Savory Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Indulge in this delicious Savory Slow Cooker Chili Mac, a hearty one-dish meal that brings together the comforting flavors of chili and pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this recipe features ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a delightful blend of spices simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this crowd-pleaser is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Serve it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings for an extra touch!
12
Servings
210
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (cooked and drained)
Chili Beans
2 (15 ounce) cans (undrained)
Green Bell Peppers
2 large (chopped)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Celery
4 stalks (chopped)
Tomato Sauce
8 ounces
Chili Seasoning Mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Elbow Macaroni
7 ounces (cooked and drained)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large slow cooker, combine the cooked ground beef, chili beans (with liquid), chopped green bell peppers, chopped onion, chopped celery, tomato sauce, chili seasoning mix, and minced garlic.
2
Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
3
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for approximately 6 hours, or until all ingredients are heated through and the flavors are well blended.
4
Once cooked, gently stir in the cooked elbow macaroni until fully incorporated.
5
Taste the chili mac and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
6
Serve warm and enjoy with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños!
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
25g
Carbs
12.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Chili Mac?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that combines the flavors of traditional chili with macaroni pasta, cooked slowly to blend the flavors of beef, vegetables, and spices.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings, making it ideal for large families or meal prep.
What is the main protein used in this Chili Mac?
The primary protein is 1 pound of ground beef, which should be cooked and drained before being added to the slow cooker.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner alternative.
How long does the chili need to cook in the slow cooker?
The chili mixture should be cooked on low heat for approximately 6 hours to ensure the flavors are well blended.
Do I need to cook the macaroni before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, the 7 ounces of elbow macaroni should be cooked and drained separately before being stirred into the chili at the end.
Should I drain the chili beans?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cans of chili beans to be used undrained to provide extra liquid and flavor.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes two large green bell peppers, one large onion, and four stalks of celery, all chopped.
How much tomato sauce is required?
You will need one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
What kind of seasoning is used?
The recipe uses one envelope of chili seasoning mix, two minced garlic cloves, and salt and pepper to taste.
When do I add the macaroni to the dish?
The cooked macaroni is stirred in after the chili has finished its 6-hour slow cooking cycle.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal because it combines protein, grains, and vegetables into a single pot.
How many calories are in one serving of Chili Mac?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6.7 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides about 12.7 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What are some recommended toppings for this dish?
Common toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is moderate based on the chili seasoning mix and beans, but you can adjust it by adding more or less seasoning.
Can I prepare the beef in advance?
Yes, you can cook and drain the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to start the slow cooker.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A large slow cooker (typically 6 quarts or larger) is recommended to accommodate the volume of ingredients.
Can I add extra garlic?
Absolutely, the recipe calls for 2 cloves, but you can add more if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the chili mac; however, the pasta may become softer upon reheating. It is best to freeze the chili base and add fresh pasta later.
What type of onions work best?
A large yellow or white onion works best for the savory flavor profile of this dish.
Is there a specific chili seasoning mix recommended?
Any standard 1.25-ounce envelope of chili seasoning will work, or you can use your favorite homemade blend.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The raw data indicates that the sugar content is null or negligible.
Can I cook this on high for a shorter time?
While low for 6 hours is recommended for flavor blending, you can typically cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours.
What makes this a 'comfort food'?
The combination of warm chili, tender pasta, and melted cheese toppings makes it a classic American comfort meal.
Can I add more beans to the recipe?
Yes, you can add an extra can of beans if you prefer a heartier, bean-heavy chili.