ULTIMATE CHEDDAR CHILI MAC – omarezepte24

I remember one particularly chilly autumn evening after a long day of pumpkin picking. The air was crisp, the leaves were swirling, and all I wanted was something warm, comforting, and unbelievably delicious. That’s when I decided to throw together a Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe on a whim, using ingredients I already had in the pantry. The aroma that filled the house as it slowly simmered was pure magic. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe you’ll ever make! Get ready for a flavor explosion.

Why You’ll ADORE This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

Okay, friends, let’s be honest. We all need those go-to recipes that are easy, satisfying, and practically foolproof. This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is exactly that. But it’s not just easy. It’s about layering flavors, creating a symphony of textures, and ending up with a dish that everyone – and I mean everyone – will rave about. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food, elevated. Think of it as your new weeknight dinner champion!

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the combination of hearty chili, creamy cheddar, and perfectly cooked macaroni, all melded together in the slow cooker. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to deepen and meld together, creating a depth of flavor you just can’t achieve on the stovetop. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite chili toppings, add extra veggies, or even swap out the cheddar for another type of cheese. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list! Most of these are pantry staples, and the rest are easily found at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 1 pound ground beef: You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works best.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor.
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained: Rinsing removes excess sodium.
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds a nice textural contrast.
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: The liquid adds moisture to the chili.
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained: Adds a little kick of heat!
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: This thickens the chili and adds a rich tomato flavor.
• 1 packet chili seasoning: Use your favorite brand or homemade blend.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds warmth and depth to the chili.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: A touch of smokiness elevates the flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For extra heat!
• 4 cups beef broth: Provides the liquid base for the chili.
• 1 pound elbow macaroni: Cooked al dente (slightly firm) before adding to the crock pot.
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is my personal favorite, but you can use mild or a blend.
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, cilantro, hot sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, let’s dive into the magic! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a steaming bowl of Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac in no time.

1. Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. You want it nicely browned for maximum flavor.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. The kitchen should be smelling amazing right now!
3. Combine the chili ingredients: Transfer the ground beef mixture to your crock pot. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), tomato paste, chili seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. Add the beef broth: Pour the beef broth into the crock pot. Stir everything together to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are well mixed.
5. Slow cook the chili: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
6. Cook the macaroni: About 30 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well. It’s crucial to slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the crock pot.
7. Add the macaroni and cheese: Stir the cooked macaroni into the crock pot. Add 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. The mixture should be creamy and cheesy!
8. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac into bowls. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, cilantro, or hot sauce.

Success Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

Want to make sure your Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac turns out absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my top tips:

• Don’t overcook the macaroni: As I mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to cook the macaroni al dente. Overcooked macaroni will turn mushy in the crock pot, and nobody wants that!
• Use good quality cheese: The cheddar cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe, so don’t skimp on the quality. Sharp cheddar will give you the most flavor, but you can also use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Chili seasoning blends can vary in heat and flavor, so adjust the amount to your liking. You can also add extra spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings: The toppings are where you can really customize this recipe to your own taste. Get creative and try different combinations!
• Make it ahead of time: This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the chili in the crock pot and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chili, cook the macaroni, and add the cheese.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is how easily you can customize it to your own taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add vegetables: Stir in chopped bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or other vegetables to add extra nutrients and flavor.
• Use different beans: Swap out the kidney beans and black beans for pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables. You can also use a vegetarian ground beef substitute.
• Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.
• Try different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.

Serving Suggestions

This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side salad, cornbread, or garlic bread. Here are a few more ideas:

• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Sprinkle with chopped green onions or cilantro.
• Add a few slices of avocado.
• Drizzle with hot sauce or salsa.
• Serve with a side of tortilla chips or crackers.

Other Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

If you love the ease and convenience of slow cooker cooking, you’re in the right place! Here are a few more of my favorite slow cooker recipes that I think you’ll enjoy:

• Craving something creamy and comforting? You absolutely HAVE to try my Broccoli Cheese Soup. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!
• For a hearty and satisfying meal, my Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles is a classic for a reason. It’s the perfect dish for a cold winter day.
• Need a quick and easy weeknight dinner? My Chicken Tortellini is a dump-and-go recipe that’s ready in just a few hours.
• If you’re in the mood for Italian, my Ravioli Lasagna is a super simple and delicious twist on a classic.
• Looking for a comforting soup? My Lasagna Soup is packed with flavor and so easy to make in the slow cooker.
• And for a Tex-Mex inspired dinner, you’ll love my Steak & Queso Rice. It’s a crowd-pleaser!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or reheat in a saucepan over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. I actually think it tastes even better the next day!

The Final Cheesy, Chili-Filled Verdict

There you have it! My ultimate Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Recipe. I truly believe this will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. It’s the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, dust off your crock pot, and get ready to create a meal that will warm your heart and soul. Enjoy!

ULTIMATE CHEDDAR CHILI MAC

Amelia

This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty chili, creamy cheddar cheese, and perfectly cooked macaroni. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy, satisfying, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a chilly evening.

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 650 kcal

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet chili seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: Sour cream
• Optional toppings: Chopped green onions
• Optional toppings: Avocado
• Optional toppings: Cilantro
• Optional toppings: Hot sauce

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.

• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

• Transfer the ground beef mixture to your crock pot. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (undrained), diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), tomato paste, chili seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).

• Pour the beef broth into the crock pot. Stir everything together to combine.

• Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

• About 30 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.

• Stir the cooked macaroni into the crock pot.

• Add 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.

• Ladle the Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac into bowls.

• Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, cilantro, or hot sauce.

• Serve immediately and enjoy!

For best results, use a sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor. To prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy, cook it al dente and add it to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving. Customize your chili mac by adding your favorite vegetables, beans, or spices. For a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.