Alright, so here’s the deal: If you haven’t tried tossing a bunch of pasta, Velveeta (yeah, go ahead and judge), sharp cheddar, and a can of evaporated milk into your slow cooker, you’re seriously missing out.

This isn’t some fancy-pants, five-star mac and cheese situation—nah, it’s that old-school, stick-to-your-ribs stuff your grandma probably called “liquid gold.” We make it every holiday, every potluck, even for random Tuesday nights when life’s beating you up. Dump it in, let it bubble away, and boom—creamy, dreamy, cheesy goodness that’ll straight-up ruin you for the boxed stuff forever.

We serve this mac and cheese with several easy dinners, including Oven Baked Pork Chops, Turkey & Bacon Sliders and Farmhouse Ham Loaf.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese with Velveeta

This has been the easiest mac and cheese that I could make for our family, and everybody loves it! Velveeta mac and cheese in the crockpot? I consider that a shortcut gourmet dish! The simple, everyday ingredients come together really quickly and easily.

Like our other favourites, French Onion Soup Rice and Jiffy Broccoli Cornbread, this mac and cheese will surely make it on the regular rotation chart. Just boil the pasta and dump everything into the crock pot. Stir occasionally and cook on low for two hours.

Mac and cheese are a blank canvas just waiting to be adapted to many tastes.

We prefer the simple stuff, but there are countless way to give this recipe a little extra something: a pinch of black pepper, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, or even minced garlic. This dish is excellent when garnished with bacon bits or stirred with small cubes of ham about half an hour before serving.

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Great for Holidays, Parties and Hosting Guests

My sister-in-law had thrown this recipe into my cooking session, and truly, it was romantically mac and pot of first! So many pros! It will keep macaroni and cheese in the crock pot nice and warm during a party, potluck, or family gathering when the exact food serving time is a bit hazy.

The first hour will be spent melting cheese with too much liquid; however, over the next thirty minutes to an hour, pasta actively absorbs extra liquid to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Switch to Keep Warm mode when it is ready to your liking. Stir frequently; just remove the lid when it is time to eat!

Why Velveeta Makes It Special

This is a fuss-free recipe for an easy, much-sought-after mac and cheese. Using pantry options like Velveeta ensures a quick prep and always dreamy results. It lands on our rotation with our regulars, including French Onion Soup Rice and Jiffy Broccoli Cornbread. Cook your pasta, layer everything into the crock, and let it simmer on low for about 2 hours with occasional stirs.

Nutritional Comfort with Considerations

Let’s address the “health benefit” request honestly within the context of rich, celebratory comfort food:

Calcium & Protein Powerhouse: Significant amounts from cheese and milk support bone health and satiety.

Energy Source: Pasta provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Moderation & Balance: This is a decadent dish, rich in saturated fat and sodium. Enjoy it mindfully as part of a varied diet, perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or as an occasional hearty side. Its value lies in joy, community, and practicality, not as an everyday health food.

Ingredients Needed

Cooked pasta (elbows preferred; shells, cavatappi, orecchiette work)
Velveeta cheese (key for creaminess; substitute American cheese)
Shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
Milk (maintains moisture)
Evaporated milk (creates a richer sauce by concentrating milk’s solids and fat)
Vegetable oil (prevents noodle sticking)
Butter (adds flavour depth)
Salt (essential seasoning)
Pepper (optional, adjust for taste)
Dried minced onion (optional, popular with adults)

Note: The evaporated milk richness eliminates the need for eggs without sacrificing flavour.

How to Make Mac and Cheese in the CrockPot

Cook the pasta and toss it in the oil.
Put the pasta into the lined or greased crock pot.
Measure the milk and add salt, pepper, and minced onion to it.
Pour the regular milk and evaporated milk into the crock pot.
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
Slice or cube the Velveeta, and put it on the top.
Cover and cook low for 2 – 3 hours, give it 2 – 3 stirs, and then one more just before serving.
Can be turned to keep warm for up to an hour while serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

1. Prep Pasta: Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package directs. Drain thoroughly.

2. Crock Base: Place pasta in a greased or liner-equipped slow cooker. Add vegetable oil and toss to coat noodles evenly.

3. Add Liquids: Pour in both regular milk and evaporated milk.

4. Season: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced onion (use 2 tbsp onion/pepper for robust flavor, less for sensitive palates).

5. Layer Cheeses: Distribute cubed Velveeta over the pasta. Drizzle melted butter over everything. Top with shredded cheddar.

6. Combine: Stir all ingredients together thoroughly.

7. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring a few times during cooking and once more before serving.

8. Serve: Enjoy immediately or switch to “keep warm” for up to an hour while serving.

How To Keep Velveeta Mac and Cheese Warm

To keep mac and cheese with Velveeta warm in a crock pot, it’s best to stir frequently, keep the crock covered with the lid to retain heat, and, when necessary, add a splash of milk.

The stirring action will ensure that heat reaches all over the crock pot evenly and that the melting process, indeed, keeps all the cheese and other ingredients coating over the pasta evenly.

Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?

Cook pasta the day before. Drain, mix with butter and vegetable oil in a crock pot liner, secure, and refrigerate. Complete the recipe in the slow cooker when ready.