Go Back
–+ servings
Chili Mac in the Slow Cooker

Cozy Chili Mac in the Slow Cooker for Easy Comfort Food

A delicious Chili Mac in the Slow Cooker, perfect for busy weeknights with hearty flavors and minimal fuss.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chili Base
  • 1 pound very lean ground beef Can substitute with turkey or ground bison
  • 1 small onion, chopped Shallots work for a milder flavor
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is ideal, jarred can substitute
  • 1 30 oz can chili beans in chili sauce Kidney beans in sauce make a good substitute
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes Use diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes Fresh diced tomatoes can be used instead
  • 2 cups beef broth Vegetable broth is a great lighter substitute
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder Adjust to taste or substitute with taco seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon cumin Optional for those who prefer less spice
  • Salt and pepper To taste
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked Gluten-free pasta works as an alternative
For Serving
  • Desired toppings (cheddar, sour cream, green onions, corn chips) Customize based on personal taste

Equipment

  • slow cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Transfer the browned ground beef to a slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chili beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir everything to combine.
  3. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Stir the mixture again to distribute the spices.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or LOW for 8 hours.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover again until the pasta is tender, which should take around 15 minutes.
  6. Serve the chili mac in bowls and top with your favorite toppings like cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, or corn chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Brown the beef for enhanced flavor and add pasta towards the end to avoid mushiness. Customize spices to your preference and store leftovers properly.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!