Description

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is the perfect comfort food that combines creamy cheese, zesty chili, and tender macaroni for a heartwarming meal. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the dinner table. With minimal prep and the rich flavors of ground meat and spices, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 can (14.5 oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed
2 tsp chili powder
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
Stir in bell peppers and chili powder; cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Transfer mixture to the crock pot. Add elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, and vegetable broth.
Sprinkle cheese on top without mixing in. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: For a lighter dish, use lean ground turkey instead of beef. Add black beans for extra protein or substitute pasta with quinoa for a gluten-free option. To enhance creaminess, mix in cheese gradually at the end of cooking.