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Delicious Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac with cheese and chili in a bowl

Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac

A comforting one-pot slow-cooker meal with hearty ground meat, beans, tomatoes, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Beans
  • 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked) Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, drained and rinsed You can use regular canned beans if preferred.
Meat and Aromatics
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey Leaner option is ground turkey.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Chop and prepare before starting.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Minced for flavor enhancement.
Liquids and Seasonings
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) Provides moisture and flavor.
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Use low-sodium to control salt content.
  • 2 tsp chili powder Adjust according to spice preference.
  • 1 tsp ground cumin For a warm flavor.
Finishing Touch
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Stir in at the end for a creamy finish.
  • optional Bell peppers (diced) Use for added color and sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice bell peppers if using. Measure everything so it’s ready to go.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium and add a small splash of oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef or turkey and break it into pieces. Cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot.
Cooking
  1. Transfer the cooked meat, onions, and garlic to the crock pot. Add the uncooked macaroni, diced tomatoes with juices, drained chili beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and diced bell peppers. Stir to combine.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. If you can, stir once or twice during cooking to keep pasta from sticking.
  3. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar until it melts and is distributed evenly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 800mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5g

Notes

Serve with toppings like chopped green onions or sour cream. Great alongside a crisp salad or warm corn muffins. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.

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