Irresistible Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe Delight

There’s something almost magical about the way a Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac fills your home with warm, inviting aromas. Picture this: cheesy goodness swirling together with tender pasta and zesty chili, creating a dish that screams comfort food on a rainy day— or any day, really. As you scoop it onto your plate, the melting cheese stretches like it’s trying to give you a warm hug. Now, imagine gathering around the table with friends and family, laughter echoing as everyone dives into their bowls.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience filled with nostalgia and warmth. Whether it’s game night or just an ordinary Tuesday, Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is bound to bring smiles to faces and bellies full of joy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to have it on repeat.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends raved about how they couldn’t get enough of it. Their empty bowls said it all!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Elbow Macaroni: Use about 2 cups of elbow macaroni; it holds the sauce well and adds a classic touch.

• Ground Beef: About 1 pound will do; feel free to substitute with turkey or veggie meat for a lighter option.

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Choose fire-roasted tomatoes for added depth; they ignite flavor fireworks in the pot.

• Canned Kidney Beans: One can adds protein and heartiness; drain and rinse them for better texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese yourself; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that alter the melt quality.

• Chili Powder: Use about 2 tablespoons for that perfect kick; adjust according to your spice tolerance.

• Onion and Garlic: Sauté one chopped onion and three minced garlic cloves for aromatic bliss before adding them to the pot.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of your dish better.

• Bell Peppers: Chop up one red and one green bell pepper; they add color and sweetness that balance out the flavors.

• Sour Cream: Stir in some sour cream right before serving for extra creaminess that elevates every bite!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Sautéing Aromatics: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant—about 3-4 minutes—until they’re soft and translucent.

Browning the Meat: In the same skillet, add ground beef (or turkey) breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned—about 5-7 minutes—and drain excess fat if needed.

Layering Ingredients in the Crock Pot : In your crock pot, add cooked meat along with elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, chopped bell peppers, chicken broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir.

Cooking Time : Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until pasta is tender but not mushy.

Add Cheese & Creaminess : About 15 minutes before serving time, stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted. Then mix in sour cream for that creamy finish.

Serve & Enjoy!: Ladle into bowls while it’s still piping hot! Garnish with additional cheese or herbs if desired—enjoy every cheesy bite!

Enjoy this delightful journey of flavors as you savor each delicious mouthful! You’ll realize why everyone keeps coming back for more of this Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac magic!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the meat and sautéing onions before adding to the crock pot. Layer ingredients for even cooking, ensuring pasta cooks perfectly in the rich sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add beans for extra texture. Top with jalapeños or cilantro for a fresh kick, enhancing flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.

Memories flood back of my buddy’s birthday party when I brought this dish—everyone went back for seconds, and I felt like a rock star chef!

FAQ

Can I make Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac vegetarian?

Absolutely! Use veggie crumbles or beans as your protein source instead of meat.

How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?

Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until pasta is tender.

What cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella for creaminess.

Print

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy cheddar cheese, tender pasta, and zesty chili in one delightful dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this one-pot meal fills your home with inviting aromas and brings smiles to every table. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a hit for game nights or family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• ½ cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant (3-4 minutes).
2. Add ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet; cook until browned (5-7 minutes), then drain excess fat.
3. In your crock pot, layer cooked meat, elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, bell peppers, chicken broth, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until pasta is tender.
5. Stir in grated cheddar cheese about 15 minutes before serving until melted; mix in sour cream for extra creaminess.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (low)
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with veggie crumbles or additional beans. Top with jalapeños or cilantro for an extra kick of flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.