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–+ servings
Chili Mac in the Slow Cooker

Chili Mac in the Slow Cooker: Comfort Food Made Easy

Chili Mac in the Slow Cooker combines hearty chili flavors with comforting macaroni, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chili Base
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Use very lean for a healthier option
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped; can substitute or omit
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh preferred
  • 1 can Chili Beans In sauce for added flavor
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes Substitute with whole peeled if desired
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes Can use fresh diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups Beef Broth Substitute with vegetable broth for meat-free
  • 2 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust for desired heat level
  • 1 tsp Cumin Omit or substitute with smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Pepper
For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Added uncooked to slow cooker
For Toppings
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded; feel free to experiment
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream For creaminess and tang
  • 1/4 cup Green Onions Chopped; for garnish
  • 1 cup Corn Chips For crunch and texture

Equipment

  • slow cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
  2. Transfer browned beef to a slow cooker. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, chili beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  3. Cover slow cooker and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours.
  4. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and cook on High.
  5. Serve chili mac into bowls and add toppings like cheese, sour cream, green onions, and corn chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 30gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 4mg

Notes

For maximum flavor, brown beef well, adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker, and consider cooking pasta separately if there are leftovers.

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