There’s something about a bubbling pot of Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac that makes your taste buds sing and your heart skip a beat. Imagine tender macaroni enveloped in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, dancing with zesty chili flavors. The aroma wafts through your home like a warm hug on a chilly day, promising comfort and joy in every spoonful.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use gluten-free pasta in Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?
- How spicy is this Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?
- Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that takes you back to cozy family gatherings where laughter fills the air. Whether it’s game day or a rainy Sunday afternoon, nothing beats the anticipation of digging into this cheesy delight. Let’s dive into the magic of this Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac and create some delicious memories! For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is super easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser
- The vibrant colors and cheesy goodness look stunning in any bowl
- Enjoy it as a satisfying main dish or a delightful side for barbecues or family gatherings
I once made this for my friends during one of our infamous movie nights, and let’s just say, they were all too busy devouring it to comment on the film.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Macaroni Pasta: Use elbow macaroni for its perfect bite-sized shape that captures the cheesy goodness.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish hearty without being overly greasy.
- Canned Chili Beans: Choose your favorite chili beans—these add depth and texture to our mac concoction.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring freshness and acidity; look for those with seasoning for extra flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar creates that melty, gooey texture we all love—go big or go home!
- Onion & Garlic: Freshly chopped onions and minced garlic provide aromatic depth; don’t skimp on these flavor boosters.
- Spices (Chili Powder & Cumin): These spices elevate the chili notes—feel free to adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- Beef Broth: Using beef broth enhances flavor; low-sodium options give you more control over saltiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Brown Your Beef and Aromatics : Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef along with diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until browned while stirring occasionally; this should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Your Flavor Punch : Stir in chili powder and cumin into the meat mixture. Allow it to cook for another minute until fragrant; you want those spices to shine!
Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot : Transfer the beef mixture into your trusty crock pot. Add macaroni, canned chili beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir; it should look colorful and inviting.
Creamy Cheese Bliss Awaits! : Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top but don’t stir yet! Cover with the lid and set your crock pot on low for about 4 hours—trust me on this one.
The Final Touches : After 4 hours, remove the lid and gently stir in more cheese until melted through—this part is like adding sprinkles on a cupcake!
Serve It Up! : Dish out heaping portions into bowls and enjoy immediately! Garnish with green onions or extra cheese if you’re feeling fancy.
And there you have it—a deliciously cheesy Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every bite while reminiscing how many movies you’ve missed watching because of this delightful distraction!
You Must Know
- This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac recipe is a crowd-pleaser that makes weeknight dinners hassle-free
- The creamy, cheesy texture will have everyone asking for seconds
- Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, making meal prep a breeze throughout the week
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat and onions in a skillet to enhance flavors. Then, combine all ingredients in the crock pot, allowing everything to meld together beautifully over several hours.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn for more color and nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To create the best Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac, be sure to brown your meat first for richer flavor
- Always taste before serving; adjust seasoning as needed based on your preference
- And don’t rush—the longer it cooks, the better it tastes!
Cooking this dish reminds me of family game nights where laughter filled our home, and my sister always claimed she could make it better than I could. Spoiler alert: she never could. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips and tricks recipe.
FAQ
Can I use gluten-free pasta in Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well; just adjust cooking time as needed.
How spicy is this Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?
Adjust the chili powder to control heat; mild options are available too!
Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
Absolutely! Freeze in portions for easy meals later; just reheat thoroughly before serving.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender macaroni with rich, creamy cheddar cheese and zesty chili flavors. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings, promising a deliciously cheesy experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic for about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin; cook for an additional minute.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a crock pot. Add macaroni, chili beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top without stirring. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours.
- After cooking, stir in more cheese until melted. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions or extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
