Best 11 Slow Cooker Mac Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our collection of slow-cooker mac and cheese recipes. These culinary creations take the classic dish to new heights of cheesy goodness, offering a variety of flavors and textures to tantalize your taste buds. From the classic creamy mac and cheese to unique variations like buffalo chicken mac and cheese and even a vegan version, our recipes cater to every palate. Dive into the velvety cheese sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, and an array of delectable add-ins that transform this timeless dish into a gourmet feast.

**Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese**: Experience the nostalgic flavors of a traditional mac and cheese, slow-cooked to perfection. A blend of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a rich and flavorful sauce that coats every noodle.

**Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese**: Get ready for a spicy twist on a classic! Tender chicken tossed in a tangy buffalo sauce is combined with macaroni and a creamy cheese sauce, resulting in a dish that packs a punch.

**Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese**: Elevate your mac and cheese with the addition of crisp broccoli florets and a generous helping of cheddar cheese. This recipe promises a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

**Sausage and Peppers Mac and Cheese**: Indulge in a hearty and flavorful meal with this sausage and peppers mac and cheese. Juicy sausage, sautéed peppers, and a creamy cheese sauce come together for a satisfying and savory dish.

**Vegan Mac and Cheese**: Enjoy a plant-based version of the classic mac and cheese without compromising on taste. A creamy cashew-based sauce and a blend of vegan cheeses create a rich and decadent dish that's perfect for those with dietary restrictions or those looking for a healthier alternative.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SLOW COOKER MAC AND CHEESE



Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese image

This creamy, comforting meal takes just moments to assemble and is always a big hit. Great for large family gatherings and to take to pot luck dinners. I'm always asked for the recipe!

Provided by Cathy P

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 3h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
½ cup butter
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (16 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk
2 eggs, well beaten
2 cups whole milk
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup (such as Campbell's®)
1 pinch paprika, or as desired

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain and transfer pasta to slow cooker.
  • Add butter to pasta and stir until melted; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle about 1/2 the Cheddar cheese over pasta and stir.
  • Whisk evaporated milk and eggs together in a bowl until smooth; stir into pasta mixture.
  • Whisk milk and Cheddar cheese soup together in a bowl until smooth; stir into pasta mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese over pasta mixture; garnish with paprika.
  • Cook on Low for 3 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 431.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.9 g, Cholesterol 99 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 17.8 g, SaturatedFat 14.8 g, Sodium 524.2 mg, Sugar 4.7 g

SLOW-COOKER MAC AND CHEESE



Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese image

This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. -Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
1 cup 2% milk
2 large eggs, beaten
1/8 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker; add butter. In a large bowl, mix 3 cups cheese, evaporated milk, condensed soup, 2% milk and eggs. Pour over macaroni mixture; stir to combine. Cook, covered, on low for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until a thermometer reads at least 160°., Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cook, covered, on low until cheese is melted, 15-20 minutes longer. Sprinkle with paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 502 calories, Fat 28g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 131mg cholesterol, Sodium 638mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

SLOW-COOKER MAC AND CHEESE



Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese image

The ultimate in cheesy indulgence! This ultra-creamy spin on classic mac gets topped with a can't-skip-it sprinkling of toasty breadcrumbs that delivers a crunchy contrast in textures.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 3h5m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 1/2 cups whole milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1 box (16 oz) elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (16 oz)
8 oz Kraft™ Velveeta™ cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, beat milks, melted butter, mustard, salt and peppers with whisk. Add macaroni and 3 1/2 cups of the Cheddar cheese, the cubed cheese and Parmesan cheese. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 1 hour. Stir well. Cover; cook 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until pasta is cooked, but not mushy.
  • Stir until mac and cheese is combined and creamy. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese on top. Cover; let stand about 15 minutes or until melted.
  • Meanwhile, in 8-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add bread crumbs; stir to coat. Cook and stir about 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Sprinkle over mac and cheese, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 860, Carbohydrate 69 g, Cholesterol 145 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 3 g, Protein 37 g, SaturatedFat 28 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1330 mg, Sugar 14 g, TransFat 1 1/2 g

SLOW-COOKER BACON MAC & CHEESE



Slow-Cooker Bacon Mac & Cheese image

I'm all about easy slow-cooker meals. Using more cheese than ever, I've developed an addictive spin on this casserole favorite. -Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 3h20m

Yield 18 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups whole milk
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 package (16 ounces) small pasta shells
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
1 cup shredded Manchego or Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
8 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, whisk the first 6 ingredients until blended. Stir in pasta and cheeses; transfer to a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker., Cook, covered, on low until pasta is tender, 3 to 3-1/2 hours. Turn off slow cooker; remove insert. Let stand, uncovered, 15 minutes before serving. Top with bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 272 calories, Fat 14g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 59mg cholesterol, Sodium 400mg sodium, Carbohydrate 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 13g protein.

EASY SLOW-COOKER MAC & CHEESE



Easy Slow-Cooker Mac & Cheese image

My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? -Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded fontina cheese
1 cup shredded provolone cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine soup, milk, sour cream, butter and seasonings; cook and stir over medium-low heat until blended. Stir in cheeses until melted., Drain macaroni; transfer to a greased 3-qt. slow cooker. Stir in cheese mixture. Cook, covered, on low 1-2 hours or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 346 calories, Fat 23g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 712mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

SLOW COOKER PEPPERONI PIZZA MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE



slow cooker pepperoni pizza mac and cheese Recipe image

Provided by bubbles7380

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 pound shredded cheese (use an Italian blend or a combination of 2 or more cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack or fontina)
1 cup water
1 16-ounce jar pizza sauce
8 ounces sliced pepperoni, halved or quartered if large
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Steps:

  • Place uncooked macaroni in a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle in cornstarch and mix well, making sure that each noodle in lightly coated with cornstarch. Add the rest of the ingredients into the slow cooker. Mix well to combine. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, stirring after 1 hour. Serve hot.

SPICY SLOW COOKER MAC-N-CHEESE



Spicy Slow Cooker Mac-n-Cheese image

A spicy and simple twist on classic macaroni and cheese! If you can't find andouille sausage, try crumbled chorizo or kielbasa.

Provided by Abby

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 2h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 (11 ounce) cans condensed Cheddar cheese soup
2 ¾ cups water
1 (16 ounce) package uncooked shell pasta
½ pound andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Stir the condensed soup and water together in a slow cooker until smooth. Add the shell pasta and andouille sausage. Set the slow cooker to High; cook 2 hours, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Once the pasta is tender, stir in the sour cream, Cheddar, and mozzarella until the cheeses melt. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, and allow to rest 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 552.7 calories, Carbohydrate 49.7 g, Cholesterol 74.2 mg, Fat 29.8 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 22.8 g, SaturatedFat 15.9 g, Sodium 1056.2 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

TASTY MAC AND CHEESE (SLOW COOKER)



Tasty Mac and Cheese (Slow Cooker) image

Very creamy, full of flavor, and perfect for a slow cooker recipe!! This recipe has been made for 30-40 people for company potluck events and is a hit every time. Very cheesy and even has a little bit of bacon in it.

Provided by Angela Butler

Categories     Cheese

Time 3h20m

Yield 5 quarts, 30 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

5 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
64 ounces chicken broth (to cook noodles in)
1/2 large onion, pureed
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups skim milk
12 ounces evaporated milk
3/4 cup margarine, melted
32 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
8 ounces Vermont sharp cheddar cheese, sliced thin
1/2 cup bacon bits (optional)
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Mince or puree large onion.
  • Boil noodles in water or in chicken broth (adds more flavor). Add a dash of salt and the minced or pureed onion.
  • Slightly beat together egg, milk, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  • Melt butter (about 40 sec in the microwave) and then stir so all the solid is mixed well.
  • Mix the butter and Evaporated Milk into the bowl with the egg and milk mixture.
  • Pour drained noodles into the slow cooker or crock pot. Spread evenly.
  • Lightly mix in the cubed Velvetta cheese and Vermont Sharp Cheddar (Cracker Barrel is one brand), leaving some on the top.
  • Pour the milk mixture over the noodles and cheese. Do NOT Stir.
  • Spread bacon bits over the top of noodles. Do NOT Stir.
  • Spread the 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top of the mac and cheese. Do NOT Stir.
  • Cook on High for 90 minutes and then stir together to blend the melted cheese. Then another 90 minutes on High or 3 hrs on Low. Do not remove lid until the first 90 minutes has passed so that the mixture sets correctly.
  • Stir well before serving.

SLOW-COOKER MEXI MAC AND CHEESE



Slow-Cooker Mexi Mac and Cheese image

This slow-cooked macaroni has Mexican flavors for a delicious flavor twist! Get a head start by using thawed Make-Ahead Mexican Ground Beef in place of the ground beef, taco seasoning and water.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 2h35m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 boxes (8 oz each) elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef round
2 packages (1.25 oz each) Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix
1 cup water
2 jars (15 oz each) Old El Paso™ mild cheese 'n salsa
2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated milk
2 cans (4.5 oz each) Old El Paso™ chopped green chiles, drained
2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese (8 oz)
2 jalapeño chiles, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Spray bottom of 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Line side of slow cooker with foil; spray foil with cooking spray. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package, using minimum cook time.
  • Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Add taco seasoning mix and water; simmer 2 to 3 minutes or until most of liquid is absorbed.
  • In large bowl, mix cheese sauce, milk and green chiles. Stir in macaroni and beef mixture. Spoon into slow cooker.
  • Cover; cook on Low heat setting 2 hours. Stir; sprinkle with cheese. Cover; let stand 15 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with jalapeños.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 560, Carbohydrate 55 g, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 29 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1530 mg

JAN'S FAVORITE SLOW COOKER MAC & CHEESE



Jan's Favorite Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese image

LOVE this mac&cheese. Cook to your liking. A little less cook time and a bit more milk to make it creamier.

Provided by JanetGomez

Categories     Cheese

Time 3h15m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces cooked elbow macaroni, cooked 2/3 time the directions call for
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, mix butter and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
  • In a slow cooker, combine cheese/butter mixture and add the eggs, sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper and stir well.
  • Add cooked and drained macaroni and stir again.
  • Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 239.1, Fat 17.7, SaturatedFat 10.6, Cholesterol 94.3, Sodium 487.3, Carbohydrate 9.7, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.8, Protein 10.5

SLOW-COOKER MAC & CHEESE RECIPE - (3.8/5)



Slow-Cooker Mac & Cheese Recipe - (3.8/5) image

Provided by jab120638

Number Of Ingredients 6

16-ounces elbow macaroni
2 1/2 cups milk
12-ounces evaporated milk
3 cups cheddar
8-ounces cream cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Combine elbow macaroni, milk, evaporated milk, cheese, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. Cover your slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours stirring occasionally throughout the cooking time to mix ingredients together. Check the mac & cheese to see if pasta is cooked and all liquid has been absorbed. When finished, season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed just before serving.

Tips:

  • Use a block of cheese rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
  • Shred the cheese yourself. This will give you a more consistent melt.
  • Use a good quality cheese. The better the cheese, the better the mac and cheese will taste.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant.
  • Add the pasta and cheese sauce to the slow cooker in batches. This will help to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
  • Stir the mac and cheese occasionally. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the cheese from scorching.
  • Add some extras. You can add cooked bacon, chicken, or vegetables to your mac and cheese for extra flavor and texture.
  • Let the mac and cheese rest before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the dish to thicken slightly.

Conclusion:

Slow cooker mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that everyone will love.

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