Looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor? This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the perfect meal for busy weeknights, game days, or whenever you're craving something warm and satisfying. Combining the zesty flavors of chili with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese, this dish is a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults. Best of all, it’s made in a slow cooker, meaning you can toss everything in and let it cook while you go about your day. Read on to discover how to create this delicious, fuss-free meal step by step!
What is “Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese”?
Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is a mash-up of two classic comfort foods—chili and macaroni and cheese—all cooked together in one pot for a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy meal. It starts with a base of seasoned ground beef (or turkey), beans, tomatoes, and spices, similar to traditional chili. Then, elbow macaroni and a creamy cheese sauce are added toward the end of the cooking process. The result is a cheesy, hearty meal that combines the bold flavors of chili with the comforting texture of mac and cheese.
This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply indulging in a cozy meal after a long day.
Ingredients List for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
Chili Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (for extra moisture)
Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Toppings:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Shredded cheese
Substitutions and Variations
This Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make adjustments based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Meat Alternatives: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more beans or even crumbled tofu.
- Beans: If you're not a fan of kidney beans or black beans, you can substitute them with pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice to your liking. Add more chili powder or some diced jalapeños for extra heat, or reduce the chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Pasta Variations: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but any short pasta shape will work, like shells, rotini, or penne.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free milk (like almond or soy) and dairy-free cheese to make this recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is incredibly easy, thanks to your trusty slow cooker. Here's a simple guide to creating this delicious meal:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet, brown the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to your crockpot.
- Add the Chili Ingredients: To the crockpot, add the diced onions, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, drained beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and broth. Stir to combine everything well.
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook the chili mixture on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors have melded together and the chili base is rich and fragrant.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheese, milk, sour cream, and butter. Mix well to ensure that the macaroni is fully submerged in the chili mixture and that the cheese begins to melt into the sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes on high, or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Serve Hot: Once the pasta is cooked through and the cheese sauce is creamy, your Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is ready to serve. Spoon it into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, like extra cheese, green onions, sour cream, or jalapeños.
How to Cook Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Prepare the Chili Base
Start by browning your ground beef or turkey in a skillet. This step is essential for building flavor, as it caramelizes the meat and adds depth to the chili. Once browned, transfer the meat to the crockpot and add the remaining chili base ingredients—onions, garlic, tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, and seasonings. The mixture should be thick, but adding broth helps to prevent it from drying out during the slow cooking process. - Step 2: Slow Cook the Chili
The beauty of a crockpot is that it does all the heavy lifting. Set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the flavors of the chili will develop, and the beans will soften. Don’t rush this process; low and slow cooking is key to achieving a rich, flavorful base. - Step 3: Add the Pasta and Cheese
Once the chili has cooked, it’s time to transform it into mac and cheese. Stir in the uncooked macaroni, shredded cheese, milk, sour cream, and butter. The cheese will melt into the chili, creating a thick, creamy sauce that coats the pasta as it cooks. Cook the mixture on high for an additional 30-40 minutes until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is luscious. - Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your pasta is perfectly tender, it's time to serve! Spoon the creamy, cheesy chili mac into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Enjoy the rich, spicy, cheesy goodness!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this recipe is easy, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Adding the pasta too early can cause it to become mushy. Always add the pasta about 30 minutes before serving to ensure it cooks to perfection.
- Not Stirring the Pasta: Stir the pasta occasionally during the final cooking stage to prevent it from clumping or sticking to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Skipping the Browning Step: While it’s tempting to throw everything into the slow cooker without browning the meat first, this step adds a ton of flavor to your chili. Don’t skip it!
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese, the key is in the toppings and presentation. Here’s how to make it look and taste even more delicious:
- Topping Ideas: Elevate your bowls with fresh toppings like sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. These garnishes add brightness and freshness to balance the rich flavors of the dish.
- Serve with a Side: Pair this dish with a light side salad, cornbread, or garlic bread to create a well-rounded meal.
- Family-Style Serving: Serve the entire crockpot dish at the center of the table and let everyone scoop out their own portion for a fun, family-style meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
- Individual Bowls: For a cozy dinner, serve the Chili Mac and Cheese in individual bowls with your choice of toppings.
- Buffet Style: For a party or game day gathering, set up a buffet with bowls of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and fresh herbs so guests can customize their bowls.
- In a Bread Bowl: For an extra-special presentation, serve the chili mac in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It adds an edible element that’s sure to impress!
Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
- Cast Iron Skillet: After the mac and cheese is done, transfer it to a large cast-iron skillet for serving. Top with extra cheese and broil for a few minutes to get a crispy, golden top.
- Mini Crockpots: If you have mini crockpots or stoneware bowls, you can portion the chili mac into individual servings for a fun and unique presentation.
- Topping Bar: Create a DIY topping bar with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, chopped herbs, sour cream, salsa, and crispy tortilla strips to add a personalized touch to each bowl.
Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips
- Make it Ahead: You can prep the chili base the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, simply add it to the crockpot and cook it throughout the day. Just add the pasta and cheese toward the end as usual.
- Leftovers: Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese makes great leftovers! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze portions of this dish for later. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Yes! Gluten-free pasta works great in this recipe. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster than regular pasta.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
A: You can, but it’s not recommended. Pre-cooked pasta may become too mushy after being added to the crockpot. It’s best to add uncooked pasta so it absorbs the flavors of the chili as it cooks.
Q: Can I make this spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or even a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with bold flavors. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and hearty chili base, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. So grab your slow cooker and give this mouth-watering recipe a try today!
PrintCrockpot Chili Mac And Cheese Recipe
Crockpot chili mac and cheese is a comforting, family-friendly dish that blends hearty chili with creamy, cheesy macaroni. This slow cooker recipe offers convenience with rich flavors of beef, beans, and pasta all cooked in one pot, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve up this easy meal that's sure to satisfy your craving for cheesy, meaty goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- Diced tomatoes (with juice)
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned, then drain the fat.
- Transfer beef mixture to crockpot. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add uncooked macaroni and stir. Cook until pasta is tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for turkey or use black beans instead of kidney beans for a different flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or extra chili powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of recipe
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 960mg
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