This Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Mac Recipe is made all in the crockpot (even the noodles!).
Today I am sharing the recipe for the awesome slow cooker vegetarian chili mac that I showed on my insta stories a few days ago.
If you don’t follow me on instagram, you can do so here! I share fun behind the scenes stories and videos!
This delicious recipe is another way to answer the question Can You Cook Pasta in a Crock Pot?
Can we just take a second to talk about that cheese though.
You just can’t make chili mac without a good amount of melty gooey cheddar cheese!
Chili is a great dish to make during the fall and winter for three reasons.
- It’s super easy (#lazydinnersforthewin)
- It feeds a crowd (yay for leftovers!)
- It is not only filling, cozy comfort food, but it is also super affordable (who doesn’t love to save $$)?
And reason #4? That cheese.
I mean really, do you need another reason after that picture?!
First, you’ll start off with pretty much traditional chili ingredients.
After you sauté the garlic and onion for a few minutes, simple toss it all together and let the slow cooker do its magic!
This recipe makes a HUGE amount, so I recommend a 6 quart or larger slow cooker like this one.
After the chili cooks for awhile, you will add in a pound of uncooked macaroni noodles and let it cook for another hour.
This slow cooker vegetarian chili mac is so easy that you don’t even have to cook the noodles first.
If you’ve tried other crockpot recipes from my blog, you know that I love a good slow cooker dinner with noodles that cook themselves.
Less work for me!
Crockpots are the magical kitchen appliance that I tend to forget about every summer and fall back in love with every fall.
Let’s be honest, I don’t always have time to make meals from scratch every night.
As a busy mom (like most of us), some days it’s just about keeping the child alive and somewhat entertained let alone making dinner.
If you need a quick, cheap, filling, CHEESY dinner in your life, try this slow cooker vegetarian chili mac.
Love this recipe? You might also like these:
- One Pot Vegetarian Chili Mac
- Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti
- Crockpot Alfredo Pasta
- Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
- Crockpot No Velveeta Queso
- Cheesy Vegetarian Chili
Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Mac
This Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili Mac Recipe is made all in the crockpot (even the noodles!). A super easy vegetarian crockpot recipe to feed a crowd.
Ingredients
- 10 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 15 oz kidney beans, drained
- 15 oz chili beans (do not drain)
- 15 oz sliced stewed tomatoes (do not drain)
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 15 oz diced fire roasted tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 lb elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked
- 3 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh chopped parsley, for serving
Directions
- Add garlic and onion to a skillet with 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- Saute 10-15 minutes, or until onion is translucent
- Add garlic and onion, kidney beans, chili beans, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, fire roasted tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne to a 6 quart slow cooker
- Cook on high for 2 - 2.5 hours, until bubbly and onions are no longer crunchy
- Add in uncooked macaroni noodles and cook an additional 20-40 minutes, or until noodles are al dente (check and stir frequently)
- Once noodles are desired texture, stir in cheddar cheese
- Serve garnished with chopped parsley and additional cheddar cheese, if desired
Recipe Notes
MAKING THIS RECIPE? I want to see! Tag your pictures on instagram @buildyourbite and hashtag #buildyourbite.
This post contains an affiliate link for a slow cooker that is big enough to fit this slow cooker vegetarian chili mac!
Caitlynn says
Making this today with gluten-free pasta! Can’t wait to taste it.
Joy Shull says
Awesome! Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Joy Shull says
Oh no! Did you use canned beans as the recipe stated? Dry beans definitely would not work in this.
Cheryl says
My meat eating husband and brother-in-law loved this dish. I did this on the stove top though. I used vegan cheese instead. Still lovely… no missing the cheese flavour at all! I also added broccoli.
Joy Shull says
That’s awesome! So glad your family enjoyed the recipe Cheryl!
Kristen says
Could you cook this on low instead?
Joy Shull says
You could cook on low for 5-6 hours, then change it to high, add the noodles, and it will be done in about 20 minutes 🙂 Hope that helps!
Chelsea Caish says
Can you cook on low for longer instead? This has been on the meal plan for weeks, I’m so excited to try but work schedule changed!
Joy Shull says
Hi Chelsea,
You can cook on low for 5-6 hours. Then after you get home from work, crank it up to high and add the noodles and it will be ready in about 20 minutes 🙂 Hope that helps!
Liv Willis says
I made this and it came out yummy. However, my crock pot was so full that I could not fit all the cheese in – only about 1/3 of what the recipe called for. I also had to use cheddar-monterey jack as the store was out of pure cheddar. Still came out tasty 🙂 Thank you.
Joy Shull says
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe Liv! My crockpot is 6 quart and fits this recipe to the brim, so if yours is smaller than that then that may have been the cause. Cheddar monterey jack sounds like a great twist 🙂
Cassandra Servis says
Seriously this is so good and has become a staple at our house. It’s perfect for busy nights where I need a no-fuss dinner and some comfort food. Even all of my picky kids eat it with zero complaints.
*Its not letting me rate it, but definitely 5 stars*
Joy Shull says
So glad your family enjoyed the recipe!!