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.
From Wild and Wonderful State of West Virginia…I just found your site and love it…will be trying some of these recipes.
Wow! This is yummy and easy. I added a little garlic powder, ground mustard, dash of salt and pepper. Comfort food at its best. Have you tried/had success with doubling the recipe? This would be great for a potluck dish.
If I could go anywhere – Puerto Rico to see how much it has changed since I lived there almost 30 years ago. Or Buenos Aries Argentina. My bestie moved there earlier this year and I really miss her. [email protected]
I would love to take my daughter (who is currently 5) back packing around Europe. I think it would be an amazing bonding experience and an opportunity to learn about our background together. I struggle with infertility and she's the only child I wil ever have. The gift of travel is one that I hope I can give her
Hi! I would travel to Portugal! I went there in 2001 and loved it! I would go to Lisbon, (a UNESCO heritage site), to visit some castles and do some shopping. I would then head up to Porto to visit the port caves. I would then travel out to the Duoro Valley to see how the grapes are harvested for the port. I would finish my trip to the south of Portugal for some beach time (every girl needs some time in the sand!) and some whale watching!
My dream vacation is Scotland, Ireland, and England. The why you ask? Well history, and the beauty of the highlands, and of course men in kilts, lol.
My dream vacation is Scotland, Ireland, and England. The why you ask? Well history, and the beauty of the highlands, and of course men in kilts, lol.
looking forward to trying this recipe out! 🙂 if I could go anywhere I'd choose France, been speaking French since I was little but haven't gotten to use it yet!
I would absolutely love to go to Austrailia. It has some of the most uniquely strange animals found no where else in the world. How magical would it be to be amongst creatures and landscapes that at one time were only thought of as imaginary?!?!
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Back to Barbados … It was wonderful there 🙂
Great recipe btw. Have a beautiful day.
Love to go to Italy, or just a nice cruise. 🙂
I want to take my Family to see the RedWood Forest in California. Before my time is up here on earth I want to touch a Magic Giant .
I go to Kaula Lumpar, Malaysia and Hong Kong to visit my two favorite cousins that I haven't seen in years.
If you had asked me a few years ago, my unequivocal answer of where I most wanted to visit would have been Venice. I've long yearned to traverse it streets of water and taste it's strong Italian coffee while nibbling on various pastries. But then, like a ghost thoughts of Scotland started invading my dreams and then my waking thoughts. I'd imagine sitting in a small cottage, beside a roaring fire, staring out the window at the blue water of Loch Ness. I long to hear the sound of the wind as it wipes through a Scottish Moore, and hear the trill of the Scottish people's' accent as they proudly tell me about their traditions. I found myself watching every movie I could that starred Liam Neeson, Gerard Butler or Russel Crowe. Then, a few months back, my sister sent off her DNA to ancestry.com for a heritage analysis. It turns out we are 27% Scottish, the highest concentration of all the others that make us up. It makes me wonder if memories of our ancestors could somehow live in our very fabric? Whether I'm bring called to Scotland by an old family ghost or am simply in love with the idea of its romance, I can only dream about it for now.
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Greece!
I just want to be able to take my kids to Disney world… As a child I never got the opportunity I always thought I would be able to take my kids when I had them but unfortunately I haven't been able to, my daughter 15 today, says not to worry that she will take me and my younger kids her brothers and sister (12, 2, 7 months)… But I'm going to do all that I can to get them there, we don't travel much & I want them to get to know places & not be stuck in the valley all their lives like myself…
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Second try, didn't read the instructions and skipped an important step. 😉
Just purchased a new slow cooker today, so I am scouring the internet for recipes. There are so many places I would love to go. Choosing just one is so hard. But, if I could go any where in the world, it would have to be to Rome, Italy. Would want a private audience with the Pope to be included. [email protected]
Bought a new slow cooker today. So I am scouring the internet for recipes. Anywhere in the world? That is tough decision, there are so many places to choose. It would be Rome, Italy and have a private audience with the Pope.
This looks so simple and delicious! I can't wait until I have the right occasion to whip this up!
Just the recipe I needed for tomorrow! A busy day will be made so much easier when we can come home to a crock pot of Mac and Cheese at dinner time!
Where do I want to go? So hard to pick; but I am going to pick a South Sea island, Bora Bora? I am looking for some peace and tranquility and beauty and it seems like floating in a warm, shallow lagoon in the middle of the ocean would do just that.
I'd travel back to my hometown of Iowa….to see my parents and old friends. I havent had a vacation for over 20 years, maybe longer. My parents are aging, I hate that we cant afford plane tickets anymore. I miss Iowa sweet corn too!