Crockpot Chili Mac

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This slow cooker chili mac is my favorite easy dinner recipe. It’s perfect for busy nights. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and tastes great.

This dish is a game-changer. I just put everything in my crockpot. A few hours later, I have a delicious meal. It’s loved by kids and is easy on the budget.

It’s perfect for Game Day or feeding a crowd easily. The best part is, it mixes chili and cheesy pasta. This makes a comforting dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to clean up, which is great.

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Chili Mac is a big hit in my kitchen. It’s super easy to make. Just throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. No need to pre-cook anything!

The slow cooker makes a dish that tastes amazing. As everything simmers, it gets a rich, hearty flavor. My family always wants more.

This recipe is also very flexible. I can change the ingredients based on what I have or what my family likes. Sometimes, I use ground turkey instead of beef. Or I add more veggies for extra nutrition.

1. Time-saving: The slow cooker does all the work while I’m busy with other tasks.
2. Budget-friendly: It uses common pantry staples and makes a large batch.

This Chili Mac is great for leftovers too. I make a big batch on Sunday and eat it all week. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I don’t have time to cook.

This Crockpot Chili Mac is my go-to meal when I want something delicious, easy, and satisfying for the whole family.

Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)

I love this Crockpot Chili Mac recipe because it’s so versatile. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 cup uncooked macaroni
• 15 oz can chili beans
• 10.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Don’t have all these ingredients? No worries! You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey. If you’re out of macaroni, try using shells or rotini. Not a fan of chili beans? Black beans work great too. The diced tomatoes add a nice kick, but plain ones work just as well.

Feel free to spice things up! Add some onion, minced garlic, or a splash of beef broth for extra flavor. I sometimes toss in a dollop of tomato paste to thicken the sauce. Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Adjust the spices to your liking and create your perfect Chili Mac.

“The secret to great chili is in the spices. Don’t be afraid to experiment!”

With these simple ingredients and easy substitutions, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s move on to the cooking instructions!

Instructions

I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Then, I drain any extra fat. This makes the chili mac taste better.

Next, I put the beef into my 4-quart slow cooker. Then, I add all the ingredients except the pasta and cheese.

The slow cooker is great for busy days. I cook it on low for 6-8 hours. This lets the flavors mix well. If I’m in a hurry, I use the high setting for 3-4 hours.

Twenty minutes before it’s time to eat, I stir in the pasta. Adding pasta at this time is key for the right texture. If I use pre-cooked pasta, I add it just before serving to avoid overcooking.

Finally, I sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt a bit before serving. Remember, cooking times can change based on your slow cooker. I watch it closely the first time I make this dish.

• Brown and drain ground beef
• Add ingredients to slow cooker
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
• Add pasta 20 minutes before serving
• Top with cheese and serve

Before I serve, I taste and adjust the seasoning. This makes sure every bowl of chili mac is just right.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

I love sharing cooking tips to make your chili mac experience even better. For the tastiest results, I always go for lean meat. This cuts down on excess fat and keeps the dish healthier. Before tossing the meat into the slow cooker, I brown it first. Trust me, this step amps up the flavor big time!

Keep a close eye on the cooking time to avoid mushy pasta. If your chili mac ends up too watery, try simmering it with the lid off. A sprinkle of flour or cornstarch can also work wonders to thicken it up.

Got leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in your fridge. They’ll stay good for 3-4 days. When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got options. Zap it in the microwave or warm it up on the stove. If it seems a bit dry, just add a splash of broth to bring back that perfect consistency.

• Use lean meat for a healthier dish
• Brown the meat before slow cooking
• Watch cooking time to avoid overcooked pasta
• Thicken watery chili mac by simmering without lid
• Store leftovers in fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat on stove or in microwave

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your chili mac for days to come. It’s a dish that keeps on giving!

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

This Crockpot Chili Mac recipe is super versatile! Try using ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef. Mixing meats adds a richer taste. For more nutrition, add bell peppers or corn.

Love spicy food? Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a kick.

For toppings, you can choose anything! I like shredded cheddar, sour cream, and green onions. Crunchy corn chips are great too. These toppings let you make each bowl your own.

Pair this dish with a simple salad for a complete meal. The salad’s freshness balances the rich flavors. It’s perfect for big gatherings or meal prep. With so many ways to change it up, you’ll always find something new to enjoy!