Easy Crockpot Chili Mac Recipe
Flavorful, versatile, and super easy to make. This crockpot chili mac is going to be a surefire hit with everyone in the family.
I’ve got to admit. I’m always down for easy, one-pot recipes. They automatically mean less cleanup time, and are the perfect meal to whip up on the days when I’m not in the mood to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
And that’s precisely why I tried making this crockpot chili mac and fell in love!
But before you go ahead and give it a try yourself, here are a few tips and suggestions you must know.
Can I Make This in a Pot?
While this recipe calls for using your crockpot, since it is meant to be slow-cooked, you can cook it on the stovetop in a pot or use your Instant Pot to whip it up quickly.
Just remember that the cooking times for each of these methods will be different.
How Do I Store the Leftovers?
Your leftover crockpot chili mac is freezer friendly. All you need to do is transfer the leftovers to an airtight, preferably freezer-safe container and pop it in.
You can also refrigerate the leftovers. Just remember to consume them within 2-3 days, and reheat them in the microwave to preserve the structure and texture of the pasta.
Tips to Make the Crockpot Chili Mac
Ready to get started with the recipe? Keep these little tips and tricks in mind.
- Make sure you use lean ground beef for this recipe, and if you don’t have it, you can try replicating the process with ground chicken or ground turkey too!
- Want to make it spicy? Sneak in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to give it that fiery touch.
- Don’t skimp on the toppings. Be generous with the cheese, green onions, and sour cream to take the flavors of this crockpot chili mac to the next level.
- Want to make this dish healthier? Sneak in some veggies like bell peppers and boiled corn or cottage cheese if you want to. Also, remember to use low-sodium beef broth or, even better, homemade beef broth.
- Want your chili mac to have more intense flavors? Spend a few extra minutes in the kitchen browning the garlic and the onions and then following the rest of the recipe.
Serving Ideas & Suggestions
This classic comfort food recipe needs no companion. It can be a complete meal in itself, but if you’re really looking to take things up a notch, here are a few ideas to get you going.
- Serve the crockpot chili mac with a fresh salad like my favorite honey ginger salad or some air fried cucumbers.
- I also think pairing this hearty meal with a side of something cheesy can make it a dream comfort food spread. Try making these easy keto garlic cheese chips with chili mac.
- If you’re making this chili mac for some guests coming over, you can team it up with some spinach artichoke bites.
