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 have three girls and their favorite meal is Mac n cheese. Making this tomorow night Yummy. Is it a dry mac n cheese or moist?
I know the contest is over, but I'm happy to share where I'd travel. First off, the Grand Canyon!! I've never been. I was about 30 miles away from the Grand Canyon back in the early 90s. I had the chance to "turn right" and go there, but I chose to keep on travelling to Idaho. You see, I was driving from San Antonio, Texas with my SIL, whom I barely knew and found out was a wacko, and her Siberian Husky, her cat (both drugged up to endure the 3-day trip) and the rest of her earthly belongings, all squished into a not so large car. Sigh. I was so close, but I could not stand it any longer!! I'd also like to go to Machu Picchu, Peru cuz it's so darned beautiful. thanks for asking.
I know your contest is over but I would have liked to go to Sweden some day. I know very little about my fathers side of the family and no one was willing to talk about them. I do know there are relatives over there because not all my grandfathers siblings came to America when he did. It's just a dream anymore. Poor health limits what I can do anymore. Maybe I'll find out about them in the here after. Have a great day.
I would take my family to Washington dc to see the Lincoln memorial he is related to me and then to Virginia to visit my husband's family whom iv never seen.
First, Since the embargo has been lifted, I would like to go to Cuba before it becomes changed by a deluged of American tourists.
Second, can I make this recipe with gluten free pasta? I'm sure I'm not the only one wondering. Do we need to make adjustments? It sounds wonderful!
Although I've recently discovered this recipe, I tried them both. Mac and Cheese is my favorite pasta. They are both good. But in your original recipe with cream cheese, I use the sharpest cheddar I can find. It turns out great!
Because I'm a classical music fan, My lifetime dream since a child, (I'm 77 this year) has always been to go to Austria. I'd love to visit the homes of the Masters, sit through concerts in the fabulous theaters, and maybe be able to dance to Strauss Waltzes.
I would travel to Brazil my exchange student is getting married and I would love to be there.
She was one great girl I love. Would love to meet her family. Since I am disabled and on limited income
Not sure if I ever will
My Grandbaby loves Mac and Cheese, and I love homemade over boxed. If I could go anywhere in the world it would be Ireland, Scotland, Spain, and Australia yep those are my places
I would like us to go to Maine for a lobster feed , it's on our bucket list..on the bottom ..
There are many places I want to visit. If going overseas, I would like to go to Italy and Rome to see all the churches and history. I would also like to go on an Alaskan cruise as I hear it is beautiful. Thanks for the recipe.
I've always wanted to go to Norway, land of my ancestors. All the pictures I've seen are so beautiful and all the food looks so tasty! Yup – Norway it is!! Second choice is maybe Las Vegas to see my grandbabies!
I would go EVERYWHERE!!! I want to see the entire world and if only I had unlimited funds I would…but one way or the other I will make a world trip before I kick it!
Oh, btw thanks for the recipe my daughter has been experimenting with home make mac n cheese so we will have to give this a try!
I would really love to go to Jamaica I have never been anywhere outside the states and my husband and I never really had a honeymoon I would love to go lay on a beach somewhere and not have to be a mom grandma or house wife for a bit
My favorite place to travel is Antigua it is the last place my husband and I went before he passed away on June 20, 2014.
loved the recipe…anywho…really likes places in Bahamas, Caribbean, Argentina, Hong Kong, and Europe ( Irelend, England, Spain, Austria, Hungary…all on separate visits), but really liked Iceland. It's a little bit of everything plus not as busy/populated or touristy.
Can this be made to more cheesier? Not so dry looking
Thanks Megan! Now Iv just never been able to find parm cheese in the store, to shred
Myself.
A few weeks ago I would have said Austrailia. But after finding my long lost brother 32 year after being separated…I just want to go to California and see him 😉
Hi Kelly! Follow the recipe exactly as it reads in the grey recipe box above and I promise you won't be disappointed!
Megan
I would love to know what more people thought of this mac and cheese recipe!
I have tried a few and they just were not very good and took a long time to prepare.