Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese (with Velveeta and Evaporated Milk)

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself, let me introduce you to your new best friend: slow cooker macaroni and cheese made with Velveeta and evaporated milk. This isn’t just any mac and cheese, this is the creamy, dreamy, ultra-cheesy version that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds, but who’s counting?).

I’ll be honest with you: when I first started cooking, I used to be intimidated by making mac and cheese from scratch. The constant stirring, the fear of the cheese sauce breaking, the cleanup, it all seemed like too much work for a weeknight dinner.

But then I discovered the magic of combining my slow cooker with Velveeta and evaporated milk, and everything changed. This recipe is so simple that you’ll wonder why you ever bought the boxed stuff.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s talk about why this particular combination is absolute perfection. Velveeta gets a bad rap sometimes, but hear me out. it’s specifically designed to melt smoothly without separating or getting grainy. When you combine it with evaporated milk instead of regular milk, you get this incredibly silky texture that stays creamy even after sitting in the slow cooker for hours. The evaporated milk has less water content than regular milk, which means your mac and cheese won’t get watery or separate as it cooks.

Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and literally forget it. No standing over a hot stove, no constant stirring, no stress. Just dump everything in, turn it on, and go about your day. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, holidays, or any time you need to feed a crowd without losing your mind.

Ingredient Notes

• Elbow macaroni noodles: Classic pasta for creamy, cheesy dishes.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and creaminess.
• Evaporated milk: Intensifies flavor and creates a smooth texture.
• Butter: Brings a silky, buttery base to the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory depth.
• Dry mustard: Gives a mild tangy kick to the cheese sauce.
• Mild cheddar cheese: Provides sharp, melty flavor.
• Velveeta: Ensures ultra-creamy, smooth cheese texture.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling macaroni)
• Colander (for draining pasta)
• Slow cooker (at least 4–6 quarts)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board (if cutting Velveeta or cheddar)

How to Make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

1. Start by boiling your macaroni noodles according to the package directions until they’re perfectly al dente. Drain them and set them aside.
2. In your slow cooker, combine the cooked noodles with milk, evaporated milk, butter, salt, onion powder, dry mustard, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, and the Velveeta. Give it a good stir so everything starts coming together.
3. Cover and let it cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, stirring every couple of hours to keep it creamy.
4. When it’s almost ready, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and let it melt right before serving.
5. For the creamiest texture, dig in right away, or let it sit for about 15 minutes if you like it a bit thicker.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is absolutely delicious as-is, sometimes you want to take it to the next level. Here are some of my favorite additions:

• Add Extra Cheese: Mix in 1-2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or even some cream cheese for extra tang. Add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking and stir until melted.
• Make It Meaty: Stir in cooked crumbled bacon, diced ham, or browned ground beef during the last 30 minutes. This turns it into a complete one-pot meal.
• Sneak in Some Veggies: Add frozen peas, broccoli florets, or diced tomatoes during the last hour of cooking. Your kids might not even notice the veggies hidden in all that cheese.
• Spice It Up: Mix in some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick. You can also add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
• Top It Off: Before serving, sprinkle on some crispy fried onions, crushed Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. You can even pop it under the broiler for a minute to get that golden crust.

Change it up

This homemade mac is so simple with creamy sauce and great flavor. But here are some of the ingredients we add or swap out to change it up. Try bacon bits, sharp cheddar cheese, white cheddar, American cheese, monterrey jack, Parmesan cheese, a dollop of sour cream, additional Velveeta cheese, bread crumbs on top, black pepper, or a little hot sauce for a little kick.

I also recommend grating your own cheese for best results,  instead of using the pre-shredded cheese, as it will melt better. But if you are trying to make this easy recipe even easier, it is a great option for this family dinner.

Storage

If you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare in my house), they’ll keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The mac and cheese will thicken up considerably as it cools, so don’t be alarmed when you open the container and it looks solid.

To reheat, add a splash of milk and either microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, just add a tablespoon of milk to help restore that creamy texture.

Can you freeze it? Technically, yes, but I’ll be honest, the texture isn’t quite the same after freezing. The pasta can get a bit mushy, and the sauce might separate slightly. If you do decide to freeze it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with some extra milk stirred in.

Expert Tips

After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way:

Don’t Overcook It: The pasta can go from perfectly tender to mushy pretty quickly, especially if you’re cooking on high. Stick to the low setting and check it at the 2½ hour mark. Every slow cooker is a little different, so yours might be done sooner or later.

Stir Regularly: I know it’s tempting to just let it sit, but those occasional stirs really do make a difference. They prevent the pasta from clumping and ensure even cheese distribution. Set a timer on your phone so you don’t forget.

Use Good Quality Pasta: Since the pasta is cooking directly in the slow cooker, using a decent quality brand matters. Cheap pasta can get gummy or fall apart. You don’t need anything fancy, just a reliable brand.

Don’t Swap Out the Evaporated Milk: I’ve tried making this with all regular milk, and it just doesn’t have the same creamy consistency. The evaporated milk is what makes this recipe special. And please, please don’t accidentally use sweetened condensed milk, that’s a very different product!

Adjust the Consistency: Like your mac and cheese extra creamy? Add a little more evaporated milk or regular milk. Prefer it thicker? Add less liquid or let it cook a bit longer with the lid off for the last 15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker mac and cheese is so rich and filling that it can honestly stand alone as a meal. But if you want to round it out, here are some great pairing ideas:

Serve it alongside barbecue chicken, pulled pork, or grilled hot dogs for the ultimate comfort food feast. Add a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables to lighten things up a bit. It’s also perfect as a side dish for holiday meals, I always bring this to Thanksgiving, and it disappears faster than the turkey.

For kids, pair it with chicken nuggets and some apple slices for an easy weeknight dinner they’ll actually eat without complaining. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve it with some garlic bread for maximum carb-on-carb happiness.

FAQ’s

My mac and cheese is too watery. What happened?

This usually happens if you used too much liquid or didn’t cook it long enough. Remove the lid and let it cook for another 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The excess liquid will evaporate and the sauce will thicken up.

The pasta stuck to the bottom of my slow cooker. Help!

This is why greasing the slow cooker is so important! Also, make sure you’re stirring regularly. If it does stick, soak the slow cooker insert in hot soapy water for a few hours before scrubbing.

Can I cook this on high to make it faster?

You can, but I don’t recommend it. Cook it on high for 1½ to 2 hours, but watch it closely and stir more frequently. The pasta is more likely to stick or overcook on the high setting.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough. You’ll need at least a 6-quart slow cooker for a double batch. The cooking time might need to be increased by 30 minutes to an hour.

Why did my cheese sauce get grainy?

This is rare with Velveeta since it’s designed not to separate, but it can happen if the temperature gets too high. Make sure you’re cooking on low, not high. Also, if you added natural cheese along with the Velveeta, that’s more likely to get grainy if overcooked.

Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer

Look, I’m not going to claim this is the fanciest or most gourmet mac and cheese you’ll ever have. But what it lacks in sophistication, it more than makes up for in pure comfort, convenience, and crowd-pleasing power. This is the recipe you’ll turn to when you need something reliable, delicious, and effortless.

It’s perfect for potlucks because you can make it right in the slow cooker and keep it warm throughout the event. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal but don’t have the energy to stand over the stove. And it’s fantastic for feeding picky eaters—I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t like this creamy, cheesy goodness.

The combination of Velveeta and evaporated milk creates a sauce that stays creamy and smooth for hours without separating or getting grainy. No finicky cheese sauce technique required. No roux to master. No stress. Just pure, simple, delicious comfort food that practically makes itself.

If you love this dinner recipe, you’re going to love these other slow cooker pasta recipes, too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Mac and Cheese Recipes

Spicy Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Bacon Mac and Cheese

Smoked Mac and Cheese

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