Slow Cooker Chili Mac (Easy, Hearty Weeknight Dinner Everyone Loves!)

 

Slow Cooker Chili Mac (Easy, Hearty Weeknight Dinner Everyone Loves!)

slow cooker chili mac

When You Need a Hearty Dinner Without the Fuss

There are nights when you want something warm, filling, and comforting… but the idea of standing over a stove feels like an Olympic sport. That’s exactly when this Slow Cooker Chili Mac steps in like a hero. The kind of hero with cheese on top.

Growing up, my grandma always believed any good meal started with two things: a pot big enough to feed an army and a recipe simple enough to remember without a cookbook. She used to say, “If supper can cook itself while you’re doing a hundred other things, that’s a blessing.” And honestly? She was right. This dish reminds me so much of those slow-simmered meals she’d make on chilly fall evenings — the ones where you’d walk through the front door and instantly smell tomatoes, spices, and something beefy bubbling away in the kitchen.

Chili mac has always been a comfort-food classic, but when you take that cozy flavor and let it slow-cook all day, it becomes next-level. Tender elbow macaroni, a rich chili base with tomatoes and beans, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a thick, hearty sauce that wraps around every single noodle… it’s the kind of supper that feeds the soul, not just the stomach.

This recipe is also what I like to call “real-life cooking.”

No fancy ingredients.

No complicated steps.

No babysitting the pot.

Just dump it, cover it, walk away, and let the magic happen.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for busy weeknights, or need a warm bowl of something cozy on a cold evening, Slow Cooker Chili Mac is the answer every single time. And the best part? Everyone can top their bowl however they want — cheddar, sour cream, chives, corn chips… it’s a customizable comfort meal that feels like home.

If you love hearty meals that practically cook themselves, you’ll also enjoy my Slow Cooker Ham & Potato Soup, Easy Slow Cooker Beef Stew, and Ham & Potato Corn Chowder. They’re quick, cozy, and perfect for folks who want that “all-day simmer” flavor without spending their whole day in the kitchen.

More recipes to try!

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Ham and Potato Corn Chowder

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Hands-off cooking: The crockpot does all the work.

Affordable ingredients: Perfect for budget-friendly meal planning.

Family-friendly: Kids love the cheesy pasta; adults love the chili flavor.

One-pot dinner: No extra dishes, no boiling pasta separately.

Customizable toppings: Make it mild, spicy, cheesy, crunchy — anything goes.

Perfect next-day meal: Thickens beautifully and tastes even better reheated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Base

1 pound very lean ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

The Chili

1 (30 oz) can chili beans in chili sauce

or two 15–16 oz cans

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

The Macaroni

8 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked

Toppings (Optional but absolutely recommended)

Shredded cheddar

Sour cream

Green onions

Corn chips

Jalapeños

Hot sauce

Crushed crackers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1) Build the Chili Base

Place the ground beef directly in the bottom of your slow cooker. Break it into chunks using a wooden spoon. No need to brown it unless you prefer to — this recipe is meant to be easy.

Add the chopped onion, garlic, chili beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and seasonings. Stir everything gently to combine.

2) Cover and Cook

Cook on HIGH for 4–6 hours or LOW for 8–10 hours.

During this time, the beef finishes cooking, the flavors deepen, and the tomatoes soften into a rich chili sauce.

3) Add the Macaroni

In the last 15 minutes, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.

Cover again and let the pasta cook until tender.

Important Tip: Even after the slow cooker switches off, the residual heat will continue to soften the pasta. Only cook it in the final 15 minutes — no earlier — or it will over-soften.

4) Serve Warm with Toppings

Ladle into bowls and finish with cheddar, sour cream, corn chips, chives… anything your heart desires.

Recipe Notes & Expert Tips

✔ Should you brown the ground beef first?

It’s totally optional.

Browning gives extra flavor, but dumping it in raw keeps the recipe true slow-cooker style — and it turns out delicious either way.

✔ Want thicker chili mac?

Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

The pasta absorbs liquid fast, giving you an extra-rich consistency.

✔ Want soupier chili mac?

Stir in ½ cup extra broth at the end.

✔ Make it spicy

Add jalapeños, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce.

✔ Make it creamy

Stir in ½ cup cheddar or a splash of heavy cream before serving.

✔ Make it healthier

Use turkey, whole-wheat pasta, or low-sodium beans and broth.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: 3–4 days

Freezer: Not ideal because pasta can turn mushy — but you can freeze the chili before adding pasta.

Reheating Tip:

Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to loosen the sauce.

 

Tools You’ll Love for This Recipe

(Perfect for soft affiliate integration)

Staub Cast Iron Skillet – best for browning beef if you pre-cook

Utopia Kitchen Knife Set – super sharp, budget-friendly

20-Piece Stainless Steel BBQ Tool Set – great for serving, camping, & potlucks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes! Boil it on the side and stir it in right before serving. Perfect if you want a firmer noodle.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely — rotini, shells, penne, or bowties all work.

Can I substitute the beef?

Yes! Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Swap the beef for extra beans, mushrooms, or meat alternatives and use vegetable broth.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes — only increase the broth slightly to prevent dryness.

Can this be made on the stovetop?

100%. Simmer the chili for 20 minutes, add pasta, cook until tender.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This Slow Cooker Chili Mac hits all the marks:

Comforting: It’s the perfect mix of chili + pasta.

Convenient: Dump-and-go meals are life savers.

Customizable: Everyone tops their bowl however they like.

Budget-friendly: Pantry staples make it affordable.

Kid-approved: Mild enough for picky eaters.

Crowd-pleasing: Great for potlucks, parties, and busy nights.

It tastes like something simmered all day on Grandma’s stove — but without you having to do all the work.

Conclusion

If you’ve been looking for a cozy, hearty, no-fuss dinner that feeds a family without breaking the budget or your energy levels, this Slow Cooker Chili Mac is exactly what you need. It’s thick, beefy, cheesy, and full of comforting chili flavor with tender macaroni that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

Pair it with soft rolls, a crisp salad, or just a spoon and a quiet moment to enjoy. Trust me — this one’s going to live on your repeat-recipe list.

 

slow cooker chili mac

 

Serving Ideas

Try pairing Chili Mac with:

Country Apple Fritter Bread – sweet + savory combo is divine

Jiggly Cheesecake – the perfect soft dessert

Loaded Deviled Eggs – great for game day

Slow Cooker Beef Stew – another cold-weather favorite