Slow-Cooked Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese
A velvety, comforting pasta dish that simmers gently in the slow cooker, perfect for turning simple pantry staples into a creamy, kid-approved dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 255 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, whole milk, butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 8 oz elbow macaroni, 2 cups whole milk, 2 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper into the slow cooker, stirring until the flour dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Step 2: Cook on low for 4 hours, stirring once after 2 hours to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is tender and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy, about 3 minutes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Cooked Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow-Cooked Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this in minutes—so rich and comforting, just like my mom made.
- ★★★★★
This was the best mac and cheese I've ever had! The slow cooker made it so creamy and perfect for my picky toddler.
- ★★★★★
So rich and cheesy, just like grandma used to make.
