This crock pot mac and cheese with Velveeta is one of those recipes I’ve made so many times I could probably make it in my sleep. It never fails me. My oldest son asks for it constantly and could probably eat the entire batch himself. It’s ultra creamy, ridiculously easy and always disappears fast whether I’m making it for a holiday gathering, potluck or easy dinner at home. With just 6 simple ingredients and minimal prep, this is the kind of comfort food recipe people come back to again and again.
Original post: 2014 | Updated: October 2023 and May 2026
Why This Recipe Works
There are plenty of reasons I come back to this crock pot mac and cheese with Velveeta again and again, but here are the biggest ones:
- Ultra creamy and cheesy every single time
- Made with just 6 simple ingredients
- Requires almost no prep or hands-on time
- Frees up valuable oven and stovetop space during busy holidays
- Always gets rave reviews from both kids and adults
- Perfect for potlucks, parties, holidays or easy weeknight dinners
Velveeta is the secret to the smoothest, creamiest texture every single time.
This is one of those dependable comfort food recipes that works for nearly every occasion. Whether I’m making it for Thanksgiving, a summer gathering or a random Tuesday night dinner, it always disappears fast.
If you love cozy comfort food recipes, you’ll also want to try my chili recipe.
Recipe Ingredients for Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese
Elbow macaroni
Watch the noodles carefully as they cook to avoid mushy pasta. When stirring, replace the lid quickly to keep as much heat inside as possible.
Milk
Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but 2%, 1%, oat milk or almond milk all work well. For an even richer result, replace part of the milk with heavy cream.
Evaporated milk can also be used for extra creaminess.
Velveeta
Velveeta is the secret to the ultra smooth, creamy texture in this recipe.
Butter
Salted butter adds great flavor, but unsalted butter works just as well.
Sharp cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor, but you can easily swap in mozzarella, pepper jack, colby jack, Monterey Jack or another creamy cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly, but pre-shredded works great for convenience.
Parmesan cheese
A sprinkle of parmesan on top adds extra flavor and texture.
How To Make Crock Pot Mac and Cheese with Velveeta
- Add ingredients to the slow cooker
Add cooked elbow macaroni, milk, Velveeta, butter, shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese to a 7-quart crock pot.
- Cook on low
Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, until creamy and fully melted. - Stir occasionally
Stir the macaroni and cheese a couple of times throughout cooking for the creamiest texture. Start checking for doneness around the 2-hour mark, since slow cookers can vary.
Avoid overcooking, since the pasta will continue softening as it sits.
Recipe Notes
- Coat the slow cooker with nonstick spray or use a liner for easier cleanup.
- This recipe makes a large batch and is perfect for potlucks, holidays or feeding a crowd.
- This mac and cheese thickens as it sits, so serve it warm for the creamiest texture.
- Add a splash of milk if the macaroni and cheese becomes too thick while cooking.
- Stirring occasionally helps create the creamiest texture.
- Add sour cream for an even richer, creamier result.
- Ham or bacon make great additions if serving as a main dish.
- Garlic powder or onion powder add extra flavor to the cheese sauce.
- Pre-shredded cheddar works great for convenience, but freshly shredded melts more smoothly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Substitute For Milk in Mac and Cheese
Whether you are looking for a different flavor in your next creamy macaroni dish or you just don’t have milk on hand, learn replacements for milk in macaroni and cheese!
What To Serve With Mac and Cheese
Mac cheese is the perfect comfort food! But what goes with it?! This roundup provides 16 delicious ideas about what to serve alongside mac and cheese to create a complete, satisfying meal!
What To Do With Mac and Cheese Leftovers
Delivering you a massive list of 41 ideas for leftover cheesy mac! Whether you have an abundance of leftovers or just want new things to do with this classic comfort food, we’ve got your back.
Crockpot Mac and Cheese FAQ
Yes. Heavy cream, evaporated milk, oat milk or almond milk can all work well depending on the flavor and texture you prefer.
Stir occasionally while cooking and add a splash of milk if the macaroni and cheese becomes too thick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to help restore creaminess.
Mac and cheese pairs perfectly with barbecue, ham, chicken, vegetables, salad or dinner rolls.
Use leftovers for fried mac and cheese bites, casseroles or loaded bowls topped with bacon or pulled pork.
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
If you love easy, cozy comfort food recipes like this crock pot mac and cheese with Velveeta, here are a few more favorites to try:
What People Are Saying About This Recipe
“This is definitely going to be my go-to mac and cheese recipe from now on. Soooooo good!”
— Leah“Everyone who ate it LOVED it. Now I get asked to make it for every upcoming occasion.”
— Sally“I made this for a potluck at work and everyone absolutely loved it. It’s my go-to mac and cheese recipe now.”
— Katie
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Crock Pot Mac and Cheese With Velveeta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups milk
- 8 oz velveeta cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup salted butter cut into chunks
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling water 3 minutes short of being al dente.16 oz elbow macaroni
- Place the cooked macaroni, milk, Velveeta, butter and cheddar cheese into a crockpot. Stir and top with Parmesan cheese.3 cups milk, 8 oz velveeta, 1/4 cup salted butter, 3 cups cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- Set heat to Low and cook for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally and check for doneness starting at the 2-hour mark.
Video
Notes
-
- Stir occasionally while cooking for the creamiest texture.
- Add a splash of milk if the macaroni and cheese thickens too much.
- Velveeta creates the smoothest, creamiest texture in this recipe.
- This recipe makes a large batch and is perfect for potlucks or holidays.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Megan Porta is a comfort food recipe creator who specializes in easy family meals and Instant Pot desserts, and the founder of Pip and Ebby. She has been cooking for three decades and developing recipes for over fifteen years, helping home cooks make reliable, cozy recipes for real life.
I love to get in the car with my grandkids and take them to places that my mom and dad took me as a kid. We go back to this resturant in a small town called Wahington.Pa. called Shorty's this place has never changed since i was a kid and it looks like it is still in the 1040's but they got the best hot dogs. I have taken even my great grand daughter i only have one great to take there.I think it is good to go back to show kids how we lived and played because kids are so wrapped up in these games today we need to show them the fun that can be had without a tv all the time. So going backwards is good to do then find out something new to do together so they can add it to their list.
germany- spent 12 years of my 20 in the military over there. Just got to travel a little. But the food was something to polka for. Whenever there was a volks March I would go there and sample the local bier and food. I developed quite a taste for German food and women, so much I married one. We've been married 35 years and she can cook up a storm. We have some German meals but getting the right ingredients is costly sometimes. I recommend the Nuremberg area around Fashing. Lots of fun!
I take care of my elderly mother and do most of the cooking. I love trying out new recipes and using a crock pot cause its so easy. I will definitely be trying this one out. I'm even thinking about adding sliced hot dogs or ham to the finished product. Will make a great meal for us on days we don't want to cook over a hot stove. My bucket list is full of places I would like to visit. Australia, New Zealand and Greece just to name a few.
I would like to go to Ireland, but I've been married 25 yrs ever since I was 15 years old. so with that being said I would ask my mom where she would like to go instead. she has been a widow for the past 28 years and was and still is a great mom and before she gets to old to enjoy a trip I would love to take her somewhere of her choice so we can finally have a mom and daughter trip. I love my husband of 25 years dearly but getting married at a young age you end up missing more years of the one on one with your parent(s). RIP Dad.
My only question is why. I'm sure it's good, but if you already have to boil the macaroni
You can make a homemade cheese sauce in 5-10 minutes, mix together, done 20 minutes tops.
I would like to just travel the world endlessly. I want culture, but mostly I want to hear more music than I'd ever hear being stuck in just one place.
Hello…looking forward to trying your recipe my mouth is watering just thinking of it…he he
And if i could travel anywhere i want to go to Spain.
I'm from Louisiana. Right now we are in the Azores, visiting mother-in-law. We come here every year for 3 months. Well anyway, love the different recipes. I use them here because people here do not cook like that. So when I cook, they love it. Thank you for this good recipe. Everyone loves Mac-n-cheese.
I would love to go to Hawaii! My mom always wanted to go.y mom and Dad got married in 1942 and days latter my Dad who was in the Navy was sent to Hawaii. My mom always joked he went on their honeymoon without her. I would tell her I was going to take her one day but she died before I could. I will go for her one day.
Well since both my parents are deceased and I've been struggling with that I would love to go visit St. Thomas. I love to see if the water is as beautiful as they say it is in magazines. I haven't had a true vacation in over 10 years.
Do you drain pasta before putting it in crock pot? Do you rinse it?
I would travel to every place I could. See every major vacation spots. Take my kids and grandkids on the trip.
I would travel to the Meditereanean countries as I am a history buff and the temperatures there fit my pale skin and hatred of intense Texas heat. I would love to travel without fear for my life as I would in certain other countries of interest plus I love the food from this region of the world.
Jeanie: I LOVED your reply! I hope you will be able to explore the US with your daughter and grandson! Best to you..
Megan
Thanks so much for the comments! A few of you asked about Velveeta vs. cream cheese. There are two recipes here. Read through the post and there are two routes you can go! One with Velveeta and one with cream cheese. Wishing you all the best mac & cheese endeavors! Let me know how yours turn out!
Megan
My deceased husband and I were going to buy a camper and just take off and explore the United States. So many states we'd never been and so many things we wanted to see. The Grand Canyon, Niagra Falls, down to Key West to see the beautiful sunsets. We wanted to eat beignets in New Orleans, and see the starry night sky in Montana. Hollywood, Las Vegas, the Amish communities, and the Space Needle in Seattle. And everything in between! Maybe someday my daughter and grandson can take off with me and we'll have a wonderful time!
If i could go anywhere it'd be Lithuania, my parents were born there and apparently i resemble a true Lithuanian woman and wi
Ould love to see where i cone from and my heritage
It says cream cheese but you said velveta which one does it take
Great, except that you can't put milk in a crockpot that long.
If I could visit anywhere n this earth I would have to pick Jerusalem. As for why? I want to walk where Jesus has walked. It is by his grace that my mother taught me to love cooking.