Cozy Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac for Ultimate Comfort

When the weather turns crisp and cozy, nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac. Imagine sinking into a couch while the rich aroma of melted cheddar cheese and zesty chili fills your home, wrapping you in comfort like a warm blanket. This dish is not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up after a long day.

I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a potluck dinner with friends. As I watched my pals dig into their plates, their eyes lit up with joy over this cheesy concoction. We laughed, reminisced about our college days, and vowed to make it whenever we needed some comfort food. Trust me; once you taste this dish, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my household.

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; the smiles were worth every bit of effort.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Elbow Macaroni: Choose small elbow macaroni for the best texture; it holds onto the cheese sauce beautifully.

• Ground Beef: A pound of lean ground beef works well here; it adds richness without too much grease.

• Chili Seasoning: Use store-bought or homemade chili seasoning for convenience; it brings all those glorious flavors together.

• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Opt for fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra smoky flavor that complements the chili nicely.

• Cheddar Cheese: Shred fresh cheddar cheese yourself for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.

• Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth helps control saltiness while adding depth to your chili mac.

• Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic sautéed together create an aromatic base that enhances all other flavors.

• Bell Peppers: Use any color bell peppers you have on hand; they add sweetness and crunch to the dish.

• Sour Cream (optional): A dollop of sour cream on top adds creaminess and tanginess that balances the spice perfectly.

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

Let’s Make it Together

First things first: gather your ingredients and prepare your slow cooker because we’re about to embark on a cheesy adventure!

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add some oil. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they turn translucent and fragrant, usually about 3-4 minutes.

Brown the Meat: Add ground beef to the same skillet with seasoned onions and garlic. Break it apart with a spatula until browned all over, which takes around 5-7 minutes.

Add Veggies and Seasoning: Toss in diced bell peppers along with chili seasoning into the skillet. Stir everything together until those peppers soften slightly—about 2-3 minutes will do.

Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer your beef mixture into a crockpot. Add elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, and give everything a good stir to combine.

Cook Low & Slow: Cover your crockpot and set it on low heat for 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours. The macaroni should be tender but not mushy by then.

Add Cheese & Serve!: Just before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into creamy goodness. Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream if desired.

Enjoy every cheesy bite of this comforting Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac! It’s sure to become a favorite at your table just like it has at mine!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker with other ingredients. This step enhances the flavor of your Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac, ensuring a rich and savory taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add black beans for extra protein. Toss in some diced jalapeños if you prefer a spicy twist in your Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low in the microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through to maintain creaminess.

I once made this Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac for a potluck, and it disappeared faster than my cat at bath time. Everyone loved it, and I felt like a culinary hero that day.

FAQ

Can I make Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground meat with lentils or plant-based crumbles for a delicious vegetarian version.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

How long should I cook my Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until everything is bubbly and delicious.

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Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

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• Author: Tiffani Brooks
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, cheesy goodness of Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac. This hearty dish combines elbow macaroni, ground beef, and rich cheddar cheese, all simmered together for hours in your slow cooker. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, every bite is like a comforting hug. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 tbsp chili seasoning
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the diced bell peppers and chili seasoning; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Transfer the mixture to a crock pot; add elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes with juices, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until macaroni is tender.
6. Just before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on low (or 2 hours on high)
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg