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.
Making this tonight. Thought it would be great on this snowy day in Southern Missouri. I opted for the velvetta version. So far so good. Super easy prep! Very excited to see how it comes out. Will update later.
Is there a way to make this on the stove instead?
Hi Sonia! Sure, you could make this on the stovetop. Combine all ingredients with noodles not fully cooked through (boil before adding, but stop a few minutes shy of al dente). Stir until mixture is heated through! Hope this helps!
Megan
I have been craving Mac & Cheese, so I am going to use this recipe tomorrow. What is the texture, dry or real wet? I am anxious and excited to use this recipe.
Patty
If you use the "new and improved" version, it’s more wet. The original recipe is a bit on the drier side. Ultimately it depends on how long you cook it. Keep checking it throughout the cooking process and pull the plug when it’s to your liking! Good luck!
Megan
I am making this tonight. Question if you don’t have the evaporated milk on hand could you add more milk?????
Colleen
Hi Colleen! Yes, milk is a good replacement! I hope it turns out great!!
Megan
2 month trip to Europe, to visit the lands of my ancestors.
How do you determine if it is done?
Hi Amber! You’ll know it’s done by taste-testing it. The noodles will be cooked through, but not overdone and chewy. I hope this helps!
Megan
In the crockpot now, going to add cooked ham at the end.
Can you omit the Parmesan and have it come out ok? I want to make it tonight. Thanks!
Hi Lisa! Yes, absolutely omit the Parmesan and it will be just as delicious!!
Megan
Add salt an d pepper an d my husband an d I thought it was great.
I would go to Alaska, our nephew is serving in the military there, an d loves it….Alaska we can see him an d the land he thinks is so beautiful. He loves Mac & cheese so maybe we could putt it into the crock pot while we go fishing for salmon to serve with it.
Anywhere in Great Britain!! Went to England and Scotland as an exchange student. Would love to see the rest!!
Why did you remove the cream cheese? Just curious! I love velveeta and will try that recipe but am curious what it would taste like with cream cheese also!
Hi Jenna! Some people were saying that they thought the cream cheese made it too sweet. If you are a cream cheese lover like I am, keep it in! Cream cheese makes everything better in my opinion. 🙂
Megan
I HAVE BEEN MAKING MAC &CHEESE BUT NOT TO PLEASED NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT THE CROCK POT SO THAT IS MY NEXT TRY SO WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT
I just made this, and it is the best I have made and I have tried so many different ones! My family was very pleased!! Thank you!!
Bali….
Hawaii!!
I can’t wait to try this. I always use my mom’s recipe–which is perfection–but I like occasionally trying variations and this looks like a winner.
Places to travel: I’d like to follow Marie C to that magical carb land and eat mac and cheese forever, but then, when and if I’ve finally been sated, I’d be off to New Zealand!
I have to try this! Will hopefully report back with a success story using Barilla GF pasta!
I would travel to the magical carb land. Where I could eat as much Mac and cheese and other pastas as much as I want without my butt getting bigger.
people need to remember when a recipe goes wrong, i can for any number of reasons. the #1 i can think of is a matter of taste! what tastes wonderful to this person, might not taste wonderful to the next. i dont like onions, yet in Florida everyone throws onions in the food, even in their Cole Slaw! please keep that in mind when the recipe calls for an ingredient you dont like, dont have, or wish to replace. the crockpots may not be the same, or even the same age, even different geographical areas (above/below sea level, cold/warm weather, city/country) can make your milk and cheese taste different!
my point? work the recipe until it is what you want. ive made over 500 different mac n cheese recipes, and i still cant find anyone who makes it like my mother did. she has Alzheimers and never gave me the recipe. im 49 and cant make mac n cheese (in my mind, though hubby says they are all delish), and miss my mommas!
I tried a recipe like this last night and so disappointed that I got a gluey gluggy grainy mess!! I followed the instructions and got pasta that was way overcooked and the sauce was more like glue. I was so looking forward to a great tasting mac and cheese. I use Lactose free milk but cannot believe that this is what would have made the difference. The recipe I had did not have butter in it. Any suggestions??
Lactose free milk does NOT cook or bake the same at all….. it makes a huge difference. I’ve learned it the hard way. I ALWAYS use real milk otherwise the recipe Never comes out the same….