Description
Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is an easy, cheesy, and hearty meal perfect for busy nights. This comforting one-pot dish combines seasoned beef, tender pasta, and bold chili flavors, all melted together with gooey cheddar cheese. Ideal for beginners, this slow cooker meal is a no-fuss way to enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 cup uncooked macaroni, cooked al dente
- 1 (15 oz) can mild chili beans, undrained
- 1 (10.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
- 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring it does not become too soft before slow cooking.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: In a 4-quart crock pot, add the browned beef, cooked macaroni, chili beans (with liquid), drained diced tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, and garlic salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Add cheese and cook: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, cover with the lid, and cook on low for 2 hours or high for 1–1.5 hours. If your slow cooker heats unevenly, rotate the insert halfway through the cooking time.
- Stir and serve: Once the cheese is fully melted, stir everything together for a creamy consistency. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a saucier texture, add ¼ cup of beef broth or tomato sauce before slow cooking.
- For extra protein, mix in cooked shredded chicken or black beans.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (low) / 1–1.5 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 323
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1082mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 67mg