ULTIMATE CHEDDAR CHILI MAC
This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty chili, creamy cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked macaroni. Slow-cooked to perfection, it's an easy, satisfying, and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a chilly evening.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spoon or spatula
- Crock-Pot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Colander
- Large pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet chili seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: Sour cream
- Optional toppings: Chopped green onions
- Optional toppings: Avocado
- Optional toppings: Cilantro
- Optional toppings: Hot sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the ground beef mixture to your crock pot. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), tomato paste, chili seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Pour the beef broth into the crock pot. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the crock pot.
- Add 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Ladle the Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac into bowls.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, cilantro, or hot sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use a sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. To prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy, cook it al dente and add it to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving. Customize your chili mac by adding your favorite vegetables, beans, or spices. For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.