Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Homemade Crock Pot Macaroni Cheese recipe, a stress-free twist on a classic favorite! Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely gatherings, this one-pot masterpiece combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The secret to its velvety texture lies in slow-cooking the pasta with evaporated milk, whole milk, and a medley of seasonings like ground mustard, garlic powder, and paprika. With just 15 minutes of prep time and the magical convenience of your crock pot, you'll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready to serveβand possibly fight overβin just a couple of hours. Serve it piping hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese or paprika for the perfect finishing touch!
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Spray the inside of the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In the crock pot, combine the cooked macaroni, evaporated milk, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, and melted butter.
Stir in the ground mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the macaroni with seasonings.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours. Stir every 30-40 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
After 2 hours, check for the desired creaminess and consistency. If needed, add a splash of milk to thin the sauce.
Serve hot and garnish with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor, if desired.
Calories |
4687 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 218.6 g | 280% | |
| Saturated Fat | 132.0 g | 660% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 679 mg | 226% | |
| Sodium | 5173 mg | 225% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 444.4 g | 162% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.9 g | 60% | |
| Total Sugars | 96.1 g | ||
| Protein | 234.5 g | 469% | |
| Vitamin D | 16.5 mcg | 83% | |
| Calcium | 5246 mg | 404% | |
| Iron | 21.3 mg | 118% | |
| Potassium | 2846 mg | 61% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.