If you’re looking for a dish that tastes like a warm hug on a chilly day, this 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese is exactly what you need. It’s rich, creamy, and ridiculously easy—just toss everything into your slow cooker and let time do the rest. Minimal effort, maximum comfort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp, depending on your preference)
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, cubed
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Begin by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or lightly greasing it with butter. This ensures easy cleanup and helps keep the macaroni from sticking.
Next, pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni and distribute it evenly along the bottom. Scatter the cubed butter on top of the pasta, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Slowly add the milk, then sprinkle in the salt. Stir gently to mingle the ingredients, but don’t worry about getting everything perfectly mixed—time and heat will work their magic.
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for about two hours, checking once halfway through to give the mixture a gentle stir and make sure your macaroni isn’t sticking together. After two hours, test a macaroni noodle. If it’s nearly tender, add in the remaining cheddar cheese, cover again, and cook for 15 to 20 extra minutes.
When your mac & cheese is lusciously bubbly and the pasta is cooked through, turn off the slow cooker. Let it rest a few minutes to set, then spoon it into bowls or plates and dig in to that molten cheesy goodness.
This recipe shines because it’s built for busy folks who need comfort without fuss. It’s perfect for families, potlucks, and anyone craving a simple, home-cooked meal. Feel free to mix up cheeses (Gouda or pepper Jack add a fun twist) or stir in extras like crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for a veggie boost. Whether you’re watching your sodium intake or want to go gluten-free, you can easily adjust the ingredients and substitutions. No matter your version, you get cozy, creamy perfection every single time.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
