Description
A cozy and hearty Slow Cooker Chili Mac Recipe made with ground beef or turkey, pinto beans, and tender pasta all slow-cooked in a rich tomato-chile sauce. Comfort food made easy—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb ground beef or turkey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles
- ¼ cup chili powder or ground chile
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey. Season to taste with salt and pepper and transfer to the crock of the slow cooker.
2. Add the beans, tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato sauce, green chiles, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Stir well to combine. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours, or on LOW for 6–8 hours.
3. Cook the macaroni to al dente according to package directions. Rinse and drain. Chill if making several hours in advance.
4. At serving time, stir in the macaroni and serve with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.
5. Add toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or tortilla chips if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: Serve chili mac with a green salad, cornbread muffins, or garlic toast for a complete meal.
Make Ahead: Cool and store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
Freezer Friendly: Cool completely and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat on stove or microwave until warm.
Variations: Use ground turkey for a lighter version, add extra beans for vegetarian style, or top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 478
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 657mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 83mg