Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe
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.
- 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
Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/crock-pot-cheddar-chili-mac-recipe/
