Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.1 large onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- Transfer the beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans, undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and drained green chilies (if using).1 15 ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed, 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 8 ounce can tomato sauce, 1 4 ounce can mild green chilies, drained
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or on LOW for 6-8 hours, until the chili is bubbling and the flavors have melded beautifully. Stir occasionally if possible.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cooked elbow macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into the slow cooker. Stir until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is heated through.4 cups cooked elbow macaroni, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Ladle the Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, extra shredded cheese, cilantro, or jalapeños.sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices
Notes
Properly storing your Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese will ensure you can enjoy its deliciousness for days to come. After the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For individual servings, microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed. This dish also freezes beautifully for future meals. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
