Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe
This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef or turkey, beans, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all slow-cooked with warming chili spices. Topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese, it makes for a flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish perfect for cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Optional Ingredients
- Bell peppers, diced (quantity as preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers (if using). Measure out the elbow macaroni, spices, and other ingredients to have everything ready.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step develops the base flavor of the dish.
- Cook Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook and stir until the meat is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Combine in Crock Pot: Transfer the cooked meat mixture into the crock pot. Add the elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes with their juices, chili beans (drained and rinsed), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and diced bell peppers. Stir everything well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Set the crock pot to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours or set to high and cook for 2 to 3 hours. During cooking, stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts into the chili mac, creating a creamy and cheesy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Adding bell peppers is optional but adds a nice sweetness and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent macaroni from sticking, especially if cooking on high.
Keywords: chili mac, crock pot recipes, slow cooker dinner, cheddar cheese chili, comfort food, easy crock pot meals, ground beef recipes
Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/crock-pot-cheddar-chili-mac-recipe/