You can easily make a comforting Mac and Cheese in the slow cooker using only 3 ingredients, elbow macaroni, cheddar & Velveeta cheese, and milk.

To make Mac and Cheese in your slow cooker or crockpot, add uncooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, cubed Velveeta cheese, and milk. Stir well and cook on LOW for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted into a creamy sauce.

So follow me and let’s make this delicious and easy 3 Ingredient Mac And Cheese.

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Can I Put Uncooked Pasta in the Slow Cooker?

Yes, you can put uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker for recipes like mac and cheese. The pasta cooks in the sauce, absorbing flavors and saving you an extra step. Just ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta for even cooking.

Can I Use Evaporated Milk?

Using evaporated milk in your mac and cheese is a great idea for a richer, creamier texture. Evaporated milk gives the dish a decadent feel without watering down the flavor, unlike regular milk. It blends well with the cheeses, enhancing the overall creaminess.

Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Mac And Cheese Ingredients

• 3 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni
• 6 ounces of cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces of Velveeta cheese
• 3 cups of 2% milk
• 1 teaspoon of salt

How To Make Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Mac And Cheese

1. Mix Ingredients: In your slow cooker (ideally 4-6 quarts in size), toss in the elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, Velveeta cheese, milk, and salt. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are nicely mixed.
2. Cook: Seal the deal by covering your slow cooker. Set it to LOW and let the magic happen. Stir your mac and cheese every 15-20 minutes to prevent any sticking and ensure even cooking. Now, slow cookers can be a bit like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike, so cooking times might vary. On my end, the sweet spot was around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
3. Check Pasta: You’re aiming for pasta that’s perfectly tender. Initially, the sauce might seem a bit on the thinner side, but don’t let that fool you. As it rests, it thickens up into that creamy, dreamy texture we’re all after.
4. Serve: Give your mac and cheese one final stir to blend all that gooey cheese into the pasta evenly. Now, it’s ready to grace your table. Dive in while it’s warm and enjoy every cheesy bite.

Recipe Tips

• Choose High-Quality Cheese: Opt for block cheese that you shred yourself; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep a close eye on your cooking time. Overcooked macaroni can turn mushy. Testing for doneness around the 1-hour mark is a wise move.
• Stir Gently: When you stir, do it gently. You want to mix the ingredients without turning your macaroni into a mushy texture.
• Prevent Drying Out: If your mac and cheese seems a bit dry, stir in a splash of milk before serving to bring back that creamy texture.
• Serving Size Awareness: This dish expands as it cooks, so ensure your slow cooker is big enough to accommodate the increase without overflowing.

How Do You Keep Mac and Cheese Creamy?

To keep mac and cheese creamy, avoid overcooking the pasta, and make sure to use generous amounts of cheese and milk.

Stirring in a bit of cream or butter right before serving can also help restore the creamy texture if it’s started to dry out.

Recipe Variations

• Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of mustard powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix before cooking for a subtle kick that enhances the cheese flavors.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute the regular elbow macaroni with a gluten-free variety to cater to dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.
• Meat Lover’s Dream: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham before serving for a hearty version that’s sure to satisfy any carnivore’s cravings.
• Veggie Delight: Mix in some steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a nutritious twist. It’s a clever way to sneak in those greens.
• Extra Cheesy: For those who can’t get enough cheese, add a layer of mozzarella on top 20 minutes before the end of cooking for a beautifully melted topping.

What To Serve With Mac And Cheese

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with sides like roasted green beans with almonds, Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic, a classic Caesar salad for a fresh touch, homemade sweet cornbread, and tangy coleslaw for a balance of flavors.

Alternatively, opt for roasted asparagus or a fresh and simple tomato salad for lighter side options.

How To Store Mac And Cheese

In The Fridge:

To store Mac and Cheese in the fridge, transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container to maintain freshness. It is important to ensure the container is sealed properly to keep the pasta from drying out, allowing the Mac and Cheese to stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.

In The Freezer:

Freezing Mac and Cheese is generally not advised because the process can cause the pasta to turn mushy. Additionally, the cheese sauce is likely to separate during thawing, leading to a less-than-desirable texture and flavor profile.

How To Reheat Mac And Cheese

For reheating Mac and Cheese, place the portion you’d like to warm up in a microwave-safe dish and mix in a small amount of milk to keep it moist.

Cover the dish loosely and heat it in the microwave on medium, stirring every minute until it’s evenly warmed. Alternatively, for a crispy topping, you can finish reheating by broiling it in the oven for a short period.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Mongolian Pork
• Bored Of Lunch Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
• Slow Cooker Pepper Steak