Here are TWO easy cheesy crockpot macaroni and cheese recipe styles we love! Just dump it into your slow cooker and let it cook by itself all day long. I will never make homemade mac and cheese any other way now.
This is the best crockpot macaroni and cheese recipe ever! It is simple and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients which is just my style! I am all about meals that cook all by themselves and this one is super quick as well and my kids favorite. Here’s how you make one of our favorite crockpot recipes. (originally published 12/15)
- This is great to cook for dinner or make a larger batch for a pot luck or for when other families come over for dinner.
To make my crockpot macaroni and cheese recipe you will need just a few ingredients. You probably already have them in your cupboard already.
Unlike making boxed Kraft macaroni and cheese, this is richer and smoother. It is fabulous the next day too.
- I have made this two different ways and am including both recipes in this post.
One way uses canned cheddar cheese soup and the other uses Velveeta, take your pick. Both are creamy and delicious but I’d try both and see which y’all prefer.
Here’s what you need to make this Crockpot macaroni and cheese recipe and a video showing you how we made it
- Uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- Velveeta
- Evaporated milk
- Bacon bits – optional
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
You can also add a bit of shredded Monterey jack and sharp cheddar cheese on the top for the last 30 minutes to melt if you want it extra ooey gooey.
Here’s how to make this first slow cooker macaroni version, it’s explained in the printable recipe card below too.
- Spray inner pot with non stick spray and add Velveeta, evaporated milk, and seasonings. Stir and cook for an hour.
- Boil your noodles on the stovetop until they’re al dente.
- Drain water and add pasta into your pot, stir together. Can add bacon bits at this time.
- Cover and cook again on high for 1-2 hours until noodles are as soft as you desire.
- 30 minutes before serving this you could sprinkle grated cheese on top of your slow cooker macaroni and cheese and allow it to melt.
Serve this as a side dish or main entree this week! Let us know what you think below.
Both are good, just depends on your preference. If you want to double this recipe there shouldn’t be an issue, I’d just use a large 10 quart pot.
- Here’s a quick video showing how I made the second version using canned cheddar cheese soup.
- I boiled the noodles before putting them into the crockpot.
- It’s still pretty easy to make in your slow cooker, just a different variety.
The recipe for this Crock pot mac and cheese is below. We hope you enjoy them both!
The second way to make slow cooker mac and cheese is to
- Boil 16 oz. of noodles and drain when they are about 1/2 way done, so yes they are al dente quite a bit (they will soften and if you put them in fully cooked they will get mushy).
- Throw the noodles (16 oz. or so, I used this whole box) in the crockpot on low (or 300 if you have one like mine here).
- Shred 2 cups of cheddar cheese and throw in, put in the whole can of cheddar cheese soup just like it is in the can
- Add 1 1/2 cups sour cream (you can use light). This will make your cheese sauce.
- Cover and cook this for an hour.
- After that hour pour 2 cups of milk in and stir
- Allow it to cook about an hour more and it is done and delish!!
- You can just add everything together at once and cook this mac and cheese recipe for 2 hours.
What can I add to mac and cheese?
Of course the possibilities are endless but here are a few options if you really want to load it up and make it totally over the top!
- Crumbled bacon
- A mixture of bread crumbs and parmesan sprinkled on top
- Diced onions
- Minced garlic
- Leftover ham diced and thrown in with the cooked noodles
- Finely diced chives on top when served
- Additional shredded cheeses on top
If you want to make this super quick, try our Instant Pot macaroni and cheese or Ninja Foodi mac n cheese recipes too! This is our easy homemade macaroni and cheese recipe for your stovetop.
Looking for other easy family friendly meals?
- Crockpot chili mac is always a winner
- A green chile chicken casserole is packed with flavor
Can I keep mac and cheese warm in a Crockpot?
YES! Just keep cooked macaroni and cheese warm in a slow cooker for serving at a potluck or anytime you need the dish to stay warm for hours. For best results stir the food occasionally. – –
- This will prevent the noodles from sticking together which isn’t super appetizing.
Printable recipe is below with nutritional information including calories and saturated fat per serving (but just enjoy).
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Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni measured dry, pre boil to al dente
- 16 oz Velveeta
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp bacon bits optional
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Spray pot with non stick spray. Add cheese and evaporated milk into pot. Then stir in seasonings. Cook on high for 1 hour, stir halfway if able.
- On stovetop boil noodles until they're al dente. Drain water and add them into your slow cooker, stir so they're nicely coated. Add bacon bits now if you'd like. Leftover diced ham is a great add in too.
- Cover again and cook on low for 1-2 hours or until noodles are as tender as you'd like. You could sprinkle some shredded fresh cheese on top the last 30 minutes, cover and allow to melt also if you wanted extra cheesiness.
Jennifer says
Thanks for posting – it’s in the crock pot right now!
Chrisitne says
The no cook pasta version: Can you double and use the same time/temp?
The Typical Mom says
You’d have to have a really big crockpot to double it. I’m not sure as double would be too much for us.
megunprocessed says
I love easy recipes! This is great!