Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac – Cozy Comfort in One Pot

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is your new dinnertime superhero — cheesy, cozy, and full of flavor without hogging your whole evening. You know that chaotic hour before dinner when you’re trying to help with homework, return work emails, and figure out if laundry can be re-worn? That’s when this chili mac comes to the rescue. It’s the slow cooker dream team: tender pasta, savory ground beef (or turkey if that’s your jam), hearty beans, and cheddar cheese so melty it practically hugs your soul.

Oh, and did I mention it’s a total crowd-pleaser? Even the picky eaters go quiet — always a good sign. With just a few minutes of prep, you can toss everything in the crock pot and get back to juggling your life while the flavors do their thing. Whether it’s a weeknight win or a chilly Sunday staple, this is comfort food made easy.

Table of Contents

What is Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac?

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is like if chili and mac ‘n’ cheese had a baby — and that baby wore a cheddar cheese crown. It’s a warm, filling, and ridiculously satisfying one-pot dish that’s made right in your slow cooker. Think tender elbow macaroni, ground beef (or turkey if you prefer), flavorful chili beans, zesty tomatoes, and a bold chili spice blend.

Then, just when things couldn’t get cozier, it’s finished with a generous helping of melted sharp cheddar cheese. The best part? You don’t need to babysit the stove — just set it and go about your day. It’s a mashup of two American classics, making it an ideal go-to for busy families, cozy nights, potlucks, or even game day grub. Basically, it’s a warm blanket in a bowl.

Reasons to Try Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

Let’s be real — life’s hectic. The last thing you need is a complicated dinner plan that leaves you with a sink full of dishes. Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is here to save your sanity. First, it’s a true dump-and-go recipe — minimal chopping, zero fancy techniques. Second, it’s the holy grail for multitaskers. You can toss it together and go conquer your day (or just binge your favorite show guilt-free).

It also plays nice with picky eaters. Pasta? Check. Cheddar? Yep. Mild chili flavor? Oh yes. You get the hearty satisfaction of chili without scaring off little tastebuds. Plus, it’s easy to adapt — use turkey for a lighter twist or spice it up with jalapeños. It reheats like a champ too, so lunch the next day is already done. If comfort food and convenience had a love child, this would be it.

Ingredients Needed to Make Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• Optional: diced bell peppers (for a pop of color and extra veggies)

Instructions to Make Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your onion and mincing the garlic. If you’re adding bell peppers for extra flavor or color, dice them now too. This step only takes about five minutes and makes everything smoother later. Trust me, once things go in the crock pot, you won’t want to be chasing onions around the cutting board. For busy nights, you can even prep these veggies the night before and store them in the fridge.

Need help with chopping like a pro? You might like the prep tips in our Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls — another comforting classic that keeps things simple.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in a bit of olive oil or cooking spray, then toss in the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and start to smell amazing. This little step is what gives your chili mac that delicious homemade depth — way better than skipping straight to the slow cooker.

Want a meatless version? Head over to our Vegetarian Mexican Casserole for a veggie-packed comfort meal that’s just as hearty.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s fully browned, about 5–7 minutes. If you’re using turkey, it may look a little paler than beef, but that’s normal. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess grease to keep your dish from getting too oily.

Pro tip: For extra flavor and texture, try mixing half beef and half turkey — it’s a winning combo in recipes like our French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

Step 4: Build the Crock Pot Base

Now for the fun part. Grab your slow cooker and transfer the cooked meat and veggies inside. Add in the uncooked elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes (don’t drain them — the juice adds flavor), rinsed chili beans, and low-sodium chicken broth. Then sprinkle in your chili powder and cumin for that classic chili kick. If you’re using bell peppers, toss them in now too.

Give everything a good stir to evenly combine the ingredients and coat the pasta. This mixture may look a little soupier than expected — don’t worry. The pasta will soak up a lot of that liquid as it cooks.

Need ideas for ingredient swaps? Our Pumpkin Chicken Chili offers creative takes on classic ingredients if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crock pot with the lid and set it to low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. This is the “set-it-and-forget-it” part, which is what makes this Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac so perfect for busy days. Give it a gentle stir once or twice during cooking if you’re nearby — it helps the pasta cook evenly and keeps it from sticking.

Note: If your pasta looks a bit too soft toward the end, try cutting back 30 minutes next time. Every slow cooker heats a little differently!

Want more cozy slow-cooked magic? You’ll love our Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake — it’s pure comfort in a dish.

Step 6: Stir in the Cheese

About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and creamy. This step gives your dish that irresistible cheesy finish and ties all the flavors together. If the mixture seems thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen things up.

Don’t be afraid to get creative here — swap sharp cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy twist, or use a cheddar blend for extra depth, like we do in our Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Ladle your Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac into bowls and top with your favorite fixings. Sour cream, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, or even crushed tortilla chips all work beautifully. This dish is made for comfort, so go ahead and make it your own.

Need a sidekick? Our Jiffy Corn Casserole is a match made in heaven and adds a sweet-savory balance.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to stretch it or round out the meal, there are a few easy pairings. A crisp green salad with ranch or a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness. Cornbread or garlic bread on the side? Always a hit. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve it in bread bowls (because carbs on carbs is a love language).

For something fresh, a side of roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans keeps things wholesome. And hey, don’t forget the toppings — a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips add some fun flair. This meal is casual comfort food, so keep the sides relaxed and cozy too.

Key Tips for Making Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

1. Don’t skip the browning: Cooking the meat and aromatics first gives this dish way more flavor. Totally worth the extra 10 minutes.
2. Stir midway: Especially if cooking on high, give it a quick stir once or twice so the pasta doesn’t stick or clump.
3. Use sharp cheddar: It melts beautifully and adds bold, cheesy flavor without being overpowering.
4. Customize it: Want extra veggies? Toss in corn or zucchini. Need more kick? Add jalapeños or hot sauce.
5. Watch your broth: If it looks too thick toward the end, stir in a splash of broth or milk when you add the cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

This chili mac stores like a champ. Once cooled, pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Microwave? Totally fine too — just stir every 30 seconds until it’s hot and creamy again.

Want to freeze it? You can, but the texture of the pasta may soften more once thawed. If freezing, do it before adding the cheese — then stir in fresh cheese after reheating for best results. This makes a great make-ahead meal or next-day lunch, especially when you’re short on time and craving something cozy.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well — just keep the cooking time the same.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the meat and use two cans of beans (like black or kidney) for a protein boost.

What if I don’t have chili beans?
Use regular pinto or black beans, then bump up the spices a little to make up for the flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Just make sure your crock pot has enough space, and extend the cook time slightly if needed.

Is it spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chili powder, but it’s very family-friendly. Want heat? Toss in jalapeños or hot sauce.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac is the weeknight comfort food you didn’t know you needed — until now. It’s cheesy, hearty, and checks all the boxes for a low-effort, high-reward meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers that don’t feel like a compromise, this one-pot wonder brings the flavor without the fuss.

Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to whatever’s in your pantry or fridge. Need more cozy dinner ideas? Try this Cattle Drive Casserole or keep the comfort rolling with this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. When you’re short on time but craving something satisfying, this chili mac is always the right call.

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