforting one-pot meal that combines ground meat, pasta, beans, tomatoes, and cheese in a zesty sauce made in your slow cooker.
How long do I cook Slow Cooker Chili Mac?
You can cook it on high for about 2–3 hours or on low for 4–5 hours, making it perfect for meal planning or busy days.
Can I use different types of meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meats to cater to your preferences.
What toppings can I add to my Slow Cooker Chili Mac?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, or sliced jalapeños. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat as needed for a quick and delicious meal.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey) Choose high-quality ground meat for better flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth Base of the chili, adds flavor.
- 1.5 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) Ensure macaroni is fully submerged in broth when cooking.
- 1.5 tsp chili powder Feel free to adjust for spicier flavor.
- 1 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to your taste preference.
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Add just before serving for a creamy texture.
Optional Toppings
- sour cream For a creamy topping.
- green onions Adds freshness and crunch.
- jalapeños For an extra kick!
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground meat. Cook until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it into smaller chunks.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Then stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture.
Cooking
- Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Add the drained kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
- Pour in the beef or chicken broth and season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours.
- About 20 to 25 minutes before serving, add the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Cover again and let it cook until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
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