Description
Slow Cooker Chili Mac is a cheesy comfort food that combines chili and macaroni for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- BROWN THE MEAT: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- COMBINE INGREDIENTS IN SLOW COOKER: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef or vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- COOK IN SLOW COOKER: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- ADD MACARONI: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover and continue to cook until the pasta is tender.
- FINISH WITH CHEESE: Once the macaroni is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
- SERVE: Ladle the chili mac into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Can substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Use low-sodium broth for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg