Few things evoke childhood comfort and cozy family dinners like a warm bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese. This Crock Pot version captures that nostalgic goodness while offering modern-day convenience. Whether you’re feeding a group at a gathering or simply want a low-effort dinner on a busy night, this slow cooker recipe makes it all possible—without needing to turn on the oven or babysit a boiling pot.
What sets this recipe apart is its slow-cooked richness. The elbow macaroni simmers gently in a mix of creamy milk, butter, and cream cheese, allowing every piece to soak in the flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. As it cooks, the pasta becomes tender and coated in a velvety cheese sauce that’s both hearty and indulgent. You’ll add the shredded cheddar near the end to create that signature gooey, cheesy finish.
If you’re looking to personalize your dish, try mixing in crispy bacon, roasted garlic, or steamed broccoli during the last hour of cooking. This version strikes the perfect balance between easy and delicious—a comfort food classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
Servings: 6
- 1 (16 oz.) box elbow macaroni
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 8 oz. block cream cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup (half stick) butter, sliced
- 2½ cups regular milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Pour both evaporated milk and regular milk into the slow cooker.
- Add in cubed cream cheese and sliced butter.
- Stir in the dry elbow macaroni, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 2½ to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in both shredded cheeses until melted and fully combined.
- If a creamier texture is desired, add ¼ to ⅓ cup of extra milk and stir until smooth.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Note: Stirring every 20–30 minutes is key to achieving the best consistency and preventing clumping.
Nutritional & Dietary Information:
This recipe is rich in calcium and protein from the dairy ingredients, making it a satisfying comfort food option. However, it is also high in saturated fats and calories, so moderation is key, especially if you’re following a heart-healthy or low-fat diet. It’s vegetarian-friendly but not suitable for those who are lactose-intolerant or dairy-sensitive unless substituted with plant-based alternatives.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Did this creamy mac and cheese hit the spot? Let us know! Share your experience in the comments or tag a fellow cheese lover who needs to try this. Your feedback encourages others to jump in and try this delicious slow-cooked classic for themselves!