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Home » Recipes » You Will Fall in Love With This Super Easy 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

You Will Fall in Love With This Super Easy 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Filed Under: Christmas, sides, Slow Cooker and Freezer Meals, Thanksgiving, Top 10 Thanksgiving Sides November 13, 2023

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Enter a world of culinary simplicity with a 5 ingredient slow cooker mac and cheese recipe that surprises with its deliciousness. Crafted with just five ingredients, this creamy delight transforms comfort food into an easy-to-master masterpiece.

5 ingredient mac and cheese cooked in a crock pot with a spoon

The Five Ingredients

One 8 oz package of cream cheese, 2 1/2 cups of milk, 4 cups of your favorite shredded cheese, a can of evaporated milk, and elbow macaroni. That’s all you need for this crockpot wonder.

How Easy is it?

Toss cream cheese, milk, shredded cheese, and evaporated milk into the crockpot. Set it on high for an hour, allowing the magic to happen as your kitchen fills with the aroma of cheesy goodness.

Cook elbow macaroni separately. Introduce it to the crockpot mix, and witness the seemingly watery concoction become a velvety elixir as the macaroni soaks up the liquid, creating a smooth, luxurious texture.

The Convenience of the Slow Cooker

In a world where time is precious, the slow cooker comes to the rescue. This recipe lets you set the stage and forget about it until the aroma of melting cheeses and savory goodness fills your kitchen.

slow cooker

If you’re new to the slow cooker, or looking for a new one, this is the one that I know, love, and recommend. It’s treated me well through the years, travels well, and has automatic shut off/timer.

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    Perfect for All Occasions

    Imagine a creamy side dish that steals the spotlight at gatherings with minimal effort. Whether you’re visiting friends or hosting Thanksgiving, this 5 ingredient slow cooker mac and cheese is a versatile hero, freeing up your oven and ensuring a dish that’s devoured with delight.

    In a realm where cooking joy meets simplicity demands, this 5-Ingredient Crockpot Mac and Cheese stands tall. It’s proof that a handful of ingredients and minimal kitchen time can redefine mac and cheese expectations. Embrace the ease, revel in the creaminess, and let this recipe be your tastebud’s easy-to-love companion in your busy schedule.

    FOR MORE EASY HOLIDAY RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:

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    MORE HOLIDAY RECIPES TO TRY:

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    5 ingredient slow cooker mac and cheese in slow cooker with a spoon

    5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe


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    • Author: Maria Ronan
    • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
    • Yield: 12 1x
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    Description

    Unlock the secret to a luscious mac and cheese with just five ingredients! This recipe features the creaminess of cream cheese, the richness of cheddar, and the convenience of a crockpot, making it a stress-free yet indulgent addition to your table. Cooked separately, the elbow macaroni adds the perfect texture to this velvety delight, making it a standout dish for any occasion.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
    • 2 1/2 cups milk
    • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese for mac and cheese)
    • 1 can evaporated milk
    • 1 16oz package Elbow macaroni (cooked separately)

    Instacart Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    1. In a crockpot, combine cream cheese, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and evaporated milk.
    2. Cook on high for 1 hour, allowing the ingredients to meld together.
    3. Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni separately according to package instructions.
    4. After the initial hour, add the cooked macaroni to the crockpot and continue cooking for an additional 45 minutes.
    5. Stir well to achieve a velvety, smooth consistency.
    6. Serve and enjoy the creamy goodness!

    Notes

    I have seen this cooked with the raw macaroni for 2.5 hours total. I tried this and then I had to go somewhere so the macaroni got quite mushy. I think this process is possible if you plan to eat right at 2.5 hours but it leaves such a high margin for error, it’s not my recommendation.

    • Prep Time: 5
    • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

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    Share a photo and tag Meals With Maria — I can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

    Maria Ronan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Thank you for supporting Meals With Maria! My videos and website are for entertainment purposes only. Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Maria Ronan is not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video and website.

    Tagged With: christmas, crock pot, crockpot, holiday, low ingredient, mac and cheese, pasta, side, side dish, slow cooker, thanksgiving

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ann Crawford

      November 15, 2025 at 3:34 pm

      How much macaroni?

      Reply
      • contactmealswithmaria

        November 16, 2025 at 5:46 pm

        1 16oz package! Sorry I will fix that!

        Reply
    2. Aaliyah Davis

      December 23, 2025 at 8:25 pm

      This was my first time making anything in a crock pot and it was so easy and delicious!

      Reply
      • contactmealswithmaria

        December 29, 2025 at 9:55 pm

        I’m so glad you loved it!

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Maria — a wife and mom of three boys, lifelong food lover, and self-proclaimed “hostess-in-training” following in my grandmother’s footsteps (she's 87 and still hosts us for elegant dinners).

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