Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe

overhead view of crockpot chili mac in white bowls with a fork.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 2

Total Time: 2 15

Servings: people

Calories: 597kcal

Author: Becky Hardin

Crockpot Chili Mac might just be the easiest comfort food recipe you'll ever make! Macaroni is all dressed up with kidney beans, green chilies, beef, cheese, and more. This kid-friendly dinner recipe is equal parts simple and comforting!

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Equipment

Crockpot (click for my favorite)

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef browned and drained
1 onion chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon kosher salt
15 ounces kidney beans 1 can, drained
10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies 1 can, drained
6 ounces tomato paste 1 can
8 ounces tomato sauce 1 can
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 cups dry elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh cilantro optional, for garnish

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients except the cheese and cilantro in the slow cooker.
1 pound ground beef, 1 onion, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, 15 ounces kidney beans, 10 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies, 6 ounces tomato paste, 8 ounces tomato sauce, 3 cups low-sodium beef broth, 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours until the pasta is cooked.
Sprinkle cheese and fresh cilantro over the top.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, Chopped fresh cilantro

Video

Notes

I like to use 80-85% lean ground beef in this recipe, but you can go leaner if you want!
Feel free to substitute ground chicken or turkey in place of the beef for a leaner take.
You can use any beans you like, such as pinto or black beans, instead of kidney beans.
You can use chicken or vegetable broth in place of the beef broth.
Use your favorite short pasta shape, such as fusilli, cavatappi, or shells!
You can use Monterey Jack, American, Colby, or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar.
Feel free to omit the cilantro if you're not a fan, or use parsley instead.
Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to suit your tastes.
You can add more veggies if you like, such as bell peppers or corn!
Use block cheddar and shred it yourself if possible. It will melt more evenly than bagged.

Storage: Store crockpot chili mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition