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?
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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.
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.