The Easiest Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese

Is there anybody who doesn’t absolutely love mac and cheese? We’re not talking bland macaroni and cheese; we’re talking about amped-up, cheesy, gooey goodness that both fills and warms you up. The stuff that dreams are made of, and that has every single person who tries it begging for the recipe so they can recreate the goodness anytime the craving hits. One of our favorite ways to make mac and cheese is a little more involved than we felt like making it the other day – normally we make a roux-based, creamy cheese sauce. We cook the pasta and then the sauce, stir the pasta into the sauce, make a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping, and pop it all in the oven.

This time, we needed something quick and easy – and we hit it out of the park, if we do say so ourselves! If you can cook your pasta so it’s al dente and pour ingredients into a slow cooker, you can make amazing macaroni and cheese; that’s the beauty of this recipe. So, what are we using here to achieve the ultimate creaminess? Plenty of cheeses – four to be exact – sour cream, evaporated milk, and lots of seasoning so your dish packs a punch.

Add them to your slow cooker, along with the pasta, then turn it on and walk away. That’s it! If you can stir your pasta mixture halfway through cooking, great. If not, even more yummy, crispy edges for you to enjoy later on. Trust us, it doesn’t get easier than this, and this mac and cheese gives any traditionally-baked version a run for its money. We love it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker mac and cheese is a game-changer because it’s incredibly simple yet packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without much effort. Plus, the combination of four cheeses ensures a rich and creamy dish that everyone will adore.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Slow cooker
• Grater
• Mixing spoon

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz.) package elbow macaroni, cooked
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup provolone cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 3-4 minutes shy of the directions on the packaging. Drain and set aside.
2. Lightly grease the slow cooker with non-stick spray, then place the macaroni in the bottom.
3. Add cheddar and provolone cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour evaporated milk on top of the ingredients, then stir everything together.
5. Cover and cook on low for 2 hours or on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Tips for Success

• Make sure to cook the pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the slow cooker.
• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Stirring occasionally will help to combine the ingredients well, but if you prefer crispy edges, you can skip stirring.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to mix up the cheese selection by adding gouda or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. You can also add cooked bacon or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Each serving of this delicious mac and cheese is rich in protein and calcium, thanks to all the wonderful cheeses. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that will satisfy any cheesy craving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any short pasta shape like shells or penne.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the pasta and cheese mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add it to the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and eating this easiest slow cooker macaroni and cheese as much as we do. It’s a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. We’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so be sure to share your experiences and any tweaks you make. Happy cooking!