Description
This creamy slow cooker macaroni and cheese recipe offers a deliciously rich and comforting dish, perfect for easy, hands-off cooking. Combining sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese with evaporated milk, dry mustard, and seasonings, it's a classic comfort food made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheeses
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Dairy & Fats
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 (12 oz each) cans evaporated milk
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, butter, evaporated milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the mixture on low heat in the slow cooker, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, checking for doneness after 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the sauce is too thick after cooking, stir in a few tablespoons of milk to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Once the macaroni and cheese has reached the desired texture and creaminess, serve immediately for best results. Avoid cooking longer than 2 hours to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Notes
- Stir regularly every 30 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the slow cooker and cooking unevenly.
- Use evaporated milk for a creamier texture; you can substitute with regular milk if preferred, but creaminess may be reduced.
- If you prefer sharper flavor, add more cheddar cheese or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Do not cook beyond 2 hours as the pasta will become overly soft and mushy.
- For a thicker sauce, omit additional milk; for thinner sauce, adjust with milk to your liking.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
