This crock pot mac and cheese with Velveeta recipe is cheesy and delicious, with such a creamy texture. This comfort food comes together quickly and easily, requiring only 6 ingredients and minimal prep time. It is a great recipe for a holiday meal or for a busy week night. It’ll get devoured by adults and kids alike!
Original post: 2014 | Updated: October 2023 and August 2024
Why This Recipe Works
There are about a million reasons why I adore this crock pot macaroni and cheese recipe made with Velveeta, but I’ll limit my list to just a few:
- You know those meals that can be made for nearly every holiday meal, no matter what time of the year it is? This slow cooker macaroni and cheese is it! I make it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July and so many other occasions in between.
- Dump only 6 ingredients into your slow cooker while saving oven and stove-top space for other recipes.
- It’s such an easy recipe that the whole family will love!
- This slow cooker mac and cheese recipe gets rave reviews without fail, no matter the season or time of year.
- Crockpot Velveeta mac requires very little attention while it cooks.
- It produces the creamiest macaroni and cheese every single time.
- Picky eaters adore this pasta dish!
- This classic recipe is a great family dinner any night of the week as well as the perfect party food for a large crowd.
- Any time your oven is being used (busy holidays) or when you don’t have an oven to use (potlucks) is a great opportunity to make this delicious crockpot recipe.
Recipe Ingredients for Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese
Elbow macaroni – If you opt to use uncooked elbow noodles, please be sure to watch it carefully while it cooks. Nobody likes mushy noodles! When removing the lid to stir the noodles, do this quickly in order to trap as much heat inside as possible.
Milk – Any variety of milk can be used, including whole milk, 2%, 1%, oat milk or almond milk. Replace a portion of the milk with heavy cream for an even creamier end result.
Evaporated milk can be used in place of regular milk when twice the amount is added.
Velveeta – Velveeta is the start of the show in this perfect mac n cheese recipe. Learn more about its shelf life and how long Velveeta lasts after being opened!
Butter – I love the salty flavor that salted butter adds to the already delicious recipe, but unsalted butter is a great option, too.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar is my favorite variety to add to the mix, but feel free to replace with an equal amount of any of the following:
American cheese, pepper jack, mozzarella, colby jack, cream cheese (this will produce a sweeter homemade macaroni and cheese), provolone, monterey jack or any type of creamy cheese.
Use pre-shredded cheese for ease or shred a block yourself.
Parmesan cheese – Grated parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top adds fantastic flavor and texture! Consider using shredded parmesan instead if you have it on hand.
How To Make Crock Pot Mac and Cheese with Velveeta
Step 1
Add the following ingredients to your 7 quart crock pot to make this Velveeta crockpot mac and cheese:
- Elbow macaroni noodles that have been pre-cooked in a large pot 3 minutes shy of al dente (approximately 5 minutes total)
- Milk
- Velveeta cheese
- Butter
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
Step 2
Set the crock pot to low heat and set the cook time to 3 hours. Allow all of those yummy ingredients to cook and melt together!
Give the mixture a stir a couple times throughout with a wooden spoon, and start checking for doneness starting at the 2-hour mark for best results.
Depending on the crockpot, the dish will be done somewhere between 2-3 hours.
My crock pot produces perfect results after 2.5 hours of cooking time and with two good stirs in the middle.
Recipe Notes
- Give the crockpot a good coating of nonstick cooking spray or consider using a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easy peasy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- This makes a large batch of mac and cheese! It will easily feed 8 hungry people as a main dish or 12 people as a side dish or party food. It is a great dish for pot lucks!
- Consider adding 1/2 cup sour cream to add even more creaminess to the dish.
- Add cooked ham or bacon bits to add flavor and protein when serving as a main dish. This is a great way to use up leftover ham!
- Sprinkle the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before serving!
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder would be great additions to the cheese sauce.
- If you add uncooked dry pasta to the slow cooker without pre-cooking, give the mixture a good stir every 30 minutes or so and keep a close eye out for doneness.
- If the mixture is dry at any point during the cooking process, toss in a splash of milk and stir.
- Pre-shredded cheddar cheese makes the recipe extra easy! For added freshness, consider shredding your own.
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.
How Long Does Mac and Cheese Last
If you have leftovers and you are wondering whether to toss or eat, read this article for information about how long mac and cheese lasts.
How To Reheat Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese leftovers are inevitable since most recipes make huge batches. Learn how to reheat mac n cheese, while retaining moisture and flavor!
Mac and Cheese Recipes for Thanksgiving – 13 Delicious Ideas!
Mac and cheese is a Thanksgiving staple! Read on for some scrumptious mac and cheese recipes for Thanksgiving that you can make this year! You’ll find a ton of options to choose from in this roundup.
Best Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
- Baked mac and cheese bites are a super fun finger food idea to serve to kids and adults.
- Instant Pot mac and cheese is a dream come true! Done in 20 minutes, this side or main dish cooks to absolute perfection every single time!
- Baked mac and cheese is a great holiday side or weekday main dish. Everyone will devour it!
- Add pumpkin to your next batch of mac n cheese so it’s even more delicious and more creamy. This pumpkin mac and cheese recipe is 100% kid-friendly and done in 30 minutes.
- This chili mac recipe is the perfect marriage of two of the most comforting comfort foods of all time. Delicious way to use up leftover chili!
What People Are Saying About This Recipe
“Made this tonight for new years! This is definitely gonna be my go to mac and cheese recipe from now on! Soooooo good!!” ~Leah
“Hi, I made this Mac and cheese. My family loved it !! I cooked my noodles let them cool. Then I followed the old recipe with 4 cups of milk and cream cheese. I used American cheese instead of Velveeta. Next time I want to try pepper jack cheese. I put every thing in my crockpot and mixed it. I covered it and cooked for 30 minutes on high. Then turned down to low for 1 1/2 hours stirring in between. All times vary according to your crockpot. “ ~Connie
“I made the original recipe, doubled the recipe and put in one big crock pot. It was filled to the brim but it did fit. Everyone who ate it LOVED it. Now I get asked to make it for every upcoming occasion. Thanks for sharing this simple, quick and tasty recipe. “ ~Sally
“I made this for a potluck at work and everyone absolutely LOVED it. I never even got to have any because they ate it all. At the second potluck we had, everyone begged me to make it again. I’m not the biggest fan of velveeta so I did switch that out for mozzarella but it’s still a fantastic recipe and it is my go-to Mac n cheese recipe now. “ ~Katie
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Crock Pot Mac and Cheese With Velveeta Recipe
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
- Give the crockpot a good coating of nonstick cooking spray or consider using a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easy peasy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- This makes a large batch of mac and cheese! It will easily feed 8 hungry people as a main dish or 12 people as a side dish or party food. It is a great dish for pot lucks!
- Consider adding 1/2 cup sour cream to add even more creaminess to the dish.
- Add cooked ham or bacon bits to add flavor and protein when serving as a main dish. This is a great way to use up leftover ham!
- Sprinkle the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before serving!
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder would be great additions to the cheese sauce.
- If you add uncooked dry pasta to the slow cooker without pre-cooking, give the mixture a good stir every 30 minutes or so and keep a close eye out for doneness.
- If the mixture is dry at any point during the cooking process, toss in a splash of milk and stir.
- Pre-shredded cheddar cheese makes the recipe extra easy! For added freshness, consider shredding your own.
What about eliminating the Velveeta "cheese" it’s processed, fake, plastic, chemical cheese and I won’t allow it. What else can be used or would I increase the amount of real cheese? Thanks!
Hi Molly! Feel free to replace the Velveeta with equal parts cheese of your choice!
Megan
Molly, I’ve seen a recipe on Pinter estate for homemade "velveeta" that uses real ingredients. I haven’t made it yet but plan on trying it because I love the creaminess of velveeta. Just an idea for you!
Pinterest sorry for the Autocorrect fail!
This will be my second attempt at Mac and Cheese in the crockpot. I will use recipe #2 with the velveeta and double the recipe(if all ingredients fit). I must find a creamy Mac and Cheese for 40 people and it must be done in the crockpot……and I’m throwing the noodles in uncooked. Think I might skip the parm cheese. Will let you know! Thanks for posting the recipe ?.
Hi Tracy! Please do let me know how it turns out!
Megan
Be careful cooking the noodles in there because you’re cooking the starch into the meal…
Loved this recipe
Why did you remove the cream cheese in the newer version??
I would go to Guam because its NY home and I haven’t been back in over 25years ?
If we double the recipe, do we increase cooking time?
Hi Noel! You may need to go longer, but still start checking for doneness at the 1 1/2-hour mark. I hope this helps and that it turns out great!
M
Have you tried freezing the leftovers and baking it for a later dinner?
Hi AJsmom! I’ve never tried freezing the leftovers. If you try it, be sure to seal it tightly in air-tight packaging. Let me know how it turns out if you try it!
Megan
Can I skip the cheddar and parm and just add more velveeta?
Hi Thalia! Yes! Definitely go crazy with the Velveeta if you’d like and eliminate the other cheeses. Mmm, the more Velveeta, the better! 🙂
M
I have already used this recipe once and have it cooking again as I write this. Just so everyone knows you do not have to boil the noodles first. I just dumped everything in and let it cook for about 3 hrs and it was perfect! Loved it the first time for a thanksgiving get together and now it’s cooking for a Christmas party!
Instead of milk can I use half & half?
Half and half would work great, Nancy!
M
Would like to try it but no idea what Velveeta is. Can u help please? Thanks
Hi Jan! Velveeta is a cheese product that is typically sold near the dairy aisle. If you have further questions, please send me an email and hopefully I’ll be able to help you further!
Megan
What setting do you use on crockpot?
Hi Bettie! Use your lowest setting. Hope this helps!
M
How many does this serve. I am needing to serve 12. Should I double it?
The recipe serves 10 hungry people. You could double it if you have a large crockpot! Another option would be to 1 1/2 it. Good luck! I hope it turns out great!
Megan
I have a question for you.
So I want to do the Velveeta recipe today.
Can you not have the cheesy sauce going for about an hour or so and then add fully cooked noodles and let sit together for about 10-15 minutes? I’m not on a time crunch… but I’m just scared the noodles will get to soggy if I leave in for another 2 -3 hours! Please get back to me. I’m cooking for thanksgiving today, & my family are HUGE mac n cheese fans.
Hi Josie! If you make sure to keep checking, the noodles won’t get soggy but you can definitely add fully cooked noodles at the end if you prefer! Either way, it will be delicious! I hope your family enjoys the recipe today and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Megan
And at this point I would settle on a trip to a psych ward for a vacation!! I am the mother of a lovely daughter and 3 snot nose boys!! Not including my husband!! But really, I would love to travel to Alaska! Seems crazy but I think the quiet and tranquility would really do a girl some good!!
Can I let it sit on keep warm heat after done???? HELP!!!!!
Hi Stacie! I wouldn’t keep it on warm for TOO long, but it’ll be ok for a while! For more than an hour, it might start to dry out. I hope this helps. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Megan
I thank you for your recipes. It saves me time which is needed. I would love to go to Bora Bora!!! Three reasons:
1. I am a mom of seven
2. I love the ocean
And 3.
Shit I need a break
Kelly, your comment literally made me laugh out loud. Thanks for the giggle! Mom of seven…wow! You are my hero! Thanks for reading and have a great Thanksgiving!
Megan
Terrible picture used! I followed the ingredients list from the picture. Messed up macaroni. I’ll stick to velveeta shells and cheese in the box!
love your recipe for the crockpot mac and cheese. Looks wonderful. I featured it on my blog. http://www.kristens2cents.com with a link back to your blog for the full recipe. I hope you dont mind. If you do please let me know and i will remove it.
Kristen 🙂
Hi Kristen! I’m so glad you love the recipe! If you could link the image back to the mac & cheese recipe on my website, that would be great. Thanks!!
Megan
Megan, using the pic ingredients, cream cheese, evap milk, and shredded cheddar, not the Velveeta instructions…….do you drain it and then pour it in the crock pot and then add all ingredients? Need to know tonight if you can!!!
Hi Christie! For the original recipe, cook the pasta for just a few minutes in boiling water. Throw that, along with the rest of the ingredients, into the crockpot! I hope that helps!!
M
I forgot to clarify that YES, drain the pasta before putting it in the crockpot.
I have fibro so I like to go where it’s hot but nowhere near the humidity of the jungle. I have been to Oahu Hawaii. Cuba. Jamaica and Costa Rica so far. Longest was one month in CR. Would love to soend my winters pain free. Dream come true.