Slow Cooker Chili Mac and Cheese

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for the Ultimate Comfort Food!

Ever crave something that just hugs you from the inside? That's where my Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac comes in.

It's basically like a Chili Burger and mac 'n' cheese had a baby, and it's delicious .

A Bowl Full of Happiness

Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese might sound a bit "out there," but trust me. It's a classic American dish, a Comfort Food Recipe born from the desire for something simple and satisfying.

This particular take is super easy, we are talking dump and-go Weeknight Dinner Ideas easy! It serves around 6-8 people, so it's perfect for family dinners or a casual get-together.

Why You'll Love This

One of the best things about this Homemade Chili Mac Recipe is that it's packed with protein and fiber, thanks to the beef and beans.

It's a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients while indulging in pure Easy Chili Mac Recipe comfort. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, game day, or anytime you need a little bit of joy.

This version is a One Pot Chili Mac and is special because you just throw everything into the slow cooker , set it, and forget it.

Honestly, I was a bit skeptical the first time I made this. I thought, can the beef spices really work with mac and cheese? Oh my gosh, I was so wrong!

Time to gather our ingredients, next steps! It uses Chili Mac with Elbow Macaroni .

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac ! Seriously, this is one of my go-to comfort food recipes for a chilly evening.

It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, before we get all messy, let's round up the goodies for this One Pot Chili Mac . Honestly, the beauty of this Easy Chili Mac Recipe is that you can totally adapt it to what you've got in the fridge.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real

Here's the lowdown, measurements and all. I've tried to be exact, but hey, a little extra cheese never hurt anyone, right?

• Beef time : 1 lb (450g) ground beef. Look for a good marbling; it makes a HUGE difference in flavour. Aim for at least 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio; that extra fat adds so much richness. If you are feeling particularly beefy, maybe even consider using that to turn this into a Chili Burger .
• Onion and Pepper power! 1 medium yellow onion and 1 green bell pepper, both chopped. About 1 cup each is what you're aiming for.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
• Beans, beans, the magical fruit!: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can each of kidney and black beans, drained and rinsed.
• Tomato Trio: 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 (10 ounce/283g) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained) for a bit of a kick, and 1 (8 ounce/227g) can of tomato sauce.
• Seasoning Station: 1 packet ( 1 ounce/28g ) chili seasoning. Seriously, these packets are lifesavers. Then, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ½ tsp dried oregano.
• Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Low sodium is the way to go, you can always add more salt!
• Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound (450g) , uncooked. Yep, straight into the slow cooker!
• Milky way: 2 cups (475ml) milk. Whole milk is best, gives it that creamy dreamy vibe.
• Buttery goodness: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, cubed.
• Mustard Magic: 1 tsp dry mustard. It adds this little 'something something' you won't regret.
• Cheesy does it: 4 cups (450g) shredded cheddar and 1 cup (115g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Block cheese is king, but pre-shredded will do in a pinch.
• Optional Creaminess: ¼ cup (55g) cream cheese, cubed. This makes it extra lush, trust me.

Seasoning Notes: Amping Up the Flavor of the Beef Spices

Okay, so the spice blends here are super important. Smoked paprika is a GAME CHANGER. Honestly, it's my secret weapon.

If you want to play around, add a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat. A splash of Worcestershire sauce will also add a depth of flavor.

If you are ever in doubt, using that Chili Burger seasoning can be perfect!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

We're not trying to win MasterChef here.

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart (5.7-liter) one is perfect.
• Skillet: For browning that beef !
• Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: You know, for measuring.
• Can Opener: Don't even try to open those cans with a knife.
• Cheese Grater: Only if you're using block cheese, obvs.

Seriously, that’s all you need for this Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese . It's weeknight dinner ideas sorted! Making this Homemade Chili Mac Recipe will be an absolute breeze!

Let's Get This Party Started: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Oh my gosh, are you ready for some serious comfort food recipes ? Because I've got just the thing: Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac ! Seriously, this is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those weeknight dinner ideas when you just want something easy and satisfying.

It's a mashup of two classics, so it's naturally beef spices heaven.

This ain't your mama's mac and cheese!

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First, let's get organised. This recipe is a breeze if you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go.

This is known as mise en place by chefs. Chop your onion and pepper, mince your garlic, drain and rinse those beans.

Time saving organization tips : Get this done first!. Measure out your beef spices . Grab your 6-quart slow cooker . Honestly, this step is key! It's all about smooth sailing from here.

step-by-step: Let's Cook!

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain all the fat! Nobody wants greasy chili.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
3. Dump the beef and veggies into your slow cooker. Add beans, diced tomatoes, Rotel, tomato sauce, chili spices , and beef broth .
4. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours .
5. Stir in uncooked macaroni, milk, butter, and dry mustard. Make sure that liquid covers macaroni.
6. Cook on high for 30- 45 minutes , until the pasta is tender. Give it a stir now and then to stop it sticking!.
7. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese if you are using it. Melt until smooth.
8. Serve up this one pot chili mac and enjoy.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chili Mac

Want to make this easy chili mac recipe extra special? Try these tricks!

First, shred your own cheese! Trust me, it melts better. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. We want melty, stringy cheese, don't we?

Don't overcook the macaroni. Mushy mac is nobody's friend. Begin checking it at 30 minutes .

Spice it up. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce if you like a kick.

Make it like chili burger . Plus, remember that this homemade chili mac recipe is perfect for using up leftover chili.

Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese is simple. Grab your spoon and dive in! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It tastes amazing!. Make it tonight!. It tastes amazing!.

Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac - Notes from My Kitchen

Right then, before you dive headfirst into this Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac , let's have a quick chinwag about a few bits and bobs.

Honestly, these are just the things I've learned along the way making this Crock Pot Chili Mac and Cheese a million times.

You know?

Serving Up This Beef Spices Goodness

Alright, so you've got this bubbling pot of Homemade Chili Mac Recipe . But how do you make it look the business? For plating, think simple.

A big, hearty bowl is the way to go. Maybe a sprinkle of fresh coriander. Some Chili Burger style toppings? Sour cream, maybe some sliced jalapeños for those brave enough? And what about sides? A bit of cornbread is a classic.

Or how about a crisp side salad to cut through the richness? For drinks, I reckon a cold beer or a glass of iced tea does the trick!

Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips

So, you've made a massive batch of this Easy Chili Mac Recipe . Don't worry, it keeps! Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container.

It'll be good for about 3-4 days. And if you’re thinking long term? Freezing is your friend. Just portion it out, let it cool completely, and then freeze in freezer safe bags or containers.

When you're ready to tuck in, defrost it overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave.

Mixing it Up: Variations on this Comfort Food Recipes

Fancy a change? This One Pot Chili Mac is super versatile. For a veggie version, swap the beef for lentils or Quorn mince.

Boom! Vegetarian. gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta. Easy peasy! Seasonally, think about adding roasted butternut squash in autumn, or sweetcorn in summer.

Just have a play and see what you come up with.

Nutrition Lowdown

Okay, I'm no dietician, but here’s the gist. This Chili Mac with Elbow Macaroni is packed with protein, thanks to the beef and beans.

Carbs, naturally, from the pasta. And it's got a good dose of fiber from the veggies. The cheese adds calcium, which is always a bonus.

Just remember, it's comfort food recipes , so enjoy it in moderation as a perfect Weeknight Dinner Ideas !.

Hope this gives you a good head start. Remember, cooking should be fun! So, don't be afraid to experiment with this Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac , and make it your own.

You got this!