Crock pot macaroni and cheese with velveeta

No Boil Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is so creamy and packed with flavor…it’s the perfect pasta recipe everyday dinners, entertaining or a game day dish!

Crock pot macaroni and cheese with velveeta

Table of Contents

  • No Boil Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is creamy, easy and delicious!
  • Tips on Making This No Boil Mac and Cheese Recipe
  • Do You Have To Use Velveeta Cheese in this Mac and Cheese Recipe?
  • Get the Recipe

I use my Slow Cooker on a pretty regular basis, and have a bunch of slow cooker recipes here on my website. On weeknights, especially in the fall when my family seems to be going in different directions all the time, the Crock-Pot slow cooker is a life saver. Sometimes we can’t all be home to sit around the dinner table together, which is definitely a shame. But, the next best thing in my mind is having a warm meal ready at home for everyone, so depending on what time we all walk through the door we can make a plate.

No Boil Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is creamy, easy and delicious!

This easy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe is a little different from your average slow cooker meal… this one only takes a few hours, which makes it perfect for entertaining, game day, or whipping up in the afternoon when you forgot to plan your dinner ahead of time!

I have tried macaroni and cheese recipes in the Crock-Pot slow cooker before, but they always require you to boil the pasta ahead. I feel like if you are going to do this step, it’s just as easy to bake the mac and cheese…why involve the slow cooker? So, my idea was to develop a recipe that you could throw all your ingredients in the Crock-Pot slow cooker, turn it on and walk away.

I’ll tell you, it was a super success. Like I am so freaking excited to tell you how to make crock pot mac and cheese!! Let’s go!

Crock pot macaroni and cheese with velveeta

Not only is this No Boil Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe completely creamy and cheesy, it doesn’t take all day either, which is perfect for entertaining, kids sleep-overs or game day parties.

All you do is pour a pound of elbow macaroni in your Crock-Pot slow cooker and top it with cubed butter…

  1. Programmable 6-Qt Crock Pot

Next grated some cheese. I like to use sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, but please feel free to adapt this and play around with cheeses you like best. The only non-negotiable here is using Velveeta. I know the world has a love/hate with Velveeta, but honestly nothing can match the creaminess it brings to your mac and cheese.

Crock pot macaroni and cheese with velveeta

Sprinkle this cheese on top of the uncooked pasta…

Crock pot macaroni and cheese with velveeta

Then whisk together some milk, evaporated milk, salt, pepper and paprika. You could add in a little garlic powder…or really any other spice you like! Nutmeg, is a fun option to add to the flavor, or even ground mustard or little steak seasoning to make it interesting! Use your imagination!

Crock pot macaroni and cheese with velveeta

Pour this on top of the cheese and stir it up.

Crock pot macaroni and cheese with velveeta

That’s it! Just put the lid on your slow cooker, turn it on low heat and set it for 2 hours.

Tips on Making This No Boil Mac and Cheese Recipe

Easy No Boil Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a very easy recipe, but there are a few tips to getting it right.

  1. First, make sure you don’t overcook the mac and cheese. Slow Cookers can vary in cook time, and since this is a pasta dish, make sure you use my cook times as a guideline.
  2. Make sure to grate your own cheese, and don’t use pre-grated. The mac and cheese will be much creamier this way!
  3. Note that the cook time might vary based on pasta brand/shape. I used Elbow Macaroni (Barilla brand). Other brands or shapes could take up to 3 hours to cook, so just be aware of this variation.
  4. Also, you will need to stir the mac and cheese half way through cooking to make sure that all the pasta is in the liquid, and none is stuck on top dry and sad.
  5. The one consistent negative review I get on this recipe is that it turned out mushy…this is absolutely due to overcooking the pasta. While this is a slow cooker recipe, it’s not necessarily a “fix it and forget it” recipe. Too long in the slow cooker, and the pasta will definitely be overdone.

Crock pot macaroni and cheese with velveeta

Do You Have To Use Velveeta Cheese in this Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Velveeta is an ingredient in this recipe that people love or hate. We don’t eat Velveeta very often at all, which is why I don’t mind using it in this recipe. The creaminess it adds to the mac and cheese just can’t be duplicated. BUT I will say that I have had many people make this recipe and tell me that they have used cream cheese in place of the Velveeta with great results. I, personally, have never done this, but I like to give options in case you aren’t down with Velveeta.

Crock pot macaroni and cheese with velveeta

So creamy, so cheesy and so so delicious.

Print


Description

This Creamy Easy No Boil Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe is great for entertaining!


  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 (12- ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (I used smoked paprika)
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 4 ounces Velveeta, cubed
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, grated


  1. In a medium bowl whisk together milk, evaporated milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Pour the uncooked macaroni into your 5 quart Slow Cooker. Top with butter and all cheeses.
  3. Pour the milk mixture on top and stir to combine.
  4. Do your best to press all the macaroni into the milk mixture. It won’t be completely covered, this is ok.
  5. Cover your Slow Cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring once after one hour.
  6. The mac and cheese will be done when all the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is cooked.


Notes

Note – Cook time can vary from 1 1/2 – 3 hours based on type of pasta and slow cooker. Keep an eye on the pasta at about 1 1/2 hours and continue cooking accordingly.

Also note, I recommend only using freshly grated cheese. The pre-grated is coated so it won’t stick in the package, which will affect the creaminess.

I used Barilla brand pasta*

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 716
  • Sugar: 13.1 g
  • Sodium: 1131.6 mg
  • Fat: 33.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 73.2 g
  • Protein: 34.9 g
  • Cholesterol: 91.1 mg

Keywords: slow cooker, crock pot, mac and cheese, pasta recipe, cookies and cups, dinner recipe, tailgate

Want To Save This Recipe?

Find more recipes like this:

Crock pot macaroni and cheese with velveeta

How do you keep mac and cheese from drying out in a crock pot?

remove the lid of the crock pot to allow for liquid to evaporate. add in more cheese. cornstarch slurry: in a separate bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of COLD water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir it into the Mac and Cheese and the dish will thicken as it continues to cook.

How do I make Velveeta mac and cheese better?

You can turn that packet of powdered cheese into a creamy, delicious sauce with a few quick additions: whole milk, butter, American cheese, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Get the recipe at Loaves and Dishes. A crispy layer of breadcrumbs will give your mac and cheese a little extra oomph.

Do you put eggs in crock pot mac and cheese?

In a large 4-quart slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray, mix the macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, pepper, eggs and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with paprika. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours and 15 minutes.

How do you melt Velveeta cheese for mac and cheese?

Instructions.
Shred the cheese or cut it into ½ inch cubes..
Melt some butter in a saucepan over medium/low heat. ... .
Add Velveeta cheese..
Stir constantly until it's at about the halfway point of melting. ... .
When the cheese has melted, add 7 tablespoons of milk and continue to stir until it has a smooth consistency..