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How to Make Mac and Cheese in a Slow Cooker

Carb happy and cheesy mac and cheese in a slow cooker makes life so much easier.

Steps For The Perfect Slow Cooker Mac:

1. The Secret Ingredient: Cream cheese mixed with the other liquids makes this extra creamy.
2. The Pasta Drop:  Drop dried pasta in with all the liquid ingredients and it cooks in the slow cooker.
3. The Cheesy top Hat: Now add cheese on top and it melts while the pasta cooks.
4. Keep it Warm for Hours: Add 1/4 cup of broth or more butter and leave on low for 3 hours. This is great for a big family meal, Thanksgiving, or just not dinner yet.
 

Slow Cooker Verse Traditional Mac and Cheese:

1. Traditional: Boil pasta, make cheesy sauce, and bake.                      


          The Pro’s: are that it can be ready faster!                        

           Con’s: But if  having a dinner party or holiday meal you use up precious stove space. Also should eat right away!

2. Slow Cooker: Drop dried pasta, liquid, and seasoning and slowly cook.                         

           The Pro’s: Can set it and forget it! Also does not take up precious stove space. The best part as you skip the step of                        boiling the pasta! Finally can keep the slow cooker on  low and keep warm for hours til ready to eat.                      

           Con’s: You have to wait 4 hours!

Here is my Picks for Best Slow Cookers To Buy: Click Here

Top Slow Cooker Mashed Potato Recipes:

  1. The Best Slow Cooker Quesso Mac and Cheese
  2. Slow Cooker Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
One of my favorite places to de-stress and fill up my gratitude is in the kitchen. You can zone out as you stir, de-stress as you mash or just be in the moment of cooking. I think I get so busy that I forget that I don’t need to do 20 minute meditation to make life calm. Simply focusing on the task on hand helps soon much. Cooking can also be a time just for you. Try this out next time you are in the kitchen and let me know how it goes. Sending you happy cooking vibes and recipes that celebrate you!
 
While the noodles cook in the slow cooker I use the extra time for self care. Here are some self help books I recommend: Click Here!
 
The slow cooker, or what I call a personal chef because it cooks your food for you while you are at work, makes amazingly creamy and delicious mac and cheese. Simple mac and cheese can bring a smile to just about anyone, but I want you and your family to jump out of your seats with excitement
 

Recipe Hacks:

  • The secret ingredient to creamy sauce is cream cheese.
  • Use evaporated milk because it has less water and gets creamier.
  • Dont cook the pasta! The pasta cooks in the slow cooker and also helps thicken the sauce by releasing starch!

Watch This Video On How To Make Mac and Cheese In a Slow Cooker:

Here is my Fool Proof Mac and Cheese Recipe:

Print

Slow Cooker Queso Mac and Cheese

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 10 people
Author Jay

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cans evaporated milk
  • 1 14 ounces canned fire roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 4.5 ounce canned green chilies
  • 3 scallions chopped
  • 4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta (or macaroni) uncooked
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • First, add cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt and pepper in slow cooker. Mix to combine. 
  • Next, add the evaporated milk, scallions, tomatoes, green chile, cheese, and pasta in the slow cooker. Mix to combine well.
  • Now turn slow cooker on for 3 hours on low.
  • Finally, enjoy this cheesy carb smile!

Any other questions about mac and cheese comment below and will be happy to answer!

Other Easy Recipes:

Any question comment below or email! I love helping change the recipe!

My Favorite Ways To Save Money In The Kitchen:

Check Out This book! It changed my life and keeps me centered:

 

ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? COMMENT BELOW 🙂

With a grateful heart and an amazing tummy – Jay

 

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View Comments (9)

  • This is such a convenient take on mac and cheese 👍 cooking the pasta directly in the slow cooker is a real time-saver, and the cream cheese tip for extra creaminess sounds like a game changer. I also like the idea of keeping it warm for hours—it makes it perfect for gatherings or busy days when timing can be tricky. Comparing it with the traditional method is helpful too, especially for deciding what works best depending on the occasion. I’ve been trying to stay more organized with meals and routines lately, and alongside recipes like this, I found this simple tool useful for planning and tracking: https://pandaxpressnutrition.com/panda-express-coupons/
    — helpful for keeping things structured overall.

  • This Macaroni and Cheese made in a slow cooker sounds like a simple and comforting recipe for busy days. Using ingredients like Cheddar Cheese, evaporated milk, and cream cheese helps create a rich and creamy texture. I like the idea that the pasta cooks directly in the slow cooker, which saves time and reduces extra dishes. Methods like this are perfect for family dinners or holidays when kitchen space is limited. Overall, it’s an easy “set it and forget it” meal that still delivers the classic cheesy flavor everyone loves. 🧀🍝

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  • This is such a smart way to make mac and cheese—especially the part where the pasta cooks right in the slow cooker. The cream cheese tip is gold for getting that extra-creamy texture without a lot of effort. Recipes like this are exactly why I love slow cooker meals for busy days. I usually save easy comfort-food ideas like this alongside my other go-to recipe collections (Recipemium has been helpful for that), and this one is definitely getting bookmarked.

  • This slow cooker mac and cheese sounds like the ultimate comfort food made easy. 🧀 I love that the pasta cooks right in the slow cooker—such a time-saver with less cleanup. The cream cheese “secret ingredient” is a great touch for extra creaminess. It’s also perfect for holidays or busy days since you can keep it warm for hours without taking up stove space. Definitely a cozy, stress-free recipe for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

  • This slow cooker mac and cheese looks incredibly creamy and comforting! I love how simple the steps are — especially the trick of letting the pasta cook right in the sauce. Such a great idea for busy days when you still want something homemade and cozy. I’ve been exploring more comfort-food ideas lately, and this Panda Express Nutrition page has been super helpful for comparing ingredients and flavors. Definitely adding this recipe to my weeknight rotation!

  • Such an insightful read! Nik Sharma's approach to recipe development, treating it like a scientific experiment, is truly inspiring. His meticulous process of testing and refining ingredients reminds me of the care that goes into perfecting comfort foods.

    Speaking of comfort foods, I recently came across a delightful Mac & Cheese from Chicken Salad Chick. It's a creamy blend of elbow macaroni and a three-cheese sauce with a hint of spice. The attention to detail in its preparation is evident, much like the precision Nik applies in his recipes.

    It's a great example of how thoughtful recipe development can elevate even the simplest dishes.

  • Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

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