There is nothing quite like walking into a kitchen filled with the savory aroma of a slow cooked meal. When the weather turns chilly or life just gets too busy, we all crave dishes that are warm, filling, and require minimal effort. That is where the magic of Crockpot Soup Recipes comes into play. These meals are designed to make your life easier while delivering big flavor.
Many home cooks search for Easy Crockpot Meals that can feed a crowd without breaking the bank. While soups are fantastic, sometimes you need something with a bit more substance. That is why this Chili Mac is such a winner. It bridges the gap between a thick stew and a hearty pasta dish, earning its place alongside your favorite Crockpot Soup Recipes.
This recipe transforms humble ingredients like ground beef, beans, and macaroni into a cheesy masterpiece. It is the kind of dinner that has everyone coming back for seconds. If you are a fan of Crockpot Soups And Stews, this dish will quickly become a regular in your weekly rotation. It is simple, satisfying, and tastes like it simmered all day long.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with this meal for so many reasons. First and foremost, it is incredibly convenient. Like many of the best Crockpot Soup Recipes, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting for you. You simply prep the base, walk away, and let the appliance work its magic over several hours.
Another reason this dish stands out among Crock Pot Meals is its budget friendly nature. Ground beef, canned beans, and pasta are affordable staples that you likely already have in your pantry. You do not need expensive cuts of meat or fancy spices to create a dinner that tastes like a million bucks.
This recipe is also incredibly family friendly. The flavors are mild enough for picky eaters but savory enough for adults to enjoy. The addition of melted cheddar cheese makes it irresistible to kids. It is one of those Easy Crockpot Meals that guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
Finally, this dish is versatile. While it is technically a pasta dish, its saucy and rich consistency allows it to fit right in with other hearty Crockpot Soup Recipes. You can serve it in a bowl with a spoon, dunk crusty bread into it, or top it with crackers just like you would with a classic chili.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You do not need a long list of hard to find items. Here is everything you need to get started on one of the tastiest Crockpot Soup Recipes you will ever make.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, and additional cheese
Let’s talk about the beef. Using lean ground beef ensures that your final dish is not overly greasy. If you use a higher fat percentage, just make sure to drain it well. This keeps the meal light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down, which is key for good Crockpot Soup Recipes.
The beans provide excellent texture and fiber. Kidney beans are traditional for chili, holding their shape well during the long cook time. If you prefer, you could swap them for black beans or pinto beans, but kidney beans give that classic look and feel associated with robust Crock Pot Meals.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Creating this meal is a breeze. Follow these simple directions to bring this comforting dish to life. It is easier than many other Crockpot Soup Recipes because it is so forgiving.
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by placing a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic. Cook this mixture, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is fully browned and the onions are translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor for the dish.
Once cooked, be sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet. Transfer the beef and onion mixture directly into your slow cooker. Browning the meat first is a crucial step in many Crockpot Soups And Stews to ensure the best texture and taste.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
Now, add the drained kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. These spices will infuse the meat and beans with a warm, savory flavor profile.
Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined. You want to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This creates a consistent flavor in every bite, which is what you want from your Easy Crockpot Meals.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Mixture
Place the lid on your slow cooker. You can cook this on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Choose the setting that best fits your schedule. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a rich base that rivals any of your favorite Crockpot Soup Recipes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
About 30 to 45 minutes before you are ready to serve, boil a separate pot of water. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. It is important not to overcook the pasta here, as it will continue to soften slightly when added to the sauce.
Drain the pasta well. Cooking the pasta separately is a pro tip for many Crock Pot Meals involving noodles. It prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and absorbing too much of the delicious sauce you have created.
Step 5: Combine and Melt Cheese
Add the cooked macaroni and the shredded cheddar cheese into the slow cooker. Stir gently to mix the pasta into the sauce and distribute the cheese. The heat from the slow cooker will begin to melt the cheese immediately.
Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. You want the cheese to be completely melted and the dish to be heated through. This final step brings everything together into a creamy, cheesy delight.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your meal is now ready. Serve the chili mac warm in bowls. Feel free to top it with sour cream, sliced green onions, or extra cheese if you like. It is a comforting finish to a long day and a standout among Crockpot Soup Recipes.
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about making a big batch of food is the leftovers. This chili mac stores wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep. To store it, let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Do not leave it out for more than two hours to ensure food safety.
Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors often taste even better the next day as they continue to sit together. This is a common trait of hearty Crockpot Soups And Stews.
If you want to freeze this meal, you can do so for up to three months. However, be aware that pasta can sometimes change texture when frozen and reheated. It might become a bit softer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
When reheating, you might notice the pasta has absorbed some of the liquid. Simply add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up again. Stir it well while heating until it reaches your desired consistency.
Tips
For the best results with your Crockpot Soup Recipes and meals, try shredding your own cheese. Pre shredded cheese from the store often contains anti caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of cheddar yourself results in a creamier, silkier sauce that coats the macaroni perfectly.
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can easily adjust the heat. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes when you add the chili powder. You could also use a spicy variety of canned tomatoes with green chilies. Customization is the hallmark of great Easy Crockpot Meals.
Do not skip the step of browning the meat. While some people toss raw meat into the slow cooker, browning it creates a depth of flavor that you just cannot get otherwise. It locks in the savory taste and improves the overall texture of the dish.
Make sure to drain your beans and canned tomatoes properly if the recipe calls for it. However, for this specific recipe, we keep the juices from the tomato sauce but drain the beans. This balance ensures the final dish is not too watery, which separates great Crock Pot Meals from average ones.
Conclusion
Finding reliable Crockpot Soup Recipes that the whole family enjoys can be a challenge, but this Chili Mac ticks every box. It is warm, cheesy, and packed with protein and fiber. Whether you are feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday night or prepping lunch for the week, this dish delivers.
The ease of preparation makes it perfect for beginners, while the robust flavor satisfies even seasoned food lovers. Give this recipe a try next time you need a comforting meal without the hassle. It is sure to become one of your favorite Easy Crockpot Meals.
FAQ
Can I put uncooked pasta in the slow cooker?
It is generally better to cook the pasta separately for this recipe. Pasta left in the slow cooker for hours can turn into mush. Cooking it on the stove and adding it at the end ensures the perfect al dente bite that makes this one of the top Crockpot Soup Recipes to try.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or even ground chicken works very well as a leaner substitute. The spices and tomato base provide so much flavor that you likely will not miss the beef. It is a simple swap that keeps this dish among the healthiest Easy Crockpot Meals.
Is this recipe gluten free?
To make this gluten free, simply use your favorite gluten free macaroni pasta. Double check your beef broth and spices to ensure they are certified gluten free as well. With those small tweaks, everyone can enjoy this delicious addition to your list of Crock Pot Meals.
Easy Crockpot Chili Mac
This Crockpot Chili Mac is the ultimate no-fuss weeknight dinner. A comforting, cheesy, and hearty one-pot meal that combines savory chili with classic macaroni for a family-friendly favorite that practically cooks itself.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add the drained kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- About 30-45 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Stir the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the dish is heated through.
- Serve the chili mac warm in bowls, adding optional toppings like sour cream or green onions if desired.
Notes
For the best, creamiest melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
Don’t skip browning the meat! This step adds a significant depth of flavor that you won’t get from adding raw meat to the slow cooker.
If you like a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
To make this gluten-free, simply substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
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