Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe

Are you ready to try the ultimate comfort food? Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of two beloved dishes: hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese. This slow-cooked, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you're new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a go-to favorite. Read on for all the tips, tricks, and delicious details you need to make this satisfying dish!

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What Is Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese?

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a one-pot wonder that combines the robust flavors of chili—savory ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices—with the comforting, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese. By cooking it all together in a slow cooker, the ingredients meld into a dish that's rich, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe takes minimal prep time and is super convenient for anyone who wants to have dinner cooking while they go about their day.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Chili

To make the chili portion of this dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef (or turkey) – 1 pound of lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter option.
• Canned diced tomatoes – One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted for extra flavor.
• Tomato sauce – One 8-ounce can of tomato sauce to create a rich base for the chili.
• Canned kidney beans – One 15-ounce can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed. You can also use black beans or pinto beans for variety.
• Canned green chilies – One 4-ounce can of diced green chilies for a mild kick of heat.
• Onion – 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
• Garlic – 2-3 cloves, minced, to add depth of flavor.
• Chili powder – 2 tablespoons for that classic chili warmth and spice.
• Cumin – 1 teaspoon to enhance the smoky flavor of the chili.
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon for a touch of sweetness and extra color.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

Ingredients List for Mac and Cheese

For the macaroni and cheese component, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape.
• Sharp cheddar cheese – 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar for its robust flavor.
• Monterey Jack cheese – 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack for a creamy, melty texture.
• Cream cheese – 4 ounces of cream cheese to add creaminess.
• Whole milk or half-and-half – 1 cup for a rich, creamy sauce.
• Butter – 2 tablespoons of butter to enhance the sauce’s richness.
• Ground mustard – ½ teaspoon to add a slight tang to the cheese sauce.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

Substitutions and Variations

While the above ingredients are classic for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese, you can always make substitutions or add variations to suit your taste:

• Protein options: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes like ground tofu or tempeh.
• Beans: Swap kidney beans for black beans, pinto beans, or even white beans depending on your preference.
• Cheese options: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, mozzarella, or Colby Jack.
• Spice level: For a spicier version, add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper, or use hot diced chilies instead of mild.
• Veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the chili.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is broken down into two main components: making the chili and then adding the mac and cheese. Here's how to do it:

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

Step 1: Brown the Meat Before adding the ground beef (or turkey) to the slow cooker, you'll want to brown it in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the meat is fully browned, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the crockpot.

Step 2: Add Chili Ingredients In the slow cooker, combine the browned meat with the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, green chilies, chopped onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Chili Set your crockpot to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. This will allow the flavors of the chili to develop and meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Pasta About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the chili mixture. Continue to cook on low for another 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce While the pasta is cooking in the crockpot, prepare the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the cream cheese and stir until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk, ground mustard, and shredded cheeses until you have a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Serve Once the pasta is cooked through, pour the cheese sauce into the crockpot and stir everything together. Allow the chili mac and cheese to cook for another 5-10 minutes until it's heated through and the cheese sauce has melded with the chili. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not browning the meat: Skipping this step can result in greasy or less flavorful chili. Browning the meat helps to lock in flavor and texture.
• Adding pasta too early: If you add the pasta at the beginning, it will overcook and become mushy. Add it in the last 30 minutes for the best texture.
• Not enough liquid: Ensure there's enough liquid when you add the pasta. If it looks too dry, add a little more water or broth to prevent the pasta from sticking.
• Overcooking the cheese sauce: When making the cheese sauce, avoid overheating. High heat can cause the sauce to break or become grainy. Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir often.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a hearty dish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it look appealing! Here are a few presentation tips to elevate your dish:

How to Serve Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

• Family-style: Serve this dish directly from the crockpot on a buffet table or in a large serving dish. Let everyone help themselves!
• Individual bowls: Serve in large bowls, garnished with extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or green onions.
• Toppings bar: Create a toppings station with bowls of sour cream, shredded cheese, jalapeño slices, chopped onions, hot sauce, and tortilla chips. This allows guests to customize their bowls to their liking.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese

• Color contrast: Garnish with vibrant ingredients like chopped green onions, red chili flakes, or diced tomatoes to add pops of color.
• Rustic style: Serve in cast iron skillets or rustic bowls for a cozy, homey presentation.
• Bread bowls: For a fun twist, serve the chili mac and cheese in hollowed-out bread bowls. This adds a crunchy, edible element to the meal.

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can prepare the chili portion a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, just reheat it in the crockpot and add the pasta and cheese sauce.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.
• Freezing: Chili mac and cheese freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, freeze, and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?
Yes, you can! Simply make the chili on the stovetop, simmering it for about 30 minutes. Then, cook the pasta separately, mix it in, and stir in the cheese sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells.

Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is mild, but you can adjust it by adding more chili powder or using hot diced chilies instead of mild.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or increase the beans and veggies to make it vegetarian.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the perfect meal for anyone craving a warm, hearty, and cheesy dish. The combination of rich chili and creamy mac and cheese will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. This slow-cooker recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Try this recipe today, and watch it become a family favorite!

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