No Boil Crockpot Mac and Cheese

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Okay besties, listen up. This Crock Pot No Boil Mac and Cheese is about to become your lazy girl dinner GOAT. No boiling. No roux. No stress. Just throw uncooked noodles, a mountain of cheese (shoutout Velveeta for holding it down), and a splash of milk into the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Whether you’re feeding your chaotic crew on a Tuesday night or showing off at Friendsgiving, this recipe hits every single time. Creamy? Yep. Cozy? Obviously. Effortless? Literally the definition.

Quick Deets

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Serves: 8 people who will absolutely ask for seconds
Vibe: Comfort food but chill

You’ll Need

16 oz elbow pasta (raw, uncooked, straight from the box)
4 cups 2 percent milk (or whatever you’ve got, just not water please)
8 oz sharp cheddar, grated (grate it yourself, trust me)
8 oz colby jack, also grated
8 oz Velveeta, cubed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp ground mustard
¼ tsp paprika

Tip: Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that mess with the meltiness.

How to Make It

Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray or use a liner if you’re going full low-effort
Pour in the milk and whisk in the mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper
Add all the cheese and the uncooked pasta. Make sure most of the noodles are covered by the milk. Give it a little stir
Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Stir once or twice, just enough to keep the pasta from sticking. Don’t go overboard or it’ll get mushy
When the noodles are tender and the cheese sauce is creamy, serve it up immediately

Slow Cooker I Use

Hamilton Beach Portable 6 Quart Set Forget Digital Programmable Slow Cooker with Lid Lock, Temperature Probe, Dishwasher Safe Crock & Lid, Black Stainles

Buy on Amazon

Pro Tips and Add-Ons

Switch the cheese: White cheddar, gouda, pepper jack, mozzarella all work. Just keep the Velveeta in the mix
Add some heat: Cayenne, hot sauce, or taco seasoning
Veggie it up: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach at the end
Add protein: Shredded chicken, ground beef, or turkey bacon takes it to meal status

Leftovers and Real Talk

Best served immediately while hot and melty.
Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat with a splash of milk in the microwave.
Do not freeze this recipe. It gets weird and grainy and nobody wants that.

FAQ

Can I double it?

Yes, just use a large crock pot. Same cook time

Can I cook it on high?

No. It’ll burn or dry out. Low is the way to go

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep the cheese ahead but this dish is best served fresh. Pasta gets mushy if it sits too long

Why is mine mushy?

You stirred too much or cooked it too long. Use a timer and check for doneness early

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 494
Carbs: 53g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 17g
Sodium: 1144mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Calcium: 630mg

Disclaimer: Nutrition is estimated and can vary depending on ingredients. This is not diet food and that’s the point

Made It? Can You Share it with Us

Tag me on Pinterest or Facebook with your cheesy creations. Bonus points for cute bowls and zero crumbs left behind