5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili Mac
If you’re craving a simple, hearty slow cooker dinner that the whole family will love, this 5-ingredient Slow Cooker Chili Mac delivers big comfort with minimal effort. Made with ground beef, tender macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, this easy chili mac recipe turns everyday pantry staples into a warm, filling meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
Chili mac has long been a Midwestern comfort food classic, loved for its ability to stretch ingredients, feed a crowd, and keep busy weeknights stress-free. This crockpot chili mac is especially perfect for families, picky eaters, and anyone who wants a budget-friendly dinner with almost no prep. Just brown the beef, dump everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work while you get on with your day.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili Mac:
Only 5 simple ingredients no complicated prep
Kid-approved comfort food cheesy, hearty, and familiar
Perfect for busy weeknights or cold-weather dinner
Budget-friendly meal that stretches ground beef
One-pot slow cooker recipe with easy cleanup
Great for leftovers and meal prep
Ingredients (Serves 6):
1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
1 (24–26 ounce) jar tomato-based pasta sauce
2 cups beef broth (or water)
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
(Salt and pepper optional, not counted toward the 5 ingredients)
Directions:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
Lightly grease your slow cooker. Add the browned beef, pasta sauce, and beef broth, stirring to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to blend.
About 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure the pasta is submerged in liquid.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 25–35 minutes, until the macaroni is tender but not mushy. Stir once halfway through if possible.
Taste and season lightly with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let melt for 5 minutes.
Stir gently and serve hot straight from the slow cooker.
Serving Suggestions:
This easy chili mac dinner is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
Warm cornbread or dinner rolls
A simple green salad to balance the richness
Optional toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions
Variations & Helpful Tips:
Add a can of kidney beans or black beans for a more traditional chili flavor
Use ground turkey for a lighter option
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk or a spoonful of cream cheese
Leftovers thicken overnight add a little broth when reheating
