Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac
Introduction
Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac is the ultimate comfort food fusion—combining the hearty satisfaction of chili with cheesy macaroni for a weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and crowd-pleasing. This one-pot wonder is ideal for busy cooks, delivering big flavors and abundant servings with minimal hands-on effort.
Whether you’re serving a hungry family or need an easy dish for your next potluck, this recipe is sure to satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. With robust spices, protein-rich beans, and melty cheese, this chili mac brings everyone to the table for seconds.
Why Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac Is a Go-To Meal
This recipe stands out for its rich, savory taste and unbeatable convenience. Slow-cooking in the crock pot allows flavors to meld beautifully, and the addition of macaroni transforms traditional chili into a creamy, comforting classic—without any need for constant stirring or supervision.
Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your favorite vegetables and cheese blends. The result: a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready when you are.
Efficient Preparation for Vegetables and Beans
Success begins with evenly diced veggies and perfectly drained beans. Speed up prep and get uniform cuts by using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. This tool makes fast work of onions, peppers, and carrots, so you can toss everything straight into the slow cooker—less mess, more flavor.
Rinse black beans and kidney beans thoroughly before adding, ensuring a clean taste and smooth texture in every bite.
Layering Flavors in the Crock Pot
For the best results, add your onions, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, and celery to the crock pot first, followed by canned tomatoes, beans, spices, and vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir (a sturdy utensil like the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher helps distribute ingredients evenly), then set and forget.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in your dry macaroni to cook right in the sauce, making for an ultra-creamy finish.
Topping and Storing Your Chili Mac
Once your mac and cheese is bubbling and thick, finish with shredded cheese and let it sit, covered, for a few minutes to melt into gooey perfection. Serve in deep bowls or prep for on-the-go lunches—the Bentgo Salad Container is fantastic for portioning leftovers without leaks.
Store any extras in airtight containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep your chili mac fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 6–8 hearty servings, each providing plenty of fiber, plant-based protein, and nutrients from a variety of veggies and beans. It’s a wholesome, filling dish that doesn’t compromise on comfort or flavor—perfect for fueling busy days or cozy nights in.
Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac (Recap)
Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac delivers the warming flavors of classic chili, the creaminess of mac and cheese, and the ease of slow cooking—all in one bowl. Thanks to clever prep tools and a hands-off process, you’ll have a crowd-friendly meal without the fuss.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add onions, bell pepper, carrots, celery, and garlic to your crock pot. Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to make veggie prep quick and easy.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, 2 cups vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use the Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher if you want to break down beans slightly for a thicker chili base.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until veggies are soft and flavors are combined.
- 30 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked elbow macaroni and check liquid level—add up to 1 more cup of broth if too thick. Cook until pasta is tender, about 20–30 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Replace lid and let stand 5–10 minutes to melt cheese.
- Spoon into bowls and add your choice of toppings. For easy leftovers or meal prep, divide portions into a Bentgo Salad Container and store in the fridge.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
Enjoy a bowl of Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac—a comforting, protein-packed meal that’s as inviting as it is effortless!