This slow cooker hidden liver chili mac is a fun twist on a classic! With hearty pasta, spicy chili, and a sneaky boost of nutrients from the liver, it makes a filling meal.
Honestly, who knew liver could taste this good? The kids won’t even notice it’s there! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—extra melty goodness always wins! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works great here, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. They’ll give a different flavor but still mix well with the chili.
Liver: Finely chopped or blended liver adds nutrients without a strong flavor. If you’re squeamish about liver, finely chopped mushrooms can make a nice substitute. They won’t be as nutrient-rich, but they’ll still add a good texture!
Kidney Beans: Red kidney beans give body but any canned beans like black beans or pinto beans can be used. Just make sure to rinse them well to wash off any extra sodium.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for that intense cheese flavor! If you need a dairy-free option, you can try vegan cheese shreds or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Cook with Liver Without the Strong Taste?
The key to using liver in your dishes is blending or finely chopping it so it incorporates well with other ingredients. This minimizes the flavor and makes it hard for anyone to detect. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a food processor to blend the liver until smooth, especially if you or your kiddos are sensitive to the texture.
- Cook the liver until fully browned in the skillet with the ground beef. This keeps the flavors mild and pleasant.
Also, don’t forget to spice it up! The chili powder and cumin really help mask any strong flavors. Enjoy the nutrition without the worry!
Slow Cooker Hidden Liver Chili Mac
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb chicken or beef liver, finely chopped or blended
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Time Estimate
This delicious and nourishing meal takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then requires 4 hours to cook on low or 2 hours on high in your slow cooker, plus an additional 30-40 minutes for the macaroni to cook. Total time: approximately 5 hours for low and 3 hours for high settings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat, then add the finely chopped or blended liver to the skillet with the beef. Cook together for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the liver is fully cooked and flavors meld nicely.
2. Combine in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker. Now, add the diced onion, minced garlic, red kidney beans, diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce), beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Slow Cook the Chili
Cover your slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. This will allow all the flavors to develop beautifully!
4. Add the Macaroni
After the initial cooking time, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. If the mixture looks a bit thick, feel free to add about 1/2 cup more broth or water to loosen it up a bit. Cover again and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the macaroni is nice and tender.
5. Finish It Off with Cheese
Once the macaroni is cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and evenly mixed throughout the chili mac. Get ready for that cheesy goodness!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish up your hidden liver chili mac while it’s hot! Top each serving with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro if you like. Enjoy every bite of this hearty meal knowing it’s packed with nutrients!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just ensure that you still include the liver to keep the nutrient boost!
What If I Don’t Like the Taste of Liver?
No worries! Finely chopping or blending the liver helps to mask its flavor. You can also add more spices and seasonings to enhance the taste. If you’re really not a fan, try blending mushrooms as a substitute, keeping in mind they won’t be as nutrient-dense.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just combine everything in the slow cooker, and it might need a little extra time if it’s starting cold!
