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?
If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!
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.
Trying this for the kids tonight. As far as where I would travel – I want to take my family to Switzerland – I spent 3 years there as a child and have never been anywhere so beautiful. Would love to take my family now and take the train to the mountains!! [email protected]
I would travel to Italy….. And eat my way across their entirely delicious country.
The ratio of milk to cheese is too high. I would cut back to 2 1/2 cups of milk.
I'd travel to Bora Bora… It just sounds sooooooo relaxing. And it's fun to say!
I want to go to England. I want to see Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and take a ride on the big Wheel. This is a dream of mine.
We would love to go to Tierra Del Fuego…snow, ice, and hot café! [email protected]
DISNEY WORLD!!! It's the HAPPIEST place on EARTH!!!
[email protected]
I have always wanted to go to London since I was a kid. I plan on going there for college and my girl scouting troop will be going in the year of 2017 and I have already started saving. BTW cant wait to do this after I get home from school for my mom. 🙂
After all the cooking i did for turkey day, this will be made tomorrow? my dream place is to go back to alaska,only spent 2 weeks there, wasnt enough time
Thanks for the great Mac and cheese recipe! Also, you were wanting comments about favorite places to one day maybe see , and mine is Israel . I would love to walk in the same places our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ walked!!! Thanks again!
I didn't care for this recipe at all. It was way too sweet for me and for my kids.
It is very hard to decide on one place to go in the world. There are so many places I want to see. Right now I think I would choose a Mediterranean cruise that included Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Ephesus and Istanbul. The Mac and cheese looks great!
[email protected]
Hi Megan! I don't show it in the photo, but I like to cut my cream cheese into small chunks and that helps it melt. I hope that helps! Love the addition of paprika…I'll give that a try next time!
Megan
I added paprika and dried mustard powder. The cream cheese didn't really melt in like I thought it would. Any suggestions?
Not sure what happened. Followed this recipe exactly and it turned out horrible.. a giant pot of mushy yuckiness. Looks like I am going to Thanksgiving dinner empty handed. Was the recipes changed in any way? I followed exactly what it said here. Why would mine have turned to mush?
I am making this for Thanksgiving as per my granddaughters request! Sounds sooo easy and I love Mac and cheese so I know it will be wonderful!
My favorite place to visit would be Rome at the Vatican or France since my ancestors came from there. Would love to go to St. Malo where they depart for their new country Nova Scotia! Want to tour the church where they were married shortly before leaving!
Thanks for the recipe and happy thanksgiving to you
I have always wanted to go to Australia … It's as close to the old west there is I guess …. Without the big dresses and but with electricity.
.. [email protected].
The perfect recipe for tomorrow's Thanksgiving feast with my family. They don't know that I'm changing the recipe this year. I'm waiting to see and hear they're responses.
ok, so I've been to Ireland (a definite!) and Thailand as well as: Philippines, India, Germany, Austria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Mexico, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Russia, Curaçao, Bahamas, Mexico and all over the BEAUTIFUL U.S.! But I have never been and would love to go to: Alaska!
Anyone wanting information on any of the countries I've been to, please e-mail me…always willing to help.
Thanks for the Mac n cheese recipe…can't wait to try it!
I would love to visit and explore ALL of Italy. The country simply fascinates and intrigues me. I Long for the simple life of small towns where people enjoy their neighbors, work the land and enjoy the harvest together. I Love the history and the old world appeal as well.
I have always been good with languages and i speak Spanish, French and i am working on my Italian right now. I have 5 wonderful children and I love to cook and sing. I am also going to school and working part time while trying to build my own buisness.
I can't wait to try this mac n cheese. I'm always looking for the perfect recipe for it. I hope this is the one!