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Hearty, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor, this Slow Cooker Chili Mac is everything I love about an easy weeknight dinner. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that always hits the spot and is picky-eater approved!

This Slow Cooker Chili Mac is a family favorite classic.  Rich, hearty chili slow cooks all day before getting lots of melty cheese and noodles mixed in.  This is flavorful, delicious and always a hit.

I love delicious and easy dinners that I can just throw in the slow cooker and I know that everyone will love and this Chili Mac is one of our favorites.

I love that I can just throw everything in the slow cooker and have a delicious, flavorful dinner that everyone really enjoys.  Whenever I find a dinner that everyone in my house eats that is amazing because I have some picky eaters!  And for it to be in the slow cooker? That’s a double win!

This starts with an easy flavorful chili that slow cooks all day, then you stir in some noodles and cheese for the perfect chili mac recipe. This makes a delicious meal any time of year.

This is one of those dinners I can throw together in the morning, let the slow cooker work its magic all day, and then just stir in the pasta and cheese before serving. And if you’re anything like me, any recipe that gets the whole family to the table without complaints is a big ol’ win.

When you combine rich, savory chili with cheesy pasta? You’ve got a recipe that even the pickiest little ones will ask for again. It’s warm, filling, and has just enough of a kick to keep the grown-ups happy too. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and makes a ton, which means leftovers you’ll actually look forward to.

What Is Slow Cooker Chili Mac?

Chili mac is a cross between classic beef chili and macaroni and cheese. It combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and seasoning, then adds pasta and cheese at the end for a cozy, hearty one-pot meal.

Making it in the slow cooker means you get all the flavor of chili simmering all day, with hardly any hands-on time. It’s great for busy weeknights, school nights, or any time you just want a warm, comforting dinner without standing over the stove.

Next time you want a family-friendly dinner even the pickiest kids will love throw these ingredients together and let the slow cooker take care of the rest! This is my go to comfort food meal for busy weeknights.

I promise your entire family will love this Slow Cooker Chili Mac. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and fast
• Family- and picky-eater approved
• Budget-friendly and filling
• Set-it-and-forget-it crockpot dinner
• Full of bold chili flavor
• Comfort food that works year-round

When to Serve Chili Mac

• Weeknight dinners
• Cold fall or winter evenings
• Game day parties or tailgates
• Potlucks
• Back-to-school meal prep
• Whenever you need a cozy bowl of comfort

 

My favorite slow cooker for this recipe is this Hamilton Beach one.

Can I freeze this easy slow cooker chili mac?

You can freeze this after cooking.  The noodles might not be quite the same texture but it should still taste delicious!  Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.

Can I use any protein in this slow cooker chili mac recipe?

Yes, you can use any ground meat you like, beef, chicken, ground turkey, pork.  You could even use diced up chicken tenderloins. 

What should I serve this with?

This is a great dish on it’s own but it is really good with a salad or some cornbread on the side.  I actually like to serve it with this Classic Corn Casserole.

Can I make this spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha, add fresh or canned jalapenos to the chili while cooking or top with jalapeno slices before serving to give this a kick. I make mine a little mild so the whole family can enjoy it.

 

Ingredients used in this crockpot chili mac recipe

• Ground Beef – I like to use lean ground beef for this.
• Peppers and Onions – I use a frozen mix, saves me time and they get nice and tender.
• Chili Seasoning –  Use your favorite brand or you can make your own.  You can also use chili powder. 
• Garlic – You can use jarred or fresh. 
• Diced Green Chiles –  These add a great flavor but not a lot of heat.
• Can Tomatoes with Green Chiles –  Also add a great flavor.
• Can of Red Kidney Beans – Drain and rinse these.  I like to use the light red ones but use whichever you prefer. You can also use pinto beans if you like.
• Can Black Beans – Rinse and drain these.  You could even use the preseasoned ones for more flavor. You could even use chili beans.
• Can of Tomato Paste –  To help create the base.
• Sugar –  Helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes. 
• Water or Beef Broth – This helps the noodles cook and get tender. 
• Macaroni Noodles – Of course you need elbow macaroni noodles for chili mac but feel free to use any short pasta shape you like. 
• Cheddar Cheese –  I like sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated. 
• Scallions – These add such a great flavor to the finished dish. 

How to make this crock pot chili mac recipe

 

1. FULL RECIPE BELOW
2. In a medium skillet over medium high heat, brown and drain your ground beef.
3. To your slow cooker add the ground beef, onion and bell peppers, garlic, green chilies, tomatoes, tomato paste, red kidney beans, black beans, sugar and beef broth.
4. Sprinkle on your chili seasoning.
5. Stir to combine.
6. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
7. 20 minutes before serving add the uncooked pasta.
8. 5 minutes before serving stir in half of the cheese.
9. Top with the remaining cheese.
10. Cover and let the cheese melt.
11. Top with your favorite toppings, serve!!
12. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days.

Substitutions

• Ground meat – Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles.
• Beans – Use whatever beans you have: pinto, white beans, chili beans, they all work.
• Broth – Chicken or veggie broth works if you don’t have beef broth on hand.
• Pasta – Any small pasta shape can stand in for elbow macaroni, rotini, shells, or penne are great.  My kids love it with “swirly noodles” (rotini)
• Cheese – Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend if you want something different.

Variations

• Spicy Chili Mac – Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños to kick up the heat.
• Veggie-Packed – Stir in corn, diced zucchini, or spinach during the last 30 minutes.
• Chili Mac Bake – Transfer to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly.
• Taco Twist – Add a packet of taco seasoning instead of chili seasoning, and top with crushed tortilla chips.

Tips & Tricks

• Spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick spray for easier cleanup.
• Add the pasta near the end to avoid overcooking.
• Stir occasionally if you’re home, it helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Let it sit 5–10 minutes before serving to thicken up.

Serving Ideas

• Cornbread or rolls
• Green salad or coleslaw
• Tortilla chips on the side
• Topped with sour cream, scallions, jalapeños, or avocado
• Served in a bread bowl for a fun twist!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also freeze it, just know the pasta may soften slightly when thawed.

 

Craving more cozy, chili-style dinners? Try these favorites:

• • Slow Cooker Wendy’s Chili
    A taste-alike for the classic chain recipe—ground beef, beans, and spices slow-cook into a thick, comforting chili that’s perfect for topping nachos or draining over potatoes.

  • Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
    A creamy mash-up of chili and buffalo chicken dip—tender chicken, beans, and cheddar mingle with buffalo sauce for a bowl that’s bold, spicy, and a hit on game day.

  • Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili
    This regional-style chili, flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, is delicious ladled over spaghetti topped with cheese for a unique twist on chili mac.

  • Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli Ramen
    Savory beef and broccoli slow-cook in a rich sauce, then get tossed with ramen noodles—a hearty, no-fuss dinner option with noodle appeal.

  • Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Quesadillas
    Tender beef, peppers, and onions cooked low and slow, stuffed into tortillas with melty cheese—delicious comfort food with minimal prep.

  • Chili Cheese Dog Bake
    Layers of crescent roll dough, hot dogs, chili, and melty cheese baked to golden perfection—an easy dinner that both kids and adults will devour.