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Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Can be made Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta)

Description

Warm up with this hearty Slow Cooker Chili Mac, combining tender pasta, flavorful chili, and melty cheddar cheese for a comforting and easy meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or busy weeknights. This recipe features ground beef or turkey, classic elbow macaroni, kidney beans, and a blend of chili spices cooked low and slow to create rich, satisfying flavors all in one pot.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Pasta

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Chili Base

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cups beef broth or stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. This locks in flavor and removes excess fat before adding to the slow cooker.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the browned meat, uncooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, kidney beans, diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, beef broth, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 4–5 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the flavors meld beautifully. Avoid opening the lid too often to maintain steady heat.
  4. Add the Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, adding richness and a velvety texture to the dish.

Notes

  • Use uncooked pasta directly in the slow cooker to ensure it’s tender but not mushy.
  • Browning the meat beforehand enhances flavor and texture but can be omitted if short on time.
  • Adjust broth amounts if you prefer a saucier chili mac.
  • Stir gently halfway through cooking for even pasta distribution.
  • Add cheese last to ensure it melts smoothly without curdling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker, Chili Mac, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, One Pot Meal, Ground Beef, Turkey, Pasta, Kidney Beans, Cheddar Cheese

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Find it online: https://savortrack.com/slow-cooker-chili-mac/