Crockpot Chili Mac

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Are you looking for an easy, tasty meal that can feed a crowd? Crockpot Chili Mac is the answer! This simple recipe combines two comfort food favorites – chili and macaroni – into one hearty dish. You can make this yummy meal with just a few minutes of prep time and let your slow cooker do the rest.

Your family will love digging into bowls of this warm, cheesy chili mac after a long day. The best part? It’s budget-friendly and makes plenty of leftovers for busy weeknights. Give this crock pot chili mac a try – it might just become your new go-to dinner!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Crockpot Chili Mac:

• 1 lb extra lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 diced yellow onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp mild chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp table salt)
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

You’ll also need these canned goods:

• 1 can mild diced green chiles
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 2 (14 oz) cans beans (kidney, black, or pinto), drained and rinsed
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

For the liquid and pasta:

• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tsp beef bouillon
• 2 cups dry small elbow macaroni

Don’t forget these yummy toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

With these simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty and tasty meal ready in no time!

Instructions

Start by adding the meat, onion, and spices to your slow cooker. Mix them well. If you’re using fatty ground beef, brown it first and drain the excess grease.

Next, put in the green chiles, tomatoes, broth, bouillon, beans, and tomato paste. Give everything a good stir.

Set your slow cooker to Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.

About 20 minutes before serving, add the dry pasta and cook on Low. If you’re using already cooked pasta, just stir it in right before you serve.

Taste your chili mac and add more salt if needed. Dish it up and top with yummy extras like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

You can make this meal your own! Try different beans or pasta shapes. Add extra veggies if you like. It’s a flexible recipe that’s hard to mess up.

Remember to stir a few times during cooking if you can. This helps blend the flavors and keeps everything cooking evenly.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily change up this Crockpot Chili Mac recipe to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas:

Meat: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even meatless crumbles for a vegetarian version.

Beans: Mix and match kidney, black, pinto, or white beans. Use what you have on hand!

Pasta: Swap elbow macaroni for rotini, shells, or any short pasta shape.

Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño or extra cayenne pepper for more heat.

Veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack or Mexican blend work great too.

Toppings: Get creative! Try crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro.

For a creamy twist, stir in a bit of cream cheese near the end of cooking. This adds richness and helps thicken the chili.

Remember, you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. Start with less and add more as you go. Taste and tweak until it’s just right for you!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

You can make this chili mac even tastier with a few simple tricks. Try browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker for extra flavor. This step is optional but worth it if you have time.

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or chicken if you prefer. You can also use different types of beans or mix them up for variety.

Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A pinch of salt or extra spice can make a big difference.

For storing, let the chili mac cool completely. Put it in airtight containers and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. Warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often.

Try these tasty toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips

For a fun twist, serve the chili mac over baked potatoes or use it as a dip with corn chips.