Crockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe
Imagine coming home to the comforting aroma of Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese, a dish that effortlessly combines the bold flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese. You start by browning ground beef, guaranteeing it's cooked thoroughly, and then add onions and garlic, letting their flavors infuse the mix. Next, canned diced tomatoes and beans add richness and texture. But how do you guarantee the spices are just right? And what about the perfect cheese blend to use? These questions hold the key to mastering this savory delight.
Recipe
Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a perfect fusion of two comfort food classics, bringing together the hearty flavors of chili and the creamy texture of mac and cheese. This dish is ideal for those times when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.
Whether you're preparing dinner for your family or contributing to a potluck, Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing taste. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a delicious, hearty meal. Simply set it and forget it, letting the crockpot do all the hard work while you go about your day.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Kidney beans
- Black beans
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
- Elbow macaroni
- Cheddar cheese
- Beef broth
To prepare Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese, begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet until fully cooked, then drain the excess fat. Transfer the beef to the crockpot, and add chopped onion, minced garlic, canned diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the beef broth and stir everything to combine. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours. About 20 minutes before serving, add the elbow macaroni and allow it to cook until tender. Just before serving, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the dish becomes creamy.
For the best results, use freshly grated cheddar cheese, which melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties. If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
To prevent the pasta from overcooking, keep an eye on it once added, as it can become mushy if left too long. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting with different types of beans for a personal touch. Enjoy your delicious, hassle-free meal!
Cooking Steps
Alright, let's get cooking!
Start by browning the ground beef thoroughly in a skillet, ensuring it's well-cooked, then toss in the onions and garlic for a fragrant kick.
Once that's sizzling nicely, add the canned diced tomatoes, beans, and spices, giving everything a good mix before pouring in the beef broth—think of it as sending your beef on a flavorful spa day!
Step 1. Brown Ground Beef Thoroughly
Before you begin assembling your Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese, it's crucial to brown the ground beef thoroughly.
Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it sizzles. You'll want to cook it until it's no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
Make sure to stir occasionally, so every bit gets that lovely brown crust. This step isn't just about color; it's about flavor. Browning the beef adds depth, making your dish irresistible.
Once browned, drain any excess fat, because no one likes greasy chili mac. Remember, patience is key here—don't rush the browning! It's your secret weapon for a tasty, crowd-pleasing meal.
Step 2. Add Onions and Garlic
Once your beef is browned and ready, it's time to add the aromatics that will elevate your dish.
Grab a medium-sized onion and chop it finely—no tears if you can help it! Next, take a couple of garlic cloves, give them a good smash with your knife, and mince them up nicely. Toss these into your crockpot along with the beef.
The onions will soften and sweeten, while the garlic infuses everything with its wonderful, savory aroma. Give everything a good stir, making sure the onions and garlic are well mixed with the beef.
This step is essential as it sets the foundation for the rich, hearty flavors that'll have everyone coming back for seconds. Don't you just love a good aromatic start?
Step 3. Include Canned Diced Tomatoes
With the onions and garlic mingling perfectly with the beef, it's time to enhance those flavors by adding canned diced tomatoes.
Grab a can, pop it open, and pour those juicy tomatoes right into the crockpot. You'll notice how their tangy, rich flavor complements the savory beef and aromatic veggies, creating a delicious base for your chili mac and cheese.
Don't worry if the tomatoes look a bit chunky—they'll break down beautifully as they cook. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the tomatoes are evenly distributed, so every bite is packed with flavor.
This step adds a delightful depth, making your dish irresistibly tasty. Plus, using canned tomatoes saves time—no need to chop fresh ones!
Step 4. Mix in Beans and Spices
Now that the tomatoes are in, it's time to boost the heartiness of your chili mac and cheese with a generous mix of beans and spices.
Grab your trusty can opener and drain those kidney and black beans. Toss them into the crockpot like you're performing a culinary magic trick.
Next, sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. These spices are the secret agents in your flavor mission, bringing warmth and depth to the dish.
Give it all a good stir, ensuring every bean and spice feels included in the party. Don't worry if your stirring skills rival a toddler's finger painting; it's all about having fun!
With these additions, your dish will start smelling divine and taste even better.
Step 5. Pour in Beef Broth
Next up, grab your beef broth and pour it into the crockpot. This step is essential because the broth acts as a flavorful liquid base that helps cook the macaroni to perfection later on.
Make sure you pour just enough to cover the ingredients, guaranteeing everything is well-coated but not drowning. You don't want your dish turning into a swimming pool!
As you add the broth, give everything a good stir to distribute the flavors evenly. This guarantees that every bite of your chili mac and cheese is packed with taste.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could swap some broth for a bit of beer, adding extra depth to the flavor. Just don't get too carried away, or you might end up with a party in your pot!
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a perfect example of comfort-food magic effortlessly achieved with minimal effort.
You'll love how this dish brings together the heartiness of chili and the creamy allure of mac and cheese. It's a culinary hug, perfect for when you want to impress your family without slaving over a hot stove. Plus, there's no need to worry about a pile of dirty dishes afterward!
As you dig in, you'll appreciate the flavors melding beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that's both easy and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
You can definitely use ground turkey instead of ground beef. Just brown the turkey as you would the beef. It'll make the dish a bit lighter while still delivering on flavor. Enjoy your delicious, healthier chili mac!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Customize with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to add flavor and texture to your vegetarian dish.
What Type of Canned Diced Tomatoes Works Best?
You'll want to use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for added flavor and a slight kick. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for plain diced tomatoes. Choose low-sodium options to control the dish's saltiness.
Can I Freeze Leftovers for Later?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for later. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy, defrost it in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the stove or microwave.
How Do I Adjust Cooking Time for High Settings?
To adjust cooking time for high settings, reduce the time by half. Instead of 6 hours on low, cook for about 3 hours on high. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking and adjust as needed.
