Description

Craving the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort? This Crockpot Mac & Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy, soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or lazy weekend cravings. Made with three types of cheese and a buttery milk base, it’s one of the best easy dinner ideas you can make in a slow cooker. Whether you’re looking for a quick family meal, a crowd-pleasing party side, or simple food ideas with maximum flavor, this easy recipe delivers a golden, gooey result every time. Ideal for fans of classic mac and cheese but without the stove or oven stress, it’s a winner in both flavor and convenience!

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni (partially cooked, about 5 minutes)

3 cups whole milk

12 oz can evaporated milk

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (optional)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp paprika (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Extra shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, or bacon bits for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Stir in 2 cups of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese into the milk mixture.

4. Grease the crockpot insert and add the drained macaroni.

5. Pour the cheese mixture over the pasta and gently stir to coat.

6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

7. Set crockpot to LOW and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring gently halfway through.

8. Once creamy and fully melted, switch to WARM and top with extras if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Partially cook your pasta before adding to avoid mushiness.

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and texture.

Don’t skip stirring halfway to prevent clumping and sticking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: crockpot mac and cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, slow cooker recipes