Description

There’s nothing better than a bowl of rich, creamy macaroni and cheese—especially when it’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker! This version is ultra-cheesy, velvety smooth, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Just dump the ingredients in, let the slow cooker work its magic, and enjoy a restaurant-quality mac and cheese with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Mac and Cheese:

16 oz elbow macaroni (or shells, cavatappi)
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup Velveeta, cubed (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Mix-Ins:

1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup diced jalapeños
1/2 cup toasted breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for topping

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

Boil the macaroni for about 4 minutes—just until slightly softened.
Drain and set aside (it will finish cooking in the slow cooker).

2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

In a large bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, and seasonings.
Stir in the shredded cheese (reserving 1/2 cup for topping).

3. Combine in the Slow Cooker:

Add the partially cooked pasta to the slow cooker.
Pour the cheese mixture over the top and stir to combine.

4. Cook on Low:

Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
The cheese will melt into a luscious, creamy sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Stir well before serving.
Sprinkle with additional shredded cheese or toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture.

Notes

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since it continues cooking in the slow cooker, undercooking it slightly beforehand prevents mushiness.
Stir Occasionally: This keeps the cheese sauce smooth and prevents sticking.
Use a Blend of Cheeses: Different cheeses add depth of flavor and ensure a creamy texture.
To Keep Warm: Switch the slow cooker to “Warm” after cooking to maintain the perfect serving temperature for hours.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: ~480
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: ~600mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: ~80mg