Slow Cooker Taco Chili Mac

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH

• Pasta cooking time: 15–20 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 4–6 hours

• Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the chili:

• 1½ lb (680 g) lean ground beef

• 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) sweet corn, drained

• 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup tomato sauce

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

For the pasta:

• 2 cups (about 200 g) small elbow macaroni or ditalini pasta

• ½ cup additional beef broth if needed

Optional toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro

• Sliced green onions

• Diced jalapeños

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the ground beef.

3. Break it apart using a wooden spoon or spatula.

4. Cook for 7–9 minutes until completely browned.

5. Drain excess grease.

6. Add diced onion and minced garlic.

7. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.

8. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the slow cooker

1. Place the browned beef mixture into the slow cooker.

2. Add diced tomatoes with their juices.

3. Add drained and rinsed kidney beans.

4. Add drained sweet corn.

5. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth.

6. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper.

7. Stir everything until evenly combined.

Step 3: Slow-cook the chili

1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid.

2. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.

3. Stir once if convenient.

4. Check that the chili is bubbling gently and the flavors have blended.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Cook the pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add elbow macaroni or ditalini.

3. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

4. Drain thoroughly.

5. Do not rinse the pasta.

Step 5: Combine the pasta and chili

1. Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker.

2. Stir gently until the pasta is coated with the chili mixture.

3. Add a little extra beef broth if the mixture is too thick.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for another 10–15 minutes.

5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

6. Allow the cheese to melt completely.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

1. Turn off the slow cooker.

2. Sprinkle fresh cilantro and green onions over the top.

3. Add shredded cheddar cheese.

4. Serve with a spoonful of sour cream.

5. Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.

Serve hot in individual bowls and enjoy this delicious, hearty taco-inspired meal!

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Always brown ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker for better flavor.

• Drain excess grease to prevent an oily chili.

• Rinse kidney beans to remove excess canning liquid and sodium.

• Cook pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.

• Add pasta just before serving for the best texture.

• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a deeper flavor.

• Add extra broth if you prefer a thinner consistency.

• For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños.

Nutritional Information

Based on 8 servings without optional toppings.

Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the beef, pasta, broth, and seasoning brands used.

Nut Information (Q/S)

Allergen information: No nuts are intentionally added. This recipe contains wheat if using regular pasta. Packaged taco seasoning, broth, and canned ingredients should be checked for allergen and cross-contamination warnings.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth.

• Meal prep: Divide into individual containers for convenient lunches and dinners.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with:

• Warm garlic bread

• Cornbread

• Tortilla chips

• Fresh green salad

• Homemade coleslaw

• Sliced avocado

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Taco Chili Mac — hearty, flavorful, filling, and perfect for the whole family!