Cheddar Chili Mac Bowl

This filling Crock Pot Cheese Chili Pasta has been our family's lifesaver on crazy weeknights when we want something warm and tasty without any hassle. The mix of well-seasoned ground beef, beans, pasta and gooey cheese makes an everyone-pleasing dinner that wins over even the fussiest eaters at my table.

I came up with this dish during a super busy sports season when my kids had practices across town from each other. Walking into the house with this bubbling away in the slow cooker became what we looked forward to every Tuesday and honestly kept me sane through those wild months.

• 90% lean ground beef: Gives you plenty of protein without too much fat grab the 90% lean kind for best results
• Dry macaroni: Slightly undercook it so it doesn't get mushy during slow cooking
• Mild chili beans: They bring that classic chili taste and their sauce helps thicken everything up
• Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Add some brightness and gentle heat use regular diced tomatoes if you don't want any spice
• Chili powder: Brings warm flavor without too much kick get the good stuff if you can
• Garlic salt: Adds savory goodness to every bite
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Makes that amazing melty layer on top go with medium or sharp based on what you like

Tasty Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac Guide

Cook the beef:

First, cook your ground beef in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes until you don't see any pink. Break it into small pieces while it cooks so it spreads evenly throughout the dish. Drain off the fat so your meal won't be greasy.

Get the pasta ready:

Cook your macaroni for about 2 minutes less than what the box says. This keeps it from getting soggy while slow cooking. Give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop it from cooking more.

Mix everything:

Put your cooked beef, macaroni, chili beans with their liquid, drained tomatoes with green chiles, chili powder, and garlic salt in your slow cooker. Mix it all up really well. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides so everything gets mixed in.

Put cheese on top:

Spread the shredded cheddar evenly across everything to make a nice cheese layer that'll melt wonderfully while cooking. Don't stir after adding the cheese so you keep that yummy cheesy top.

Let it cook:

Cover and cook on low for 2 hours or high for 1 to 1.5 hours. If your slow cooker cooks unevenly, turn the pot halfway through. It's done when all the cheese has melted and you see some bubbling around the edges.

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Those mild chili beans are really the hidden hero in this dish. My grandma always told me good chili comes down to finding just the right beans, and after trying tons of different kinds, these mild chili beans give that perfect flavor balance without needing to add a bunch of extra seasonings. Whenever I open a can, I think about her kitchen and how she'd smile at this new take on comfort food.

What To Serve With It

This Crock Pot Cheddar Chili Mac stands on its own, but adding a couple easy sides can make dinner even better. A simple green salad with light dressing gives a nice fresh contrast to the hearty main course. Cornbread goes great with it and soaks up the tasty sauce. For the ultimate comfort meal, serve it with some garlic bread to scoop up every last bit.

Ways To Switch It Up

What's great about this dish is how easy it is to change. You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter meal that still tastes great. If you don't eat meat, try plant-based crumbles or just throw in another can of beans. If you like things spicy, add some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Want more veggies? Toss in some diced peppers, corn, or zucchini. The dish still works perfectly while fitting whatever you prefer or have in your kitchen.

Keeping Leftovers

Put any extras in sealed containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better overnight, so it's great to make ahead. When you want to warm it up, microwave single servings with a damp paper towel on top so it doesn't dry out. For family-sized portions, warm it in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until hot all the way through. Add some fresh cheese before warming it up to make it taste freshly made.

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Making It Kid-Friendly

This meal naturally appeals to kids because of the familiar pasta and cheese combo. For super picky eaters, you might want to use plain diced tomatoes instead of the ones with green chiles. Let kids dress up their own bowls with toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for some crunch. Setting up a topping station lets everyone customize their portion while eating the same basic meal, which works great for families with different tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Sure, swap macaroni for any small pasta like rotini or penne. Just make sure it's cooked a bit firm (al dente) before mixing it into the crock pot.

→ What’s the best kind of beef to use?

Pick lean ground beef, maybe 85-90% lean, so you’ll keep the flavors rich but avoid too much grease.

→ How can I make it extra spicy?

You’ve got plenty of options! Use spicy chili beans, sprinkle more chili powder, or toss in jalapeño slices for some heat.

→ What cheese works well here?

Shredded cheddar's a classic, but mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack adds a tasty twist.

→ Can I freeze the leftovers?

Totally! Store in a tight container and keep frozen up to 3 months. When ready, reheat well and enjoy.