Introduction
When it comes to game day, the right food can elevate the experience and bring the whole family together. Enter our Family-Friendly One-Pan Slow Cooker Chili Mac! This hearty dish combines the comforting essence of chili with the delightful texture of macaroni, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, but it also allows you to throw everything into a slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on the game (and maybe even your winning snacks!). The robust flavors of seasoned ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and creamy cheese meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in a dish that’s as warming as it is satisfying. Best of all, this one-pan wonder minimizes clean-up, giving you more time to cheer on your team and enjoy the company of loved ones.
So grab your favorite toppings, gather the family around the TV, and get ready for a delicious game day experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey if you prefer)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
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- In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any extra fat and place the meat into the slow cooker.
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- Incorporate the chopped onion and minced garlic into the slow cooker with the previously cooked meat. Stir to blend the ingredients together.
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- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir thoroughly to ensure all items are well combined.
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- Mix in the elbow macaroni, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If you’re including corn, add it at this stage as well.
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- Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally, if feasible, for optimal results.
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- Approximately 30 minutes prior to serving, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently stir until the cheese is melted and everything is beautifully blended.
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- Serve while hot, adorned with fresh cilantro or green onions if you wish. Relish this fantastic game day dish with your loved ones!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 5 hrs | Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
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Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean ground meat for a healthier option. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
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Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape for chili mac, it holds up well during cooking and absorbs flavors.
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Kidney Beans: Canned or cooked, they add protein and fiber. You can use black beans or pinto beans for variety.
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Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes with their juices provide a flavorful base for the chili. Look for ones seasoned with herbs for extra flavor.
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Chili Sauce: This gives the dish its signature spice. You can use pre-made chili sauce or a combination of tomato sauce and chili powder.
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Onion: Chopped onion adds depth of flavor and sweetness to balance the spices.
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Garlic: Minced garlic provides aromatic notes that complement the other ingredients.
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Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers add sweetness and color; feel free to mix in green, red, or yellow for a vibrant dish.
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Spices: Chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor profile. Adjust spices to your family’s taste preferences.
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Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack works well for a gooey, melty topping.
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Broth or Water: Helps to cook the pasta and combines all the flavors into a delicious chili mac.
Feel free to customize this recipe with additional toppings like sour cream, sliced green onions, or jalapeños for a little extra kick!
Baking Process
Creating a delicious Family-Friendly One-Pan Slow Cooker Chili Mac for Game Day is simpler than you might think! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your dish turns out perfectly, all in one convenient slow cooker.
Ingredients Preparation
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Gather Your Ingredients: Before you start, make sure you have everything ready. You’ll need ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, bell peppers, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, pasta, chili spices, and shredded cheese for topping.
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Chop Your Vegetables: Dice the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. This step helps to infuse the flavors into the dish and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Cooking in the Slow Cooker
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Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until it’s fully cooked. This not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the meat from becoming rubbery during slow cooking. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
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Layer Your Ingredients: Transfer the browned meat into the slow cooker. Then, layer in the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Follow this by adding the canned diced tomatoes, rinsed kidney beans, and your favorite chili spices. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
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Add the Pasta: Sprinkle the uncooked pasta over the top of the mixture. Do not stir at this stage; you want the pasta to absorb the flavors while cooking.
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Pour in Liquid: Carefully pour in enough water or broth to cover the pasta. This step is crucial as it prevents the pasta from getting too dry while it cooks. You’ll typically want about 2 to 3 cups, depending on the type of pasta used.
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Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The longer cooking time on low allows the flavors to meld beautifully, while the high setting is perfect for a quicker preparation.
Adding the Cheese
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Check the Cook: Once the cooking time is up, check the pasta for tenderness and ensure the flavors are well combined. If the pasta isn’t quite done or the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little more liquid and let it cook for an additional 15–30 minutes.
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Layer on Cheese: About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the chili mac. Cover again to let the cheese melt beautifully, resulting in that gooey, delicious texture.
Final Touches
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Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste your chili mac and adjust the seasoning if needed. A pinch of salt, pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce can elevate your dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese has melted, it’s time to dish out your warm, hearty chili mac! Top with your favorite garnishes, such as sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro.
Cleanup
- Easy Cleanup: The best part of this recipe? It’s all made in one pan! Simply serve, enjoy, and wash the slow cooker once you’re done.
Perfect for game day, this Family-Friendly One-Pan Slow Cooker Chili Mac is not only easy to prepare but also feeds a crowd, making it a winning choice for any gathering!
Serving Suggestions
Transform your Family-Friendly One-Pan Slow Cooker Chili Mac into a crowd-pleasing feast by pairing it with a variety of delicious sides and toppings. Here are some of our favorite serving suggestions to elevate your game day experience:
Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites adds melty richness.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a creamy contrast to the hearty chili mac.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
- Jalapeños: For those who like a bit of heat, sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños are a great addition.
- Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado can introduce a creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats.
Side Dishes
- Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up all that delicious chili flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be served on the side or used for dipping into the chili mac.
- Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness to balance the richness of the chili mac.
- Vegetable Platter: Fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers served with ranch or hummus provide a refreshing crunch.
Beverages
- Soda or Sparkling Water: Refreshing soft drinks or flavored sparkling water can be great thirst-quenchers.
- Beer: For the adult crowd, consider pairing the chili mac with a light lager or an amber ale to complement the robust flavors.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Offer some fun non-alcoholic beverages, such as homemade lemonade or iced tea, to keep everyone refreshed.
Sweet Treats
- Brownies: Indulge in some rich brownies to finish off the meal on a sweet note.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter is not only appealing but adds a healthy, sweet option to the spread.
Combining these serving suggestions with your Family-Friendly One-Pan Slow Cooker Chili Mac will create a delightful and satisfying game day spread that’s sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy!
Conclusion
This Family-Friendly One-Pan Slow Cooker Chili Mac is the perfect dish to bring to your Game Day festivities! With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your crew. The hearty combination of tender pasta, zesty chili, and melted cheese creates a comforting meal that everyone will love. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings—avocado, sour cream, and jalapeños for a kick!
Don’t forget that the slow cooker makes this recipe not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. Simply toss in your ingredients, set it, and let it do the work while you enjoy the game with friends and family. Whether it’s for a big match, a cozy family night, or just a delicious weeknight dinner, this Chili Mac is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, let the slow cooker work its magic, and get ready to cheer on your team with a warm bowl of yum!
