Print

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Print Recipe

Slow Cooker Chili Mac is a warm, comforting one-pot meal combining hearty chili flavors with tender pasta. Perfect for cozy nights, this recipe features seasoned ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and pasta slowly cooked to meld flavors deeply. It’s effortless to prepare, customizable to taste, and ideal for leftovers or meal planning.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Base

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed

Liquids

  • 2 cups beef broth or chicken broth (plus extra if needed for pasta)

Pasta & Spices

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni or small pasta shape
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Finishing Touches

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef or turkey until just cooked through. Drain excess fat, then add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent to build depth of flavor.
  2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned meat, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, drained beans, chili powder, cumin, broth, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
  4. Add Pasta: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, stir in the elbow macaroni or your choice of small pasta. Add a little extra broth or water as needed to keep the pasta moist and ensure even cooking.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Serve: Once the pasta is tender and the chili mac is thick and hearty, sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover and let the cheese melt before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use lean meat to reduce grease and keep the dish lighter.
  • Don’t skip browning the meat to develop rich flavors.
  • Adjust liquid levels as pasta absorbs moisture; keep broth handy.
  • Add pasta late to prevent mushy noodles.
  • Taste and tweak seasonings like salt, chili powder, and cumin for perfect balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Slow Cooker Chili Mac, Comfort Food, Chili Macaroni, One-Pot Meal, Slow Cooker Recipes, Easy Dinner

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