Irresistible Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe

The aroma of simmering cheese and spices wafts through the air as you dream of your next meal. Enter the world of Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac, where comfort food meets the effortless magic of slow cooking.

Picture this: a chilly evening, wrapped in a blanket, and eagerly awaiting a bowl of cheesy goodness. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that warms your heart and fills your belly with deliciousness.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly, providing that delightful cheesy bite.
• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while still delivering that hearty flavor.
• Chili Powder: A crucial spice that adds depth and warmth; adjust to taste if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Diced Tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes for convenience; they add moisture and vibrant color to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar takes center stage here, creating gooey, melty bliss in every bite.
• Onion: Finely chopped onions bring sweetness and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meal.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish with its pungent aroma; it’s nearly impossible to resist!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat before adding it to your crock pot.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic into your skillet. Sauté them until they become fragrant; you’ll be tempted to dive right in!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Transfer the browned beef mixture into your crock pot. Next, add elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juice), chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine all those glorious flavors.

Step 4: Pour in Broth

Add enough beef broth to cover everything by about an inch. This will ensure your macaroni cooks evenly while soaking up all that cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your crock pot and set it on low for about 4-6 hours. Resist the urge to peek too often; let those flavors meld together beautifully!

Step 6: Cheese It Up

About half an hour before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again until melted and gooey—the anticipation will be real!

Serve your Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac hot from the pot! Transfer portions onto plates or serve directly from your trusty slow cooker for maximum coziness.

This delightful dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings everyone together around the table—because who can resist cheesy comfort food? So grab your favorite bowl and spoon; it’s time for some culinary magic!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac, start by browning the meat with onions and garlic in a skillet. Then combine everything in the slow cooker, adding pasta and cheese towards the end for a rich, gooey finish.

Add Your Touch

Make this recipe your own by swapping ground beef for turkey or adding beans for extra protein. Try different types of cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick or toss in veggies such as bell peppers to boost nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and heat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.

Sometimes, I make this dish when I want to impress friends with minimal effort. Their delighted expressions as they dive into cheesy goodness always make my heart warm—and my cooking ego soar!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?

For a delicious Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac, gather the following ingredients: elbow macaroni, ground beef or turkey, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cheddar cheese, and broth. You can also add bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick. These ingredients create a hearty meal that simmers beautifully in your slow cooker.

How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?

Cooking time for Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac typically ranges from 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Make sure to check the pasta’s doneness before serving; you want it tender but not mushy for the perfect texture.

Can I make Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac vegetarian?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version of Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac, substitute ground meat with black beans or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth and add plenty of vegetables like corn and zucchini. This variation still delivers a satisfying meal packed with flavor and nutrients while catering to vegetarian diets.

Can I freeze leftovers of Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?

Absolutely, you can freeze leftovers of Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac. Allow it to cool completely before transferring into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Conclusion for Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac:

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is a comforting and versatile dish that combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients. With its easy preparation and slow cooking method, it makes weeknight dinners stress-free. Whether you choose to make it with meat or as a vegetarian option, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the deliciousness of this creamy pasta dish any time you crave warmth and satisfaction!

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Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

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Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is the epitome of comfort food, blending creamy cheddar cheese, hearty ground beef, and tender elbow macaroni into a deliciously satisfying dish. Perfect for chilly nights, this easy slow-cooked meal allows you to enjoy rich flavors with minimal effort. Just combine the ingredients in your crock pot, let them simmer, and prepare for a cozy feast that will warm both your heart and stomach.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked; drain fat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to the crock pot. Stir in macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juice), chili powder, and salt.
4. Pour in enough beef broth to cover everything by about an inch.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
6. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider using pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist. - To make it vegetarian, substitute ground beef with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.