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Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation of this delicious dish. The beauty of Chili Mac Delight lies in its simplicity and the use of a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully together.

Slow Cooker Loaded Chili Mac Bake

Warm up your evenings with Chili Mac Delight, a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. This recipe blends savory ground meat, hearty beans, zesty spices, and creamy cheese into a flavor-packed meal that brings everyone together. Easy to prepare, it's made in a slow cooker for maximum convenience. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of a beloved classic that feels like a hug in a bowl.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

2 cups beef or vegetable broth

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 7-10 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onions turn translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

    Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a slow cooker. To this, add the rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with all juices), tomato paste, and broth. Stir well to combine. Then, add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.

      Add Macaroni: Gently fold in the elbow macaroni, ensuring it is evenly distributed and submerged in the sauce. This ensures the pasta cooks perfectly during the slow cooking process.

        Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The dish is ready when the macaroni is tender and the mixture is bubbling joyfully.

          Cheesy Finish: About 15 minutes before serving, evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili mac mixture. Cover again and let the cheese melt, creating a deliciously gooey topping.

            Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbling, ladle the chili mac into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro for added flavor and color, if desired.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                Presentation Tips: Serve in colorful bowls to enhance visual appeal, and consider a sprinkle of extra cheese on top along with a wedge of lime on the side for an added zest!