Crockpot Cheesy Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food that brings together everything you love about a hearty chili and everything you crave in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. It combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, spices, and tender macaroni all cooked in a slow cooker for an effortless one-pot meal that is richly satisfying.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want a family-friendly meal that feels indulgent without requiring much effort. The slow cooking deepens the flavors, creating a thick, savory, and cheesy dish with just the right kick.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple pantry staples into a bold and comforting dinner with almost no hands-on work. The crockpot does the heavy lifting, turning inexpensive ingredients into a flavorful meal that tastes like it simmered all day.

It’s customizable, reliable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The combination of chili spices with rich cheese and tender pasta is irresistible, and every bite feels like a warm hug.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must try because it merges the best aspects of two iconic comfort meals: chili and macaroni and cheese. The flavors are layered yet familiar, and the entire process is beginner-friendly.

It’s budget-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and easily adjustable to dietary preferences. Whether you want a game-day crowd-pleaser, a family-style dinner, or a freezer-ready meal, this recipe checks every box.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Course	Main Course
Cuisine	American Comfort Food
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	4 hours on LOW + 15–20 minutes for pasta
Total Time	Approximately 4 hours 25–30 minutes
Servings	6 servings
Calories per Serving	~480 calories

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

Cooking Directions

1. Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Add browned beef mixture to the crockpot along with beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and all seasonings.
3. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2–2.5 hours.
4. Add uncooked macaroni and stir well. Cover and cook an additional 15–20 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
5. Stir in the cheeses until melted and creamy.
6. Serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare vegetables by dicing the onion and mincing garlic.
2. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic in a pan over medium heat. Break apart the meat as it cooks.
3. Drain any grease and transfer the mixture to your crockpot.
4. Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the slow cooker.
5. Pour in beef broth and sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours (or HIGH for 2–2.5 hours).
7. Add elbow macaroni directly into the crockpot. Stir so pasta is submerged.
8. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until pasta becomes tender.
9. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese and stir until melted.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve hot in bowls topped with additional cheese if desired. You can add sour cream, green onions, or tortilla strips for extra flavor and texture. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread, salad, or garlic bread.

Recipe Tips

• Do not add pasta too early or it will become mushy.
• For a thicker chili mac, reduce broth slightly.
• For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
• Ground turkey can replace beef without changing cooking times.

Variations

• Turkey Chili Mac: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Chili Mac: Omit beef and add extra beans or plant-based crumbles.
• Spicy Chili Mac: Add hot sauce, chipotle peppers, or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Creamy Chili Mac: Add 1/2 cup cream cheese at the end for a richer texture.
• Tex-Mex Chili Mac: Add corn, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• When reheating, add a splash of broth or water since pasta absorbs liquid over time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (4–6 quart capacity)
• Skillet for browning meat
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop and stir it in at the end if preferred.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but monitor cooking time closely as these varieties soften quicker.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese entirely.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but ensure your crockpot is large enough to avoid overflow.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheesy Chili Mac is a warm, hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that blends creamy pasta with bold chili flavors for the perfect comfort meal. It’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and ideal for busy families, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. With its versatility and satisfying richness, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.