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Craving something cheesy and hearty? Throw together this slow cooker chili mac with cheddar and dinner is set with barely any work. The noodles cook right in the pot, the chili beans go all saucy, and the gooey cheddar melts over it all. Seriously, everyone asks for more.
Brought this to a neighborhood get-together and it was gone in a flash! My family begs for "chili mac with cheese" on busy days. We make it any time tummies are rumbling.
Tasty Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: Makes it meaty and filling but not greasy—try for the leanest kind you can grab, like 90%
- Uncooked macaroni: Throw in these elbows and let them soak up all that sauce as they get tender
- Mild chili beans: Beans (juice and all) give you a little spice, some creaminess, and more protein to keep you full
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: These brighten things up and bring a tiny bit of heat—dump out extra juice so it doesn’t get watery
- Chili powder: Sprinkle this to get those warm, chili flavors popping. Fresh stuff smells awesome as it cooks
- Garlic salt: Levels up the richness and gives a simple salty kick everyone loves
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Heap freshly-shredded cheddar on top at the end—melts into the best goo. Skip the bagged shreds for epic meltiness
Easy Directions
- Brown the Beef:
- Start with a skillet on medium, break up the ground beef, and cook till it’s deep brown with no pink. Pour off the grease so just flavor stays
- Macaroni Time:
- Fill a pot with salty water, cook your macaroni till almost done—keep them sturdy, not soft. Drain them quick so they stay in shape
- Mix Everything:
- Toss drained macaroni, the cooked beef, beans (use the juice), tomatoes and chiles, garlic salt, and chili powder into a four-quart slow cooker. Stir really well so the flavors blend and the color pops
- Top with Cheese:
- Layer shredded cheddar over the top, making sure you cover everything completely for a melty finish
- Slow Cook:
- Pop on the lid and set to low for two hours. In a rush? High works in about an hour. If your slow cooker runs hot, spin the insert halfway through so edges stay moist and cheese melts just right
- Serve Up:
- Crack the lid and you’ll see a golden, melty top. Scoop generous helpings into bowls—dig in while it’s hot!
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I live for the crunchy golden spots around the edge. One game night, my little one waited and stole every crispy cheese bite! Now it’s a fun tradition at our table.
Simple Storage
Let it cool all the way, then pop leftovers in a sealed container. Stick it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of water in the microwave if it looks dry—it springs right back
Easy Swaps
Add frozen corn or diced peppers for more veggies. Don’t eat beef? Use ground turkey or swap in extra black beans for a veggie boost. Try small shells or rotini instead of elbows, just don’t let them get soggy
Serving Ideas
Spoon big scoops into bowls—pair with a crisp salad or fluffy cornbread if you like. A dollop of sour cream or some chopped green onion makes it pop. Like heat? Dash on your go-to hot sauce
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Comfort Vibes
This dish is all about American classics and feel-good dinners. You’ll find it all over the South, filling and warming on those nights when you want dinner to make itself. Just load the slow cooker and relax
Common Questions
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Totally! Monterey Jack works well or just blend whatever cheeses you’ve got if you want something other than cheddar.
- → Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Just stash it in the fridge for a couple days, then reheat slowly. Add extra cheese if you’re in the mood.
- → Can I substitute ground chicken or turkey?
Sure thing, just switch out the beef for ground turkey or chicken. Brown it up and drain before you add it in.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Good with a crisp salad, steamed veggies, or some thick bread to scoop it all up.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Just cook your pasta a bit before adding it toward the finish. It’ll stay just right. Or mix it in fresh right before you eat to keep it firm.