Slow Cooker Mac ‘n Cheese

Ingredients:
16 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
2 1/2 to 3 cups milk
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
3 tablespoons butter (optional)
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions:
Spray a 4 quart slow cooker with cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner. Dump in the uncooked macaroni, evaporated milk, 2 1/2 cups milk and butter if using. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add the cream cheese. Cover and cook on low another 15 minutes. Add cheese and salt and pepper. Stir well. Add the extra milk if too thick. Cover and cook another 15 minutes or until cheese is all melted. Notes: You can serve with fixiin’s to put on top like cooked crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and extra shredded cheese. You can switch up the cheeses too! Spice things up and use 2 cups pepper jack cheese and 2 cups cheddar.
Thanks!
I made this as a last minute side dish for Easter because what grandchild doesn’t like Mac and Cheese? Everyone loved it and chuckled at how much cheese was in it. It is a very quick put together and tastes great.
Hi Mary. This feeds about 6 people. Thanks so much for visiting my website. Check back soon for more recipes. I post new ones weekly. -Amy
I don’t know what happened, but when I tried this recipe, it was mushy, and the ingredients separated after cooking.
Any ideas?
Hi Shelly. My only thought is that it was cooked too long. I’ve made it a bunch and it always turns out great! -Amy
What is the texture of this finished supposed to be like? It came out very sticky and kind of grainy vs smooth and creamy. I tried adding more milk and letting it cook longer which only made it even more mushy. Wondering if I did something wrong? It tasted fine but the texture was such My family gave it a thumbs down…. Help?
Hi Jen,
I’m sorry! My only thought is that it cooked a bit too long. -Amy
Can this be doubled in the crock pot?
Hi Stacey. Absolutely you can double or even triple this recipe! Just use a bigger slow cooker! Thanks! -Amy
How about adding some meat to make it a main dish? If so, would you suggest adding at the beginning and mix with the other ingredients?
Hi Greg. Cooked bacon, cubed chicken breast, ham or smoked sausage would be wonderful in this. I would stir it in the last 30 minutes or so of cooking. Thanks! -Amy
Absolutely delicious!!! Came home during my lunch break and through this together. Teenage son is eating it all gone!!!
Thanks for sharing, Anna! Love hearing that you and your son loved it! It’s a family favorite in my house too! -Amy
Question: Do you cook the noodles first? I’m excited to try this!
Hi Melisa. Yes, cook on low for 3 hours or until pasta is nice and tender. It’s delicious! Hope you love it! Thanks! -Amy
Thank you! Can’t wait. 🙂
Clarification: let it cook low 3 for how many hours? This looks good!