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.
If I could go anywhere it would be to England and Poland with my husband to visit his parents' homelands. I had the chance to go with my father when he was alive to visit Slovakia, hi birthplace, and it was an experience like no other.
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If I could go anywhere, it would be to England and Poland with my husband to his mother's and father's homelands. I had the chance when my father was alive to go to Slovakia (his homeland) with him, and the experience is unequal to anything.
I would travel to Dublin, Ireland. My grandma is from Dublin and I would love to go so I could talk to her about all the sites!
I would love to visit the Cotswolds in England. One of my favorite mystery series is set there and I would just love to actually see the area.
I did double it.. it unfortunately came out quite a gummy/chewy"ish" very odd texture lol. So pretty much I had lots left.. no biggie though. Better luck next time with just a single batch I guess:)
Ericka and Kelly: I have not tried doubling this recipe, but please let me know how it turns out if you try!!
Megan
I'd love to go to Greece. I'm in awe of historic places and what a better place to start! Someday perhaps! ….With regard to your recipe, have you ever doubled this for a larger size crock pot? Have a football team to serve up this coming Thursday and Mac & Cheese is my contribution! Wanted to try this out as it looks amazingly yummy and super convenient as I work that day! Thanks for getting back with me!
Hi! Quick question, if I double the recipe will it cook the same? Trying it today it sounds delish! Can't wait!
I would travel to Germany!!! I was born there and moved back to the states when I was 2. I would love to visit where I was born to experience the culture and history of the country! 🙂
Wow.. that recipe looks so good. And I'm not sure if it's too late or not, but here's my post. I've been dying to go to Japan because of the traditional and modern culture that it contains. Also, I would love to go to England. The Victorian culture is so beautiful, I just have to see the Victorian houses, gardens, and museums! I can go on about this for hours lol, I really love culture.
I'm sorry to say, I made this today and within 2 hours my mac and cheese was a big pile of mush. I will try to doctor it up. 🙁
I would love to go back to Ireland. But there are so many places I would love to go: Italy, The Netherlands, Hungary, Greece. I think my first trip would be a cruise of the Greek Island.
This is amazingly simple! I love it!!!
It has been my dream to someday see Fiji. I will get there one day!
My email is [email protected]
This is amazingly simple! I love it!!!
It has been my dream to someday see Fiji. I will get there one day!
My email is [email protected]
If I could go any where I would go to Glasgow, Kentucky to see my two grandkids and to let them know I love them very much and I have never and will never forget them or stop loving them.
I would LOVE to go back to Tennessee. We want to renew our vows there but since I had major back surgery and had to have a stimulator implanted, we have been unable to go. We use to go every year but not any more. When we went to Tennessee it felt like we belonged there.
That is where I would love to go back to.
Thanks
Jennifer Taylor
Can I travel to this crockpot to bathe in mac and cheese? This recipe looks incredible and I love how easy it is. I plan on trying this soon thank you!xo Rachel
I would love to travel to Heaven. I know it's out of this world. But oh how beautiful it must be. I would want to see my Jesus who gave his life for me. And then so many loved ones who have gone on before..The only thing is, I wouldn't want to come back to this world. But thankfully, one day I know I can go because IM SAVED BY GRACE.;) .. [email protected]
My answer and number one on my bucket list is the see the Christmas tree
at Rockerfeller center in NYC!!
I forgot to tell you where I would like to go….I would like to go to each state in these wonderful United States of America and experience the food, people and land.