Crock Pot Chili Mac
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Cold winter nights got you down? Make this delicious Crock Pot Chili Mac! The chili is slow cooked all day long and then the pasta is added at the end to finish off the recipe. It’s a great weeknight dinner night without much fuss that the entire family will enjoy.

We love making chili in our crock pot because the flavors are so amazing from simmering all day long, but the kids love pasta for dinner every night of the week. That’s why this Crock Pot Chili Mac is the best of both worlds.
A base of chili that you add pasta to at the end of it’s cooking time. A heart and delicious dinner perfect for the weeknight when this are crazy busy!
Why this recipe works!
- Simmers all day in your slow cooker for amazing flavor. All you have to do is add the pasta when you come home!
- Prep it the night ahead then just turn it on in the morning to let it cook for an easy dinner.
- Hearty, thick and filling for a comforting dinner that’s easy during the week!

Ingredients Needed
- Ground Beef – Use a lean ground beef so there’s not a lot of extra grease. No matter what ground beef you use make sure to drain off any excess grease after browning the hamburger. You can also use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and ground Italian sausage to mix up the flavor combos.
- Onion – A quick tip is to always have frozen diced onions in the freezer so you don’t have to chop the onions!
- Tomato juice
- Diced tomatoes – If you have picky eaters use a petite diced tomato to sneak them by!
- Celery ribs
- Brown sugar
- Chili powder – Feel free to adjust this. This is a mild chili if you want it to have more of a kick add more chili powder
- Salt & Pepper
- Prepared yellow mustard
- Kidney beans – You could also use chili beans, but do not rinse these. It will add a bit more spice to your chili because of the sauce.
- Elbow macaroni – Any short pasta should work if you don’t have elbow macaroni
Steps to Prepare
- Brown Hamburger – Over medium heat, cook beef and diced onion, drain
- Mix – Add to the slow cooker. Add all of the remaining ingredients except the pasta
- Slow Cook – Cook on low 6-8 hours
- Add Pasta – One hour before the dish is done add the pasta and cook for an additional hour
Top it!
Set out your favorite toppings when you make this so everyone can add their special touch to their bowl of chili mac. This is a great idea if you are hosting a chili bar too.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Corn Chips
- Green Onion
- Cottage cheese

Make it a Meal!
- The easiest way to round out this meal is to toss together a salad or buy a salad kid at the store.
- Roasted Vegetables are another way I like finish off this meal.
- You can never go wrong with these quick and easy Cheddar Bay Biscuits!
Love this? I knew you would! Be sure and leave a five-star rating below!
And if you get a chance to snap a photo, be sure and tag me at @julieseatsandtreats on Instagram or just use a hashtag – #julieseatsandtreats. Enjoy!!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Crock Pot Chili Mac
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 46 oz tomato juicecan (1 can)
- 28 oz diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 3 celery ribs chopped
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp prepared mustard
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 16 oz kidney beans rinsed and drained (1 can)
- 1 c. uncooked elbow macaroni
Instructions
- Cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
- Place in slow cooker. Stir in the tomato juice, tomatoes, celery, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, mustard, pepper and kidney beans.
- Cook on low 6-8 hours.
- One hour before the dish is done add pasta and let cook for the last hour.
Teri says
the whole family loves this recipe
Courtney says
Awesome!Thank you for rating this recipe!
Tyanne says
I LOVE all of Julie:s recipes!! I’m not doubting that this one will be delicious. It’s gonna be Sunday’s dinner!!
Julie Evink says
I hope you enjoy it Tyanne!!!
NANCY J TAYLOR says
Just made this today! OMG so good!
Julie Evink says
Great to hear Nancy! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Lessa Spenner says
Did you use Dijon mustard?
Julie Evink says
No I just use regular yellow mustard.
Mama Mac says
Can’t PIN it. 🙁
Julie says
Hmmm, I’m not sure why. I wasn’t able to replicate the issue. Sorry!
Melissa Sams says
I Like that I was able to adjust the servings. So made it for 4, but found it needed more salt and chili powder. However it was delicious and hardy,especially after adding some shredded cheese on top.
Julie Evink says
I’m glad you found that feature helpful! Next time it will be perfect with the adjustments for your taste buds 🙂
cindy says
can I use V8 instead of Tomato Juice ya think for the chili mac?
Julie Evink says
Yes I think that would work fine!
Aimee Shugarman says
This is one of our favorite dinners. So easy.
Julie Evink says
Ours too! Perfect for the winter!
Tayler Ross says
Chili Mac is one of my family’s favorite meals! I can’t wait to try this version!
Julie Evink says
Hope you enjoy it!