This Slow Cooker Chili Mac and Cheese is hearty, delicious, and loaded with beef and veggies. Load up your Crockpot for this easy weeknight dinner.
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This post was originally published in 2017. It has since been updated.
Are yall ready for two of my favorite things? Mac and cheese + chili! What a combination.
Table of Contents
What Type of Pasta to Use
Elbow macaroni is typically used. You can also use cellentani. It has a corkscrew shape and a ridged surface which works great in a dish like this. In general, use whatever you like.
Do You Have to Cook the Beef First?
No. You can cook raw ground beef in the slow cooker. I don't because you will get more flavor from the beef if you sear and cook it in a pan. This will caramelize the beef, along with the vegetables which simply provides immense flavor, along with my Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe.
You can skip this step and add your raw meat to the Crockpot if you wish. Raw beef will cook for 4-5 hours on Low or 2-3 hours on High. You risk the pasta getting mushy with this cook time, so I recommend cooking the pasta on the stove and adding it at the end along with the cheese.
What Type of Beans to Use
You can use whatever you like. Just about anything will pair nicely. You can use red kidney beans, black beans, chili beans or any legumes. Be sure to drain your beans first.
What Type of Cheese to Use
I like to use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack. For cheddar, you have options, mild, medium, sharp, extra sharp, etc. Aging is the only difference between mild and sharp Cheddars. The longer cheese is aged naturally, the sharper and more pronounced the Cheddar flavor becomes.
Mild Cheddar cheese is generally aged for 2 to 3 months, whereas an extra sharp might be aged for as long as a year.
Mild cheddar has a creamy, subtle taste.
Medium cheddar has a little more flavor in comparison to mild, but it lacks the distinct bite found in sharp cheddar.
Sharp cheddar has a distinct and prominent flavor.
Extra sharp cheddar has a very pronounced and sharp taste. (I typically don't cook with it and use it for wine pairings and Charcuterie Cheese Boards.)
Taking all of this into account, sharp is typically my go-to for mac and cheese.
How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and the chili seasoning. Break down the ground beef with a meat chopper.
- Stir and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the beef if necessary.
- Add in red peppers, green peppers, onions, and garlic.
- Add the cooked beef and vegetables to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (with the exception of the cheese).
- Slow cook.
- Add the cheese before serving.
How to Make it Spicy
I’m a huge fan of spicy chili so I add a tablespoon of red cayenne pepper. If you want it to be slightly spicy, use a teaspoon and build from there if you wish.
If you don’t want it spicy omit the cayenne pepper completely. You may also need to test out the chili powder you use as well if you are extremely sensitive to spice. Sometimes, people report chili powder as spicy, but it should not be.
Topping Ideas
- Shredded Cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Jalapenos
- Cooked and Crumbled Bacon
- Sliced Avocado
How to Make it on the Stovetop
Cook your pasta in accordance with the package instructions. Follow the instructions for how to cook the vegetables and ground beef.
Once cooked add the pasta, cooked vegetables and ground beef, and the remaining ingredients (with the exception of the cheese) to a Dutch oven or soup pot. Simmer for 25-30 minutes and then add the cheese.
How Long Will it Last in the Fridge
You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days, tightly covered.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze this tightly sealed for up to 6 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight. When you reheat there will likely be some separation due to the dairy and cheese.
Cornbread Recipes to Pair with Chili
Homemade Southern Cornbread
Cornbread Muffins
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
Honey Cornbread
Air Fryer Cornbread
Pumpkin Cornbread
Keto Low Carb Cornbread
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Homemade Maple Butter
Cornbread Casserole
Homemade Blueberry Cornbread
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Mac and Cheese and Pasta Recipes
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Bacon Gouda Mac and Cheese
Seafood Stuffed Pasta Shells
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Southern Chicken Spaghetti
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Chicken Mac and Cheese
More Chili Recipes
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot Beef Chili
Keto Low Carb Beef Chili
Pumpkin Chili
Sweet Potato Chili
Leftover Turkey Chili
Creamy Seafood Chili
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Chili Cheese Fries
Butternut Squash Chili
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Check out all of our Chili Recipes and Slow Cooker Crockpot Gumbo, and Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup here.
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped red peppers
- ½ cup chopped green peppers
- 3 garlic cloves Minced
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 15 oz fire roasted tomatoes
- 15 oz canned black beans Drained. You can use any canned beans you like.
- 15 oz canned chili beans Drained.
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese I use sharp.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
Homemade Chili Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano Dried or ground.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for spicy. Adjust to taste.
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and the chili seasoning. Break down the ground beef with a meat chopper.
- Stir and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the beef if necessary.
- Add in the red peppers, green peppers, onions, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
- Add the cooked beef and vegetables to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (with the exception of the cheese). I use a 7 quart.
- Cook on Low for 3 to 3 ½ hours or on High for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Check in periodically. It has finished cooking when the pasta is soft. I do not recommend preparing this as a "Keep Warm" recipe. Most slow cookers are still pretty hot when on the "Keep Warm" setting. You risk the pasta turning mushy. If you plan to let the dish sit, add your pasta at the end when the dish is done.
- About 10-15 minutes prior to serving, add the cheese to the cooker. Sprinkle it throughout the top.
- Allow 10-15 minutes for the cheese to melt.
- Cool before serving.
Video
Notes
- You can also buy a pre-packaged chili seasoning pack if you don't want to make your own.
- You can cook raw ground beef in the slow cooker. I don’t because you will get more flavor from the beef if you sear and cook it in a pan. This will caramelize the beef, along with the vegetables which simply provides immense flavor.
- You can skip this step and add your raw meat to the Crockpot if you wish. Raw beef will cook for 4-5 hours on Low or 2-3 hours on High. You risk the pasta getting mushy with this cook time, so I recommend cooking the pasta on the stove and adding it at the end along with the cheese.
- If you want a super cheesy dish (similar to my Mac and Cheese recipes), you will need a lot more cheese. I typically use 4-6 cups of cheese in those recipes.
- You can use any type of broth you wish.
- You can substitute any vegetables you wish.
- To use an Instant Pot you will need 4 cups of broth. Cook the ground beef using the Saute function, and follow the steps noted in the recipe. Add all of the ingredients (excluding the cheese) and pressure cook for 4 minutes with a natural release of steam. Add the cheese when finished.
- To make it on the stovetop, Cook your pasta in accordance with the package instructions. Follow the instructions above for how to cook the vegetables and ground beef. Once cooked add the pasta, cooked vegetables and ground beef, and the remaining ingredients (with the exception of the cheese) to a Dutch oven or soup pot. Simmer for 25-30 minutes and then add the cheese.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Lauren says
Drooling! This looks so good!
Jeni @ Biscuits & Booze says
This reminds me of meals I had as a kid and I wish I had a big bowl of it right now 🙂
Veggie Inspired says
Chili mac is one of my favorite things. The whole family loves it. Even better when it's in the crockpot like this. Score for easy meals!!
Allison says
Pure comfort food! I love that it's made in the slow cooker!
Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says
I'm a big fan of soups and fall! Winter not so much, but the scorching summer heat really exhausts me so I'm all about the slightly cooler fall days when soups and stews are much needed! This looks delicious!
Diana says
Real comfort food! I need to get out my slow cooker and make some Mac n cheese!
Tina Dawson | Love is in my tummy says
I'm always on the lookout for unconventional mac n cheese recipes... this looks like a perfect next thing to try!
Ginny says
Such a b=great idea mixing chili and mac and cheese and making a new dinner. It really sounds good!
Kaitie says
My kids would love this and it's perfect on a busy weeknight!
Ashley says
This looks delicious! Mac and Cheese and Chili, yummy! This is the perfect Fall recipe for sure and something I think my whole family will love.
Ashley S says
I love love love making chili in the fall and winter. I remember growing up my mom always made us chili mac. Loved it! I'll definitely have to make this one weekend. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Rebecca Bryant says
YUM!! I'll be over for a bowl full of this deliciousness. It looks so good. I like it was made in a slow cooker.
Milena says
Yes, I love slow cooker liners too! I love chili and Macaroni. This is a great combo!
Carrie Chance says
This looks so good. And my oven just broke last night so I've been looking for slow cooker recipes to get me through until the part arrives
Dawn Nieves says
Ultimate comfort food right here. This looks amazing. Perfect for these cool fall days!
Dawn nieves says
This looks amazing! Perfect comfort food on a Fall day!
Emily says
Oh yum! I have never had chili mac and cheese but it is something I want to try for sure! I like finding new slow cooker recipes, those meals really save us in the evenings when we have a lot going on. Thanks for the idea!
Lois Alter Mark says
This seems like a perfect dish for a cool fall day. Nothing better than comfort food - and mac and cheese definitely tops the list!
Anna says
It looks so delicious ! Thanks
Jessica Bradshaw says
What?!?! I have never heard of chili mac and cheese. This looks so good!!
Jen Temcio says
Oh man! My son's love mac and cheese so this recipe is going to be a huge hit in our house. I love that there are veggies and protein in there as well. Thank god for slow cooker meals.
Joline says
This looks amazing! It's definitely in my top 5 comfort foods ever. And thanks for the tip on slow cooker liners!
Thena says
Holy moly, this looks beyond amazing. Love the pics and the step by step recipe!
Debbie Savage says
This slow cooker chili mac looks so delicious! I have never made a chili like this before! I definitely want to try this for our church's chili cook off next month!
Glenda says
Wow, I'm loving how delicious this meal looks. My family loves beans and mac and cheese.
Vy Nguyen says
I love everything that is related to cheese. Thanks for the recipe. The photos of mac and cheese make me hungry. Anw, thanks a lot
Steve says
Is it better to pre-cook the macaroni or can you just let it cook in the crockpot? Thanks
Sarah says
This was so good!
I didn’t want to battle my oven and make my apartment hot, so as soon as I saw Brandi’s post on Instagram, I went running to the store.
I followed the recipe exactly with cooking the meat beforehand and then dumped everything into the crockpot.
I used ground Turkey, black beans, red kidney beans, and halved the spices (still working my way up to spicy 😅).
The portion is just the right size and love that it can be frozen.
This will definitely be in rotation!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good! Glad to hear it's in the rotation.
Tasha S. says
This is a great recipe: simple and delicious! AND I have plenty left over for meals during the week. The moment you posted this on IG, I said that I would make it this weekend... and I did! Thank you sharing this recipe!
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Crystal M. says
My family loved this recipe! My husband asked if this meal will be placed into regular dinner rotation at our house. I had all of the ingredients at and had limited time so I followed the directions, but I made everything on the stovetop. There were leftover which were even better day 2. Thank you!
staysnatched says
ha ha! You're welcome.
Hattie says
This recipe is SO good and easy to whip together for a comforting meal. I highly recommend following the recipe making the homemade chili seasoning, it adds such good flavor plus you know exactly what you're putting into your body without the extra crap pre-packaged spice mixes have. I especially appreciate how well it reheats making meal planning and prep EASY!
staysnatched says
Thanks for sharing that!
Towanda Wilson says
Made this for dinner tonight and was pleasantly surprised. Was a little nervous cause I’m not a huge fan of black beans or beans in general but all the flavors together were great. Added more cheese and made it even better!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Lauren says
I made this for dinner tonight and it was so delicious! My son and husband both loved it. I didn’t have canned tomatoes so I swapped for two fresh tomatoes which I diced. I also added some extra cheese to make it more macaroni and cheese style like Brandi suggested. I will definitely be making this again!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear you will be making it again!
Hillary says
So delicious. Made it last night and my boyfriend has already asked me to make it again!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I love to hear that!
Kiersten says
So delicious!!! Made with stove top directions and turned out perfectly. Thank you for your modifications and accommodations!
Definitely adding to the meal prep rotation!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad to hear it.
Kia says
This recipe, like all of your recipes, was so incredibly delicious! It made the perfect hearty and healthy meal. Especially since I was really hungry after a workout and craving something filling.
staysnatched says
Perfect for after a workout!
Kristin Chatham says
This is SO goooooood. It’s definitely going on the regular rotation for Fall and Winter dinners.
staysnatched says
YES! I love to hear it.
Felicia says
I saw this on Brandi’s stories and swiped up. So easy to put together! I have a slow cooker with a stove top safe insert so I browned the meat and veggies in there then put it into the base. Very easy one pot meal. This was delicious! My family loved it. Best part is it cooked while I worked. I usually eat at a late lunch so this was perfect. Thank you for this easy meal!!
staysnatched says
Fancy slow cooker! I love it.
K. Phillips says
The perfect recipe for those days that you just can't get your life together. You'll have most of the ingredients in the fridge/pantry and it comes together fast! No one will ever know you forgot to take the chicken out the freezer. Kids and adults will love it as is, but the beauty of this recipe is that it's a great starting point. Jazz it up, or tone it down - it's up to you. I think it would also work great with Brandy's taco seasoning instead of chili. It's versatile!
staysnatched says
Thank you for sharing!
Erin says
Made this tonight. It was really good and pretty easy to make. My toddler loved it and ate a giant bowl so that’s a big win! Lots of leftovers too.
staysnatched says
Love to hear the toddler loved it!
Krista says
I did the stovetop version and it didn't disappoint. Delicious!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it.
Carnyel says
Another winning recipe! Love that Brandi gives all the options, as I was short on time and went with the stove top option.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Karissa Valdez says
This was so delicious and so easy to make!!!
staysnatched says
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Melissa says
I have made this twice in the past month and I am sure I’ll be making it again soon.It is that good! Perfect for the next day too!
staysnatched says
Yes! Such a great one for leftovers!
Hanna B says
Holy WOW! Made it on the stove top and it turned out great! Adding this to the regular recipe rotation!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it's in the rotation!
Jill says
I asked the fiancé how is it. He said very good and got seconds. I will be using the freezer tips to freeze half of it.
staysnatched says
Awesome! So glad to hear.
Natalie says
This recipe exceeded my expectations! Super cheesy and seasoned well, and does not taste healthy at all. It’s absolutely delicious!
staysnatched says
Awesome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Lindsey says
So delicious and perfect for a weeknight. I made the stovetop version and am already thinking about my leftovers for tomorrow 😀
staysnatched says
Perfect for leftovers!
Shannon says
This was a great recipe. I used a 16oz, 2 cups, box of pasta with the rest of the ingredients. It needed more chili ingredients to balance out the noodles. I added a can of chili beans and a can of diced tomatoes I had in the cupboard. I also had to gradually add more beef broth to prevent it from being dry. I used Mexican cheese blend and pepper jack cheese, and it was delicious.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Stephanie says
Brandi says that this will last 3-4 days in the fridge… too bad we ate it all! This was SO good. My family never again wants “that old” chili I used to make! I’ve made this twice now - one time with ground beef and one time with ground turkey (used what I had on hand!) and both turned out amazing. Do yourself and make this. You’ll be so glad you did!!