This crock pot mac and cheese with Velveeta is cheesy and delicious, with such a creamy texture. This comfort food comes together quickly and easily, requiring only 6 ingredients and minimal effort. It is a great recipe for a holiday meal or for a busy week night. It’ll get devoured by adults and kids alike!
Original post: 2014 | Updated: October 2023
Why This Recipe Works
There are about a million reasons why I adore this crock pot macaroni and cheese recipe made with Velveeta, but I’ll limit my list to just a few:
- You know those meals that can be made for nearly every holiday meal, no matter what time of the year it is? This slow cooker macaroni and cheese is it! I make it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July and so many other occasions that fall in between.
- Dump only 6 ingredients into your slow cooker while saving oven and stove-top space for other recipes.
- This slow cooker mac and cheese recipe gets rave reviews without fail, no matter the season or time of year.
- Crockpot Velveeta mac requires very little attention while it cooks.
- It produces the creamiest macaroni and cheese every single time.
- This classic recipe is a great family dinner any night of the week as well as the perfect party food for a larger gathering.
- Any time your oven is being used (busy holidays) or when you don’t have an oven to use (potlucks) is a great opportunity to make this fantastic recipe.
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Recipe Ingredients
Elbow macaroni – If you opt to use uncooked elbow noodles, please be sure to watch it carefully while it cooks. Nobody likes mushy noodles! When removing the lid to stir the noodles, do so quickly in order to trap as much heat inside as possible.
Milk – Any variety of milk can be used, including whole milk, 2%, 1%, oat milk or almond milk. Replace a portion of the milk with heavy cream for an even creamier end result.
Evaporated milk can be used in place of regular milk when twice the amount is added.
Velveeta – Velveeta is the start of the show in this mac n cheese recipe. Learn more about its shelf life and how long Velveeta lasts after being opened!
Butter – I love the salty flavor that salted butter adds to the recipe, but unsalted is a great option, as well.
Sharp cheddar cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar is my favorite variety to add to the mix, but feel free to replace with an equal amount of any of the following:
American cheese, pepper jack, mozzarella, colby jack, cream cheese (this will produce a sweeter homemade macaroni and cheese!), provolone, monterey jack or any type of creamy cheese.
Parmesan cheese – Grated parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top adds fantastic flavor and texture! Consider using shredded parmesan instead if you have it on hand.
How To Make Crock Pot Mac and Cheese with Velveeta
Step 1
Add the following ingredients to your 7 quart crock pot to make this Velveeta crockpot mac and cheese:
- Elbow macaroni noodles that have been pre-cooked in a large pot 3 minutes shy of al dente (approximately 5 minutes total)
- Milk
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into chunks
- Butter, cut in pieces
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan grated cheese
Step 2
Set the crock pot to low heat and set the cook time to 3 hours. Allow all of those yummy ingredients to cook and melt together!
Give the mixture a stir a couple times throughout with a wooden spoon, and start checking for doneness starting at the 2-hour mark for best results.
Depending on the crockpot, the dish will be done somewhere between 2-3 hours.
My crock pot produces perfect results after 2.5 hours of cooking time and with two good stirs in the middle.
Recipe Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- This makes a large batch of mac and cheese! It will easily feed 8 hungry people as a main dish or 12 people as a side dish or party food. It is a great dish for pot lucks!
- Consider adding 1/2 cup sour cream to add even more creaminess to the dish.
- Add cooked ham or bacon bits to add flavor and protein when serving as a main dish.
- Sprinkle the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before serving!
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder would be a great addition to the cheese sauce.
- If you add uncooked pasta to the slow cooker without pre-cooking, give the mixture a good stir every 30 minutes or so and keep a close eye out for doneness!
- Pre-shredded cheddar cheese is easy! For added freshness, consider shredding your own.
Substitute For Milk in Mac and Cheese
Whether you are looking for a different flavor in your next creamy pasta 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.
How Long Does Mac and Cheese Last
If you have leftovers and you are wondering whether to toss or eat, read this article for information about how long mac and cheese lasts.
How To Reheat Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese leftovers are inevitable since most recipes make huge batches. Learn how to reheat mac n cheese, while retaining moisture and flavor!
Mac and Cheese Recipes for Thanksgiving – 13 Delicious Ideas!
Mac and cheese is a Thanksgiving staple! Read on for some scrumptious mac and cheese recipes for Thanksgiving that you can make this year! You’ll find a ton of options to choose from in this roundup.
Best Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
- Baked mac and cheese bites are a super fun finger food idea to serve to kids and adults.
- Instant Pot mac and cheese is a dream come true! Done in 20 minutes, this side or main dish cooks to absolute perfection every single time!
- Baked mac and cheese is a great holiday side or weekday main dish. Everyone will devour it!
- Add pumpkin to your next batch of mac n cheese so it’s even more delicious and more creamy. This pumpkin mac and cheese recipe is 100% kid-friendly and done in 30 minutes.
- This chili mac recipe is the perfect marriage of two of the most comforting comfort foods of all time. Delicious way to use up leftover chili!
Comfort Food Recipes
- This easy crab soup recipe requires only 5 ingredients and it is done in less than 30 minutes!
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole is a delicious combination of the tastiest flavors you will ever eat in a single bite.
- This is the best meatloaf recipe with crackers you’ll ever eat and it is such an easy classic dish. It’ll quickly become a favorite family meal!
- Runza Casserole is inspired by a world-famous sandwich made with ground beef and cabbage. This is a filling, delicious and affordable way to feed an entire family!
What People Are Saying About This Recipe
“Made this tonight for new years! This is definitely gonna be my go to mac and cheese recipe from now on! Soooooo good!!” ~Leah
“Hi, I made this Mac and cheese. My family loved it !! I cooked my noodles let them cool. Then I followed the old recipe with 4 cups of milk and cream cheese. I used American cheese instead of Velveeta. Next time I want to try pepper jack cheese. I put every thing in my crockpot and mixed it. I covered it and cooked for 30 minutes on high. Then turned down to low for 1 1/2 hours stirring in between. All times vary according to your crockpot. “ ~Connie
“I made the original recipe, doubled the recipe and put in one big crock pot. It was filled to the brim but it did fit. Everyone who ate it LOVED it. Now I get asked to make it for every upcoming occasion. Thanks for sharing this simple, quick and tasty recipe. “ ~Sally
“I made this for a potluck at work and everyone absolutely LOVED it. I never even got to have any because they ate it all. At the second potluck we had, everyone begged me to make it again. I’m not the biggest fan of velveeta so I did switch that out for mozzarella but it’s still a fantastic recipe and it is my go-to Mac n cheese recipe now. “ ~Katie
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Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe 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.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- This makes a large batch of mac and cheese! It will easily feed 8 hungry people as a main dish or 12 people as a side dish or party food. It is a great dish for pot lucks!
- Consider adding 1/2 cup sour cream to add even more creaminess to the dish.
- Add cooked ham or bacon bits to add flavor and protein when serving as a main dish.
- Sprinkle the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before serving!
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder would be a great addition to the cheese sauce.
- If you add uncooked pasta to the slow cooker without pre-cooking, give the mixture a good stir every 30 minutes or so and keep a close eye out for doneness!
- Pre-shredded cheese is easy! For added freshness, consider shredding your own.
Tracey
I noticed in the two pictures you have two different amounts of milk. One says 2 1/2 cups milk and the other says 4 cups. Can you please tell me which it is for I would like to make this soon. Thanks
Tu K.
I checked and stirred the mac & cheese, ended up with one big pot of under cooked mush. Don't know what happened.
Izzy
This recipe turned out very poorly. It tasted grainy and not like mac & cheese at all. I ended up throwing out the whole thing which ment money in the trash. Disappointing!
Aimee Wheeler
Hi, I was just wondering what size crock pot you used? I'd like to make this for our holiday dinner tomorrow and I was debating doubling the recipe but unsure if it would fit in my four quart crock or if I'd need to use my six quart. Any helpful tips for cook time with a doubled recipe?
Megan Porta
Hi Kendra! I don't recall deleting a comment left by you. Sorry you had a bad experience with the recipe! 🙁
Megan
Kendra
I posted a review that seems to not be here now. It was not rude or offensive just honest. This recipe was a disaster and a waste of a lot of ingredients and at least $15. I followed it exactly. It made my Christmas Eve very stressed and more expensive when I had to scramble to make another mac and cheese but on the stove top this time.
Kerry
There was way too much liquid when pasta was done. I thought that since it wasn't thick it wasn't done but the pasta was. It was like soup. Milk should probably be no more than 2 Cups. I think that because the pasta cooks in the ingredients it makes the pasta mushy.
Megan Porta
Hello everyone! I realize there is quite a range of opinion on this recipe and I respect that. I noted in my post what has worked for me and I HOPE that the rest of you have a good experience with this delicious recipe, as well! If you don't have a good experience with it, I am always up for constructive criticism. Kindly suggest what you would do differently or tell me exactly what happened in your crockpot! If you are rude I will delete your comment, so you can save your time! I DO want you to share your opinion, but offensive language will not be tolerated here. Thank you for understanding! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!!
Megan
Inga Taylor
Holy Toledo! That was easy and that's where I want to go .. To Holy Toledo Spain.
Kerry
This looks delicious and it is on right now but there is no way it will be ready in 2-3 hrs on low. I have had it on high for 1.5 hrs and it is no where near done! I may have to pour it into a baking dish and finish it in the oven to make sure it gets done on time.
Emily Levine
i would love to go back to Israel one day. There is so much history in such a small country. It is a landmark for several different religions!
Beth
Made this at work for a luncheon. Followed the recipe and it turned out to be a complete disaster. Such a waste. So embarrassing!!!
Maegan
I was hearing all of the raves about this so I had to try it for a work party. I have to say I'm disappointed. It's one big goopy hot mess. I ended up putting it in the oven with bread crumbs to hide the disaster. No part of it what so ever resembles what I expected. I will not be passing this along.
Trish
The taste was too much cream cheese flavoring for me and my family. Going to try leaving it out and adding more shredded cheese. I'm going to add 1 cup of sharp cheddar shredded to replace it. Hopefully this will work and tone down the flavoring.
Hannah
What size slow cooker did you use? I need to double the recipe and want to make sure it will fit!
Abby
I was disappointed with this recipe. I don't think you need the evaporated milk, regular milk is plenty of liquid. The cheese taste was really weak so I added another cup of sharp cheddar. I ended up putting in green chili's, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder and Lawry's seasoned salt. It needed strong flavors to cover up a funky taste. The noodles (I used penne, maybe the issue) didn't cook well and were gummy.
Sarah
I'm making this tonight for my family. I heard it was really good and easy so I had to give it a shot. I sure hope it's yummy. Thanks for sharing!!
Tammy
I am trying this mac & cheese tonight for the first time….it is an easy throw-together meal on a busy night before the holidays.
I love to travel and have been fortunate to have some experiences in most of Europe and four different places in China. I would love to travel to all 50 States, but my big bucket list item is to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Just for me, just because. My youngest child graduates in 4 years and that is when I am wanting to go. Other than that, I would travel anywhere, anytime. My feet are always itching to move : )
Lisa W
Tried this recipe with gluten free pasta, came out ok but was very sweet (cream cheese). I think old cheddar would have helped. added a touch of ginger, garlic, worcestershire sauce and mustard. Made a significant improvement.
Tracy Harrison
I would like to go to Alaska with my husband and daughter. I would like to caught some fresh salmon. We have been wanting to take that cruise. My Father in law and mother in law took it before she died and they had a good time. I have Leukemia and so far it has remained in 0 stage witch i am thankful for. I am a fisher woman and love to go out and go camping, fishing, boating. We try to do that 1-2 times a year, But I have my dad and mom living with us and they aren't in good health, so most of the time we are home. I do the cooking and cleaning here and look for new and easier ideas for suppers. So I am going to try this slow cooker mac and cheese tonight and add ham and have some peas with it. Thank you so much for your recipe.
Tracy Harrison