Hearty Crockpot Chili Mac: Easy One-Pot Dinner

Welcome to a cozy culinary delight with my flavorful Crockpot Chili Mac Dinner recipe. Picture this: the warmth of a hearty chili combined with the creaminess of macaroni and cheese, all simmering together in your crockpot for the perfect one-pot meal. The best part? Minimal effort with maximum comfort.

I first whipped up this Crockpot Chili Mac Dinner on a lazy weekend, aiming to clear out my pantry. Little did I know it would become a family favorite, perfect for gatherings or laid-back movie nights. The magic happens as the cheddar cheese melts into the chili, creating a creamy, tangy goodness that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.

Leftovers? No problem. Store them in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for later enjoyment. Feel free to customize by swapping proteins or beans, adjusting the spice level, or topping with your favorite fixings like sour cream or avocado slices. This American classic comfort dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of chili and mac ‘n’ cheese, making every bite a hug for your taste buds.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient: One-pot meal with easy cleanup, perfect for busy days or entertaining guests.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with ingredient substitutions such as different types of beans or ground meat.
• Kid-Friendly: Creamy and cheesy with comforting flavors that appeal to both children and adults.
• Make-Ahead: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days or can be frozen for future meals.

Why You’ll Love This Hearty Crockpot Chili Mac: Easy One-Pot Dinner Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy the convenience of preparing this hearty meal in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Comforting and Cozy: Perfect for chilly days, this chili mac is a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.
• Family Favorite: Embrace the joy of family movie nights with a crowd-pleasing meal that’s loved by both kids and adults.
• Effortless Elegance: Impress guests with a flavorful dish that tastes like it simmered for hours, without the need for extensive effort.
• Creamy Cheesy Goodness: The melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy tang to every bite, making it a highlight of the dish.
• Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to swap ingredients like ground turkey, different beans, or alternative cheeses to suit your preferences.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: Prepare ahead of time and freeze portions for busy days, ensuring a delicious meal is always within reach.
• Adaptable Spice Levels: Easily adjust the heat by adding more chili seasoning or jalapeños to cater to your spice preference.
• American Comfort Classic: Experience the best of both worlds with a fusion of chili and macaroni and cheese, a true American comfort food.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Double the recipe for parties or game day gatherings, and watch it disappear as it’s a guaranteed hit with guests.

Ingredients for Hearty Crockpot Chili Mac: Easy One-Pot Dinner

Base Components

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 425 grams kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 850 grams diced tomatoes, canned
• 425 grams corn kernels, drained
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix
• 200 grams shredded cheddar cheese
• 950 millilitres beef broth
• 425 grams black beans, drained and rinsed
• 450 grams elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 900 grams ground beef

Seasonings

• 5 millilitres paprika
• 5 millilitres garlic powder
• 2.5 millilitres ground black pepper

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Pro Tips for Hearty Crockpot Chili Mac: Easy One-Pot Dinner

Pro Tip 1: To ensure the macaroni stays tender and doesn’t overcook, add it into the slow cooker during the last 25–30 minutes of cooking on HIGH heat. This will help maintain the perfect texture for your chili mac.

Pro Tip 2: While black beans and kidney beans are traditional, feel free to swap them with pinto or cannellini beans based on your preference or what you have on hand. This simple substitution can add a unique twist to the flavor profile of your dish.

Pro Tip 3: Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by increasing the chili seasoning or adding chopped jalapeños. For a different flavor profile, consider using Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar for a tasty variation on this classic comfort food.

How to Make Hearty Crockpot Chili Mac: Easy One-Pot Dinner

Step 1: Sauté Ground Beef and Onion

Brown ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and transfer to slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Combine kidney beans, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and beef broth with the beef and onion mixture in the slow cooker. Mix well.

Step 3: Slow Cook for Flavour Development

Cook covered on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours to allow flavors to blend.

Step 4: Incorporate Macaroni

Mix uncooked elbow macaroni into the mixture. Cook on HIGH for 25 to 30 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Serve

Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture until melted and completely blended. Optionally, top with fresh cilantro before serving.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Crockpot Chili Mac Dinner, any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. To maintain freshness, store the chili mac in an airtight container. When reheating, it is recommended to use a splash of broth or water in a pot on low heat to keep the pasta soft and delicious. While the dish can be frozen for up to two months, note that the pasta may soften more upon thawing.

For variations on the recipe, consider swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. You can also use different beans like pinto or cannellini based on your preference or what you have available in your pantry. Additionally, if you don’t have elbow macaroni, shells or rotini can be used as substitutes. When serving the chili mac, don’t hesitate to add extra toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of hot sauce to customize the dish to your liking.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter version of this chili mac dinner, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. This swap can reduce the overall fat content without compromising on flavor. Additionally, if you don’t have kidney beans or black beans on hand, feel free to use pinto beans or cannellini beans as alternatives. These beans will bring a slightly different texture and taste to the dish but will still work well in the recipe.

If you’re looking to adjust the spiciness level of the chili mac, you can increase the amount of chili seasoning or add chopped jalapeños to suit your taste preferences. This simple modification allows you to customize the dish to your liking, whether you enjoy a milder flavor or prefer a spicier kick. Lastly, while shredded cheddar cheese is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other melty cheese options like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile. These cheese alternatives can add a unique twist to the dish while still providing that creamy texture that complements the chili mac perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving this Crockpot Chili Mac Dinner, try portioning it into individual baked mac and cheese cups. Simply scoop the chili mac mixture into muffin tins, top with extra shredded cheddar cheese, and bake until golden and bubbly. These mini servings are perfect for parties or picnics and make for a cute and portable way to enjoy this comforting meal.

Another creative idea is to use the chili mac mixture as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. Cut the tops off the peppers, remove the seeds, and fill them with the chili mac mixture. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and bake until the peppers are tender. This presentation not only adds a pop of color to your table but also provides a balanced and delicious meal all in one edible bowl. Serve with a side of sour cream and fresh cilantro for a refreshing touch.

FAQs for Hearty Crockpot Chili Mac: Easy One-Pot Dinner

Can I use a different type of beans in this recipe?

Yes, black beans and kidney beans work well, but you can swap in pinto or cannellini beans if preferred.

How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?

Increase the chili seasoning or add chopped jalapeños for extra heat to match your spice preference.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Shredded cheddar melts smoothly, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend are tasty alternatives.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep leftover chili mac in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious Crockpot Chili Mac Dinner with your loved ones. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table, perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste preferences.

Remember, cooking is all about making memories and sharing moments with those you care about. So, gather around, dig in, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this hearty chili mac. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a laid-back get-together with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit.

So, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch of this Crockpot Chili Mac Dinner and let its rich, creamy goodness bring smiles to your table. Embrace the ease of slow cooking and the joy of sharing a satisfying meal with your favorite people. Cheers to good food, good company, and many more delicious creations in your kitchen!