Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is the cozy dinner that comes together quickly with minimal fuss and always disappears fast at the table. With tender pasta, rich chili beans, and a golden cheddar blanket, you will want seconds every time.

I first made this for a neighborhood potluck and was amazed at how quickly every spoonful vanished. Now whenever my family asks for “that cheesy chili mac,” I know exactly what to make.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: Lends hearty flavor with less grease. Choose beef that is at least ninety percent lean for the best texture and to avoid excess fat
• Uncooked macaroni: Soaks up all the sauce and gets perfectly tender in the crock pot. Look for elbow macaroni with a solid chewy feel when dry
• Mild chili beans: Bring a creamy richness and just enough heat. Undrained beans double as both sauce and protein
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Add tang and just a hint of spice. Drained well to keep the dish from getting soupy
• Chili powder: Infuses subtle warmth throughout each bite. The fresher your chili powder the better the aroma
• Garlic salt: Increases flavor depth and balances the richness of the cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts for a tangy sharp cap. Use a block of cheddar and shred yourself for maximum melt and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Heat a skillet over medium and add your ground beef. Cook until all crumbles are deeply browned with no pink left. Drain off any fat so the dish stays hearty rather than greasy

Cook the Macaroni:

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni just until barely tender. Stop when you can still feel a little chew in the middle. Drain right away to keep pasta from getting mushy in the crock pot

Combine Core Ingredients:

In your four quart slow cooker, layer in browned beef, cooked macaroni, chili beans with all their sauce, drained tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder and garlic salt. Stir until you see a uniform blend. The coloring should be rich and each bite should get a little bit of everything

Add the Cheese:

Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar across the entire surface. It should cover all the other ingredients for the perfect gooey topping

Slow Cook To Perfection:

Cover the slow cooker and set to low for two hours or high for about one hour. If your slow cooker has hot spots, rotate the insert halfway through so the cheese melts evenly and grains at the edges do not dry out

Serve and Savor:

Open the lid to golden melted cheddar bubbling at the edges. Scoop right into bowls and enjoy every cheesy hearty spoonful

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My favorite part is always the crispy corners where cheddar meets the pot just right. Once during a family game night my little one snuck into the kitchen and scooped all the corner bits for herself. That memory makes me smile every time I serve this dish.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before sealing in an airtight container. In the fridge this chili mac keeps well for three days and reheats beautifully in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it seems dry

Ingredient Substitutions

For extra veggies stir in a handful of frozen corn or bell peppers. If you need to skip beef try ground turkey or even canned black beans for a vegetarian touch. You can use any short pasta in place of macaroni as long as you keep the cooking time short to avoid mushiness

Serving Suggestions

Pile into bowls and serve with a crisp green salad or cornbread on the side. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for even more flavor. For a spicy kick dash on some hot sauce at the table

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Cultural Context

This recipe is a perfect example of classic American comfort food. Chili mac is a staple in many Southern households and brings together pantry basics in one inevitable comforting form. The slow cooker twist makes it even more hands off for busy holiday or everyday nights

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar gives a classic creamy flavor, Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses can add new depth.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and store in the refrigerator up to two days. Reheat gently and add extra cheese if desired.

→ Can I substitute ground chicken or turkey?

Ground chicken or turkey work well in place of beef. Brown and drain the meat before adding.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

This pairs nicely with fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for added texture.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Partially cook the macaroni before adding, and avoid overcooking. Stir in just before serving if desired.