Meatless Chili Mac Slow Cooker Recipe: Easy Vegetarian Comfort Food
This Meatless Chili Mac recipe is a fantastic and incredibly easy dinner option, perfect for those seeking a hearty, vegetarian meal. Made entirely in one pot using your slow cooker, it combines the convenience of dry pasta with a medley of pantry-friendly ingredients like tomatoes, beans, and a variety of flavorful seasonings. This results in a satisfying pasta dish that’s both delicious and simple to prepare.
Enjoy this incredibly easy “dump and go” recipe before you dive into your busy day. Imagine the comforting aroma of chili filling your home as this ultimate comfort food cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s the perfect hands-off meal for busy weeknights.
Once your slow cooker vegetarian chili mac is ready, serve it in your favorite bowls with a side of crispy tortilla chips. For an extra layer of flavor and creaminess, top it with a dollop of sour cream. This is a weeknight dinner that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Why you’ll love this family favorite recipe!
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easily it comes together using just a handful of pantry staples. I can create a hearty and fulfilling dinner in the slow cooker without needing to spend a lot of time on prep work. All I need to do is open a few cans and rinse the beans using a strainer. The slow cooker does all the rest!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Meatless Chili Mac:
This meatless chili mac recipe is incredibly versatile and customizable. Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. The key is to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that your whole family will enjoy. Here’s a list of the essential components needed to whip up this delectable meal:
- Onion: Diced yellow or white onion provides a savory base for the chili. Using fresh onions will result in the best flavor and texture.
- Beans: A combination of drained kidney beans and chili beans adds heartiness and texture. You can substitute other types of beans, such as pinto beans or black beans, based on your preferences.
- Tomato: Petite diced tomatoes form the foundation of the chili sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using flavored tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a hint of smokiness.
- Tomato Paste: Tomato paste helps thicken the tomato sauce, creating a richer and more robust flavor profile. It also adds depth and intensity to the overall dish.
- Vegetable Broth: Using vegetable broth ensures that this dish remains vegetarian. It provides the necessary liquid for the chili and helps to meld the flavors together.
- Seasoning: Freshly minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional) contribute to the chili’s signature flavor. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the level of spiciness.
- Elbow Macaroni: Uncooked elbow macaroni is added directly to the slow cooker, absorbing the flavorful chili sauce as it cooks. This eliminates the need to pre-cook the pasta.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is the perfect finishing touch, adding a creamy and cheesy element to the chili mac. Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Colby Jack.
How to Make Meatless Chili Mac:
This slow cooker meatless chili mac is incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and yielding maximum flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal with very little hands-on time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this family-friendly dish:
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium slow cooker, combine the minced garlic, diced onion, kidney beans, chili beans, diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 2 to 2½ hours, depending on your preference and the speed of your slow cooker.
- Cook until the mixture is bubbling and the onions are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Pasta:
- Stir in the uncooked elbow noodles into the chili mixture, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
- Continue cooking on high for 15 to 40 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooked noodles. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of pasta used and the heat of your slow cooker.
- Add Cheese:
- Once the noodles are al dente (cooked but still slightly firm), stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Serve:
- Spoon the meatless chili mac into bowls.
- Garnish with additional shredded cheese or fresh parsley, if desired, for added flavor and visual appeal.
Meatless Chili Mac (Slow Cooker)
Julia Pacheco
5
minutes
2
hours
30
minutes
2
hours
35
minutes
5
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Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Strainer
- Spatula
- Can opener