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A portion of slow cooker cheesy chilli mac in a black and cream bowl with bowls of grated cheese and tortilla crisps on the side.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Chilli Mac

By: Deborah
This slow cooker cheesy chilli mac is the ultimate comfort food – a rich chilli beef base, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese, all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cosy weekend dinner! 
PREP: 15 minutes
COOK: 4 hours 38 minutes
Slow Cooker on Low: 8 hours 38 minutes
TOTAL: 13 hours 31 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian, Mexican
Servings: 6 people
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 750 g (1.7 lb) beef mince
  • 200 g (7.1 oz) onions peeled and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 tbsp chilli powder (mild or hot)
  • 1.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 500 ml (2 cups) beef stock (made with a stock cube or pot)
  • 400 g (14 oz) tin kidney beans or black beans drained and rinsed
  • 400 g (14 oz) tin chopped tomatoes
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 300 g (10.6 oz) dried macaroni pasta
  • 170 g (6 oz) grated cheddar (separated into 2 piles of 85g)
  • 3 tbsp coriander chopped, to garnish

To serve (optional):

Instructions

  • In a large frying pan or skillet cook the mince, onions and garlic for 4 to 5 minutes over a medium high heat until the meat is browned. Drain off any fat and then stir in the chilli powder and oregano.   Cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously.
  • Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the stock, beans, tomatoes, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Cook the pasta according to package directions near the end of the slow cooker cooking time, and drain in a colander.
  • If using low, turn to high. Stir in the cooked pasta and 85g of the cheese. Cover and cook for 30 minutes more or until heated through. Serve and garnish with the remaining cheese and chopped coriander, and some tortilla chips on the side, if you like.

Notes

  • Optional ingredient variations:
    • Add some smoked paprika or chipotle pate for depth.
    • Sweetcorn or red peppers will add colour and texture.
    • BBQ chilli mac - add a splash of BBQ sauce for a smoky sweet twist.
    • Mexican-inspired - add taco seasoning and garnish with jalapeños and chopped coriander.
    • Top with crispy bacon bit and crushed tortilla chips before serving for a fully loaded version.
  • This slow cooker old cheesy chilli mac recipe is easily halved if you’re cooking for less people.
 
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Nutrition

Calories: 750kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 753mg | Potassium: 1079mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 785IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 303mg | Iron: 6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

KEYWORDS chilli con carne, comfort food, family dinner ideas UK, mac and cheese, macaroni cheese, mash up, slow cooker, slow cooker chilli, winter warmer
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