Follow Me !
Slow Cooker Cheddar Chili Mac
why make this recipe
Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering. This recipe is easy to make, requires minimal prep time, and allows the slow cooker to do all the work for you. With flavors like cheesy goodness and a hint of spice from the chili, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Plus, it’s made with affordable ingredients and uses just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
how to make Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a crock pot.
- Add macaroni, beef broth, chili beans, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
how to serve Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
Serve the Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac hot, straight from the slow cooker. It pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or some tortilla chips for crunch. You can top it with additional shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors.
how to store Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
To store leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it on the stove until heated through.
tips to make Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or spices like cumin and paprika while browning the beef.
- If you’d like to add vegetables, you can include bell peppers or corn to the mix.
- Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients, as this dish can make quite a bit.
variation (if any)
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based protein or omitting it altogether. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add more beans, such as black beans or kidney beans, for added protein and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Is it possible to make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can make this recipe in an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for the beef and onion, then adding the other ingredients and cooking on high pressure for about 5 minutes.
Can I add more pasta?
You can add more pasta if you like, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe to ensure it cooks properly.
Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
A delicious and hearty slow-cooked dish, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, featuring cheesy goodness and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with plant-based protein for vegetarian option.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups elbow macaroni Adjust amount of liquid if adding more pasta.
- 3 cups beef broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans Can use any variety of chili beans.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Other cheeses like Monterey Jack can be used.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onion until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a crock pot.
Cooking
- Add macaroni, beef broth, chili beans, and diced tomatoes to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or tortilla chips. Can be topped with additional cheese, chopped green onions, or sour cream. For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or spices like cumin and paprika while browning the beef. Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients.
