Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food that everyone will love? Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese combines two fan favorites—hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese—into one mouthwatering dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or even meal prep. Best of all, it's made in a crockpot, which means minimal effort and maximum flavor. Stick around to learn how to prepare this crowd-pleasing dish step by step, along with tips for making it your own. Let’s dive in!

What is Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese?

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a slow-cooked fusion of classic chili and traditional mac and cheese. The chili provides a savory, spicy kick with a blend of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, while the mac and cheese adds a creamy, cheesy layer of comfort. Together, they create a meal that's hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. And since it’s all made in a crockpot, you can just set it and forget it, letting the ingredients blend perfectly over time.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Chili

Before we dive into the full recipe, let's break it down into two components: the chili and the mac and cheese. Here's everything you'll need to make the chili portion of the dish:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

Ingredients List for Mac and Cheese

Now, for the mac and cheese part of this dish, here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup cream cheese
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is its versatility. Here are some substitution ideas and variations to suit your taste, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand:

• Meat Options: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to make the dish leaner. Alternatively, use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Beans: Swap out the kidney and black beans for pinto beans, navy beans, or chickpeas, depending on your preference.
• Cheese: While sharp cheddar and mozzarella make for a great combination, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta in place of the elbow macaroni if you’re gluten intolerant.
• Spice Level: If you prefer your chili milder, omit the cayenne pepper. For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add diced jalapeños.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get into the cooking process. Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a simple, no-fuss recipe, but following these steps will ensure it turns out perfectly.

1. Brown the Ground Beef (Optional but Recommended):
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat. This step adds extra flavor, but if you're short on time, you can skip it and add the raw beef directly to the crockpot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This enhances the flavor of the chili base.
3. Combine Chili Ingredients:
   In your crockpot, add the browned beef (or other chosen protein), sautéed onions and garlic, diced tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Cook the Chili:
   Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will meld.
5. Cook the Macaroni Separately:
   About 30 minutes before the chili is done, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Add Mac and Cheese Ingredients:
   Once the chili has finished cooking, stir in the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, milk, and heavy cream. Mix everything well to ensure the cheese melts evenly into the chili. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk or broth.
7. Final Cook:
   Cook everything together on low for another 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and everything is heated through.

How to Cook Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize, here’s the process at a glance:

1. Brown the meat (if preferred) and sauté the onions and garlic.
2. Add all chili ingredients to the crockpot and cook.
3. Cook the macaroni separately.
4. Stir in the cheeses, milk, and cooked macaroni.
5. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Adding uncooked pasta directly to the crockpot can result in mushy noodles. Always cook the pasta separately and add it towards the end.
2. Not Seasoning Enough: Make sure to taste as you go, especially with chili. Adjust the salt, pepper, and spices to suit your taste.
3. Skipping the Browning Step: While it’s tempting to throw everything into the crockpot at once, browning the meat and sautéing the onions first adds depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve otherwise.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a rustic, hearty dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress it up a bit! Here are some ideas to serve and present your meal:

• Toppings: Top each serving with sour cream, shredded cheese, diced green onions, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
• Side Dishes: Serve it with cornbread, a side salad, or tortilla chips for added texture and balance.
• Serving Bowls: Serve the chili mac in deep bowls to capture all the saucy, cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese can be served family-style, straight out of the crockpot, or plated individually. You can even make a toppings bar with options like jalapeños, avocado slices, and extra shredded cheese so everyone can customize their bowl.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

Want to elevate the presentation? Try serving the dish in bread bowls for a fun twist. You can also garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or crispy bacon bits for added flair.

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chili base the night before and refrigerate it. Just throw it in the crockpot the next day and cook as directed.
• Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, add an additional ¼ cup of cream cheese or a splash more heavy cream.
• Freezing Leftovers: Chili mac freezes well! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook the pasta separately and add it toward the end.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or simply add more beans and vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is moderate with the given amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder. Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes, adding veggies like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini can boost the nutritional value and texture of the dish.

How long does Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this dish will last up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth for the best texture.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that blends the heartiness of chili with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese. Whether you're feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Easy to customize and packed with flavor, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves classic comfort food. Ready to dig in? Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal with every bite!

Print