Slow Cooker Chili Mac
If you love simple slow cooker meals that feel warm and nostalgic, this Slow Cooker Chili Mac is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This cozy one-pot recipe combines hearty chili and cheesy macaroni into a rich, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or relaxed family gatherings.
Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this easy slow cooker chili mac recipe delivers big flavor without complicated steps. The slow cooker does all the work, turning ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheddar into a creamy, filling bowl of comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili Mac:
Easy dump-and-go dinner: Minimal prep and simple ingredients
Budget-friendly comfort food: Great for feeding a crowd
Perfect family meal: Kid-friendly flavors with cheesy goodness
Hearty and satisfying: Protein-packed chili with tender macaroni
Great for meal prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day
This recipe is ideal if you’re looking for easy crockpot pasta recipes, cozy slow cooker dinners, or a simple chili mac recipe that feels homemade without extra work.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
2 cans (15 oz each) chili with beans
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Directions:
Brown the beef
Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Build the slow cooker base
Lightly grease the slow cooker. Add the beef, canned chili, and diced tomatoes with juices. Stir into a thick, hearty sauce.
Slow cook for flavor
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for about 2 hours, allowing the flavors to blend.
Add the pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it’s covered in sauce. Add a small splash of water if needed.
Make it cheesy
Fold in 1½ cups of cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until the pasta is tender.
Finish and serve
Turn to WARM, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover until melted, and serve hot.
Serving Ideas:
Serve this cheesy chili mac in warm bowls topped with extra cheddar and cracked black pepper. Pair it with:
A simple green salad
Cornbread or biscuits
Fresh carrot and celery sticks
Pickles for a tangy contrast
Variations & Tips:
Add crushed red pepper or chili powder for extra heat.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
Use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor or mix with pepper jack.
Add a splash of beef broth if you prefer a slightly saucier texture.
Benefits of This Cozy Chili Mac Recipe:
This slow cooker chili mac isn’t just delicious it’s practical. It uses pantry ingredients, requires very little hands-on time, and creates a comforting meal that works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The slow cooking process helps the flavors deepen while keeping the pasta tender and the cheese perfectly creamy.
