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One Pot Wonder Chili Mac

Effortless Comfort: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Chili Mac Recipe

Imagine a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, filling your home with an inviting aroma and satisfying even the pickiest eaters. That’s precisely what you get with our Slow Cooker Chili Mac recipe! This ultimate “dump and start” crock pot creation combines the rich, savory taste of classic chili with the comforting chewiness of macaroni, all in one easy-to-clean pot. It’s the quintessential comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, festive game days, or any time you crave a warming, fulfilling meal without the fuss.

Chili Mac in a brown bowl topped with cheese and sour cream in front of a slow cooker

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili Mac

This recipe isn’t just about deliciousness; it’s about pure convenience and versatility. Here’s why Slow Cooker Chili Mac will become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Effortless Preparation: As a “dump and start” recipe, it requires minimal hands-on time. Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker, set it, and forget it until dinner.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Budget-Friendly: Made with economical ingredients like ground meat, beans, and pasta, it’s a smart choice for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
  • Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, it’s a complete meal that will keep you full and content.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or pile on your favorite toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, need a fuss-free weeknight dinner, or want a cozy meal on a chilly evening, Chili Mac fits the bill.

The Magic of “Dump and Start” Cooking: No Browning Required!

One of the biggest time-savers in this Slow Cooker Chili Mac recipe is the elimination of pre-browning the ground meat. Yes, you read that right – you don’t have to cook the ground beef or turkey before adding it to your crock pot! This is a game-changer for busy individuals and those who appreciate truly simplified cooking.

The secret lies in using extra lean ground meat (93%-97% lean). With such low fat content, there’s no excess grease to drain, and the meat cooks thoroughly and safely alongside all the other ingredients in the slow cooker’s moist, flavorful environment. It breaks down beautifully, infusing the entire dish with its savory essence.

Of course, for those who desire an extra layer of depth and caramelized flavor, you always have the option to brown the meat with the onion and garlic in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step can enhance the overall complexity of the chili, but rest assured, the “dump and start” method yields an incredibly delicious result that won’t leave you feeling like you’ve missed out. It’s all about choosing what works best for your schedule and taste buds.

Top view of Chili Mac and wooden mixing spoon in a slow cooker

Crafting Your Perfect Chili Mac: Ingredients & Customization

The beauty of Slow Cooker Chili Mac lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Let’s delve into the core components and how you can personalize them:

  • The Meat: While extra lean ground beef is a classic choice, lean ground turkey is an excellent alternative, offering a lighter profile without sacrificing flavor. If using turkey, you might opt for chicken broth instead of beef broth, though beef broth still lends a wonderfully rich taste. For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based ground meat substitutes or an extra can of beans and more vegetables.
  • Aromatic Foundation: Diced yellow onion and plenty of minced garlic are essential for building a robust flavor base. They soften and sweeten as they slow cook, melding seamlessly into the chili.
  • The Spice Blend: A carefully selected mix of chili powder (adjusting for mild or hot preference), cumin for earthy notes, smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness, and oregano creates that signature chili flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little extra kick. The bay leaf adds a subtle, fragrant layer of flavor that’s removed before serving.
  • Tomato & Chile Richness: Canned diced tomatoes with their juice provide acidity and bulk, while mild diced green chiles add a touch of tang and mild heat without being overpowering. Tomato paste thickens the chili and deepens its overall tomato flavor.
  • Broth & Body: Low-sodium beef broth forms the liquid base, ensuring a saucy chili. Adding beef bouillon (like Better Than Bouillon®) further intensifies the beefy flavor, especially if you skipped browning the meat or used ground turkey.
  • Bean Boost: Two cans of your favorite beans – red kidney, black, or pinto – add protein, fiber, and texture. Remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility. You can mix and match bean types for variety.

Achieving Al Dente Perfection: Adding the Pasta

The macaroni is what transforms this chili into a “Chili Mac,” and getting its texture just right is key. For perfectly al dente pasta that holds its shape and doesn’t turn mushy, we recommend adding the dry small elbow macaroni directly into the slow cooker about 20 minutes before you plan to serve. Stir it in thoroughly, ensuring it’s submerged in the chili sauce, and continue cooking on low until tender.

The starch from the pasta will also slightly thicken the chili, creating a wonderful, cohesive dish. Keep in mind that cooking times for pasta can vary slightly depending on the brand and shape, so it’s always a good idea to taste a piece before serving.

If you prefer to cook your pasta separately or wish to make a pure chili without pasta, that’s perfectly fine! Simply reduce the beef broth by about 1 cup when initially assembling the chili. You can always stir in a splash more broth at the end if the chili becomes too thick for your liking. If adding pre-cooked pasta, do so just before serving to prevent it from becoming overcooked.

Chili Mac topped with cheese and sour cream in a brown bowl

Elevate Your Bowl: Irresistible Topping Ideas

No bowl of Chili Mac is complete without a generous scattering of delicious toppings! This is where you can truly unleash your creativity and cater to individual tastes. While shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, and fresh cilantro are a classic and highly recommended combination, the possibilities are endless:

  • Cheeses: Beyond cheddar, try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a kick, or a Mexican blend.
  • Creamy Delights: Sour cream, Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or a drizzle of crema.
  • Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of parsley.
  • Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado adds a creamy, healthy fat element.
  • Crunchy Textures: Crushed corn chips, tortilla strips, or even oyster crackers.
  • Spicy Additions: Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
  • Onions: Finely diced red onion or white onion for a sharp, fresh bite.
  • Sweetness: A spoonful of corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed).

Set up a “Chili Mac Bar” with various toppings and let everyone customize their own perfect bowl!

Expert Tips for Slow Cooker Chili Mac Success

  • Season to Taste: Always taste your chili towards the end of the cooking process and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or additional chili powder as needed. Flavors can mellow or intensify during slow cooking.
  • Don’t Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid frequently. Each time you do, heat escapes, and it can add 20-30 minutes to your total cooking time.
  • Batch Cooking & Freezing: This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers for days, or freeze portions for quick future meals. Store cooled chili mac in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator or 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the chili powder slightly and omit the cayenne pepper. For more heat, increase the cayenne or add a diced jalapeño with the aromatics.

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Slow Cooker Chili Mac Recipe

Chili Mac in a slow cooker

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

By Sandy Clifton

Slow Cooker Chili Mac is a dump and start crock pot recipe. Delicious chili with some pasta added at the end makes this a hearty, economical one-pot slow cooker meal.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 4 hrs
Total: 4 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 6 – 8

Print Recipe

Equipment

  • 6 quart Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Extra Lean Ground Beef or Lean Ground Turkey (93%-97% lean)
  • 1 Yellow Onion, diced
  • 4 lg Garlic Cloves, pressed or finely minced
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder (mild)
  • 1 Tablespoon Cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt (or ¼ tsp table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
  • 1 can Diced Green Chiles, mild
  • 1 (14 oz) can Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
  • 3 cups Beef Broth** (low sodium)
  • 2 teaspoons Beef Bouillon (such as Better Than Bouillon®)
  • 2 (14 oz) cans Beans (red kidney, black, or pinto) drained & rinsed
  • 1 (6 oz) can Tomato Paste
  • 2 cups Small Elbow Macaroni (or 8 oz other pasta) dry

Garnish

  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Cilantro

Instructions

  1. Add the meat, onion, garlic, bay leaf, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well. If your ground beef isn’t lean, you may brown it and drain fat before adding.
  2. Add the diced green chiles, diced tomatoes, beef broth, bouillon, beans, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
  3. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours, or on High for 3-4 hours, until the meat is cooked through and the chili is fragrant and bubbly.
  4. If adding dry pasta, stir in the macaroni about 20 minutes before serving and continue to cook on Low until the pasta is tender and al dente. If adding pre-cooked pasta, stir it in just before serving.
  5. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. Serve hot and garnish with your choice of sour cream, cheese, avocado, diced onion, corn chips, or cilantro.

Notes

*If adding cooked pasta at the end, only add 2 cups of beef broth initially. Add the third cup before serving, only if the chili is too thick. This helps prevent the chili from becoming too watery if the pre-cooked pasta doesn’t absorb as much liquid.

Nutrition

Calories: 499kcal

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Tex Mex

Final Thoughts on Your Slow Cooker Chili Mac Journey

This Slow Cooker Chili Mac isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to simplify your cooking routine without compromising on flavor or heartiness. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and delicious satisfaction to any table. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker enthusiast or new to the world of crock pots, this “dump and start” meal is incredibly forgiving and guarantees a delightful outcome.

We hope you enjoy preparing and sharing this wonderful recipe with your loved ones. Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and make it truly your own!

If you make this tasty crockpot Chili Mac recipe, please let us know. Just leave a comment with a star rating below. We’d love to know how you liked it!

RESOURCES TO MAKE Slow Cooker Chili Mac recipe and more

This post contains Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Here are some recommended tools to help you create this delicious dish:

  • Your favorite slow cooker (6 quart recommended)
  • Sharp knife for dicing onion and mincing garlic
  • Can opener

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