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
Will you help add value to Pip and Ebby?
If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!
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.
Love mac & cheese and love your recipe, thank you!
I would like to travel to the Alsace-Lorraine district of France to visit and see where my great grandparents lived before they migrated to the US and also see if we have any relatives who stayed in the area!
I think I will try it BOTH ways. I usually put a little cream cheese in anyway and have never tried evaporated milk, so I a curious about that. Wish me luck!
[email protected]
I am disabled now and just standing at the stove to cook dinner puts me in so much pain I can't enjoy the meal. Crock pot cooking just might be my thing now. Thank you for this mac and cheese idea.
As far as going somewhere… I think I am already there HOME with my husband. I don't think it is where you go or where you are as long as you are there with the people you love.
[email protected]
I,am definately gonna try this, as i consider myself a mac and cheese conisseur, i Would love Mexico, as the people are very friendly and family oriented, plus they make great mac and cheese as well as Authentic foods, not like what you get in restaurants in the states.
I have been to Scotland and LOVED it. I want to go to Ireland. My grandmother came over from there and when we took the trip for reasons I won't get into we wound up on the other side of the Irish sea. I've been promised next time. So I am so looking forward to it. I'll be like a kid in a candy store!
After seeing under the Tuscan sun I have thought about running away
And going there. Just to pack up and go sounds amazing!
Though now that I am a grandmother I do believe I would love
To take my grandson to Disney world and see his face
Light up with every new adventure!
This is such a cool recipe for the sabbath when we do not cook or work.
I have always wanted to go to Israel . To walk on the holiest ground on earth !
Maybe someday Hashem willing.
My dream trip is to go to any beautiful island and swim with dolphins.
I want to go to northeastern States like Maine to taste there fresh seafood. And listen to there dialect. I understand they are interesting people. One of they few states I haven't seen.
Gotta try this. I don't cook in the house in the summer but can put the crock pot out on the deck to cook this….
I've always wanted to go to England. Ever since I was four years old I've just felt its where I'm meant to be, I've never been out of the U.S. yet, and I've only been to three states.
Just followed your original Mac & cheese recipe. All four of us hated it! The worst ever! The dogs ate it right up, though.
I would LOVE to visit Heaven. First of all, to see its beauty and wonder and to see our Lord Jesus Christ. I want to go and be able to come back and tell everyone what I had experienced. Finally, I would like to go to visit my mother and father. I lost my Mom when I was 17 yrs. old. She wasn't there when I got married or had my children. I missed out on being able to talk to her as an adult and asking for her advise and her sharing her wisdom. My father passed just five years ago, but it seems so long ago. After Mom died, besides God, my Dad became my rock. He did his best to help me like my mother would have, but lets face it, a Dad sees and feels things a little different than a mom does. I just would like to sit on a cloud with them and hold them one more time!
I would go to Europe …specifically Portugal and Italy. Have always dreamed of going there…..would consider living in Italy !
Want to live a life of simplicity! Just the family, some pasta and a few tomato plants!
This looks wonderful Will have to try it. Thanks
I would love to go to Portugal…..specifically Cape Verde. It's where my maternal grandfather is from. He came to America at age 18, working as a carpenter. He was a man, among many, who worked to build San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. I am excited to see the place that he was born. I'd also love to visit Africa. 🙂
I would go to Mackinaw Island. First of all it is in the US!!!! no cars, a wonderful slow pace, relaxing area…..We love it.
I want to go to Africa. That's a dream of mind to visit my ancestors home.
In the world: Malta. It is a gem. Very picturesque! Incredible History … due to it's location in the Mediterranean … 90 miles north of Tunis, Africa and just south of Sicily. It's clean, safe and was British until 2000. I loved it and would go back for a longer visit in a NY minute.
In the US, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. My sister-in-law suggested going there…and my initial thought was it would be glitzy and very commercial. Boy was I wrong. It is one of the most charming places I have ever been. It is Dolly Parton's love letter back to her home in the Smokies, where she was raised. There is a replica of her home and the narration tells of Dolly's young life. Along with professional level entertainment, music & shows, fun rides, great craft exhibits, a super raptor demonstration …. wonderful family fun. Clean, safe and enjoyable atmosphere. (Of course you have the spectacular Smokey mountains & nearby Gatlinburg, Tennessee with a whole host of wonderful things to do just "a holler away!")
Hawai is where I would love to go. I have two besties and both of them went to Hawaii before they died of cancer. I saw it through their eyes, (pictures they took. ) both of them loved to cook