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Easy Dump-and-Go Loaded Chili Mac Crockpot Recipe for Perfect Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and easy crockpot chili mac recipe combining ground beef, pasta, beans, cheese, and chili spices for a comforting and satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, lean or regular (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 cups (about 200g) uncooked elbow macaroni (gluten-free pasta optional)
  • 1 (14.5 oz/410g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz/425g) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (black beans optional)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth, low sodium preferred
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups (about 150g) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired. (Optional step for added flavor.)
  2. Add browned beef (or raw if skipping browning), uncooked elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes with juice, drained beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
  4. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and stir gently to melt. Cover again to let cheese melt evenly.
  5. Check pasta texture; it should be tender but not mushy. If needed, cook uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Serve with optional loaded toppings such as sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

Browning the beef adds extra flavor but can be skipped for faster prep. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking. Adjust chili powder to taste. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-friendly version. Swap cheese and sour cream for plant-based alternatives for dairy-free option. Check pasta texture near end of cooking to avoid mushiness. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili mac, crockpot recipe, slow cooker, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, ground beef, pasta, chili spices

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/easy-dump-and-go-loaded-chili-mac-crockpot-recipe-for-perfect-weeknight-dinners/