Introduction

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheddar cheese with zesty chili flavors and tender pasta. This one-pot slow cooker meal is perfect for cozy family dinners or game day gatherings, delivering rich taste with minimal effort.

A white bowl filled with macaroni pasta mixed with ground beef and small pieces of red tomato, all topped with melted bright orange cheddar cheese that partially covers the pasta and beef. The macaroni is light yellow with a soft texture, the ground beef is crumbly and brown, while the tomato pieces add small bursts of red. The melted cheese layer on top is rich and glossy, creating a creamy contrast over the textured pasta and meat. The photo is taken close up, showing the details of the ingredients clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can chili beans (kidney or black)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until no longer pink. Drain excess fat but leave a little for moisture.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 4: Transfer the meat mixture to the Crock Pot. Add elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, chili beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender and flavors meld together.
Step 6: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 7: Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bowl of cheesy chili mac.

Tips & Variations

For a spicy kick, substitute pepper jack cheese for sharp cheddar.
Add cooked ground turkey or beef for extra protein and texture.
Sautéing the onions and garlic enhances their natural sweetness and deepens the dish’s flavor.
Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for more depth in the chili flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with macaroni pasta mixed with ground beef and small chunks of tomato, topped with melted orange cheddar cheese that drapes softly over the pasta and meat. The macaroni is slightly glossy and curved, creating a textured look, while the beef is crumbly and brown. The melted cheese layer sits on top and blends smoothly into the mix below. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and the overall image has warm, inviting colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind gluten-free pasta may cook faster, so adjust the slow cooker time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

What toppings work well with Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?

Sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños are excellent toppings that add extra flavor and texture to this dish.

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 71 reviews

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining creamy sharp cheddar cheese with zesty chili flavors, tender elbow macaroni, and savory ground meat. Perfect for slow cooking, it offers a deliciously cheesy and satisfying dish ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can chili beans (kidney or black)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic to bring fresh aromatics to the dish.
Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until no longer pink; drain excess fat while retaining some for flavor.
Add Spices and Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onions and minced garlic to the browned meat and cook until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the meat mixture to the Crock Pot. Add the elbow macaroni, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chili beans, low-sodium beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Cook Until Tender: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the pasta is tender and flavors meld beautifully.
Add Cheese & Serve: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use lean ground meat for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes to enhance the chili’s smoky depth.
For a spicy twist, substitute cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed.
Gluten-free pasta can be substituted; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños complement this dish well.
Don’t skip sautéing onions and garlic as it significantly enhances the overall flavor.

Keywords: cheddar cheese, chili mac, comfort food, crock pot, family dinner, pasta recipe, slow cooker, beef, turkey, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, one pot meal