The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more!
It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend. The sun was shining, the weather was in the 60’s and it had me wondering if Illinois spent the whole week drunk? As I mentioned in my post yesterday, it snowed this past week. Then we spent yesterday out on our bikes, soaking up the sun for hours. Today, my kids are currently outside enjoying the weather again. The temps are supposed to drop mid-week and then 60’s again next weekend. I am not complaining, just wish Illinois would decide if it’s Winter or Spring. I’ll take the latter.
When it’s so beautiful outside, the last thing I want to be doing is working inside. I spent the morning cleaning the house, windows open and getting some work done. I felt incredibly accomplished until I realized I hadn’t thought of dinner yet….
I was just realized introduced to a new food blogger who has been blogging for quite some time now. Her name is Nicole and she started her blog, “4 the Love of Food” in 2011. I found her through #FoodBloggerLove. There’s a group of us who are, “spreading the love” and creating a recipe inspired by a blogger we’ve been paired up with. We were to let them know our likes, dislikes and a little bit about ourselves, but we have no idea who they are. I can’t wait to see what they cook up for me. I let them know I despise peas, love Mexican and bleed coffee.
So as I’m thinking about what to make for dinner, I was also thinking about Nicole and how she has two little ones at home, Ava and Stella. Nicole’s a busy mom, who loves Southern cooking and her slow cooker. I’d been thinking of what I was going to make for Nicole for quite some time and bought all the ingredients but just hadn’t quite made it yet. Then it dawned on me, Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese would be perfect tonight for dinner.
Now, I have to be honest here. My kids don’t love macaroni and cheese. I know, who are they? BUT, I also haven’t made homemade macaroni for them before either. So my hope is that Nicole’s children like macaroni and cheese, she can say time by throwing it in the slow cooker and that it’s Southern enough to make her happy too!
I started by boiling the elbow noodles for 5 short minutes. You don’t want them to get mushy in the slow cooker. While they were boiling, I add some butter, condensed soup, greek yogurt and milk to the slow cooker and set it to low to melt a little bit. When the noodles were done, into the slow cooker they went with extra sharp cheddar, pepper and dry mustard. Set that baby to low and cook for 1 1/2 hours and DING, dinner is served.
WOAH! You guys, I surprised myself. I was so worried that this would be dry, curdled and inedible but it.was.amazing. My husband wouldn’t stop digging into the slow cooker long enough so I could finish these pictures. My kids quickly gobbled down a bowl and I’m already salivating for the leftovers.
It’s creamy, cheesy and has a delicious flavor thanks to the fiesta nacho condensed soup. Most of you know, I don’t really like condensed soups, but it just works here to add incredible flavor, stability and creaminess. The fiesta nacho cheese flavor was not spicy in the slightest so don’t worry about the littles. You’ve got to make this for dinner tonight. It’s a cinch, budget friendly and a new family favorite in our household.
Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 6 servings
The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more!
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked to al dente and drained
- 4 tablespoons butter, diced
- 1 can (10.75oz) Fiesta Nacho cheese soup
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ½ half and half, I used Fat free
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Topping
- ½ breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon fresh parsley, finely diced
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Turn on to low and add butter, cheese soup and milks. Stir to combine.
- Add in cooked pasta, cheese, black pepper and dry mustard. Stir to combine
- Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- 30 minutes before the macaroni and cheese is done, toast breadcrumbs in a medium skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Place into a small bowl and add parmesan cheese and parsley.
- When the macaroni and cheese is finished cooking, place into bowls and top with toasted breadcrumbs.
Courses Dinner
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 6 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 427 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 20 g | 31% | |
Saturated Fat 11 g | 55% | |
Cholesterol 55 mg | 18% | |
Sodium 783 mg | 33% | |
Total Carbohydrates 42 g | 14% | |
Dietary Fiber 2 g | 8% | |
Sugars 8 g | ||
Protein 20 g | 40% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Nicole, I hope that I have made a meal that your whole family will enjoy. I am so happy to have found your wonderful blog through these amazing friends I call food bloggers. We really are our own group always helping and inspiring one another. I couldn’t be happier to be among some of the best internet foodie friends around.
Be sure to check out Nicole’s blog here. It’s packed full of delicious food, desserts and cooking videos all with a little bit of Southern charm.
You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram.
If you’d like, you can join our Facebook group, Food Blogger Love, and sign up to be a part of the #FoodBloggerLove round-up next year.
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valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
Slow cooker mac and cheese is tasty! I remember the first time I tried making it back in the late 80s, I messed it up so badly even the dog wouldn’t go near it!
Megan Marlowe says
Lol, this is foolproof-promise! Give it a try!
Mark, CompassandFork says
I have just completed a road trip through the South and I could not believe how many eateries offered mac and cheese. But not sure I saw any cooked in a slow cooker. I love my slow cooker so will definitely be trying this one out.
Megan Marlowe says
Yes, everyone loves a good, cheesy bowl of macaroni and cheese!
linda spiker says
That looks fantastic! There is truly nothing more yummy than homemade mac and cheese!
Megan Marlowe says
I agree!
Laura says
Since moving to the states, Mac and Cheese has quickly become my favourite comfort food and this looks like absolute perfection!
Megan Marlowe says
It’s the perfect comfort food! ??
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
i love all things mac & cheese! this looks great. perfect for #foodbloggerlove!
Megan Marlowe says
Thank you!
Nikki says
There’s nothing like the comfort of mac & cheese! I love to be able to make it in the crockpot it makes it easy and delicious.
Megan Marlowe says
I couldn’t agree more!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
OMG, my kiddos would go crazy for this. It looks so creamy and I love how easy it is to put together. I can see myself making this on Monday and having leftovers for quick meals during the week. Love how you are pairing up with other bloggers on this. What a great idea!
Megan Marlowe says
Yes, plenty of leftovers and perfect as a side dish too! Thanks so much, Karen!
Amanda says
This is so easy! It has been ages since I saw a recipe using the canned cheese soup, but it is perfect in a slow cooker recipe.
Megan Marlowe says
I’m not a huge canned soup fan but in here it just works!
Byron Thomas says
Looks delicious! I love mac and cheese and had no idea that you could cook it in a slow cooker. How great is that? I’ve read through your post twice, but I can’t find a list of ingredients. Did you forget to put them in there?
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
It seems like the slow cooker is the thing this year. Here I lost my old-fashioned slow cooker somewhere in our moves but I don’t think I could have adapted it to this recipe. I love mac and cheese – this recipe looks fantastic. Looks like I’d better start shopping for a slow-cooker.
melody says
hahaha! Megan!
My boys are just the opposite of your kids — I slaved one day over a homemade baked mac & cheese with a fancy gourmet cheese,,, They asked how come we couldn’t afford the Kraft boxes any more! 😀
Megan Marlowe says
LOL! Kids crack me up! Just wait until they are grown ups and have to fend for themselves!
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
I bet a few slices of black truffles will just elevate this dish! I can’t wait to make these tonight!
Sara @ Modern Little Victories says
Texas is doing the exact same thing weather wise. It was hot and sunny this weekend and today it’s rainy and cold. So this mac & cheese definitely would be great on a cold day like today. It looks amazing!
Megan Marlowe says
Yes, comfort food is all I crave when the weather is crummy!
Stephanie@ApplesforCj says
Mac and Cheese is probably one of my all time favorite comfort foods. Love how you made this in the slow cooker. Definitely makes planning dinner much easier.
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I had no idea you could put pasta in a slow cooker! What a clever idea!
Pam Wattenbarger says
I love using my slow cooker, especially on busy weekdays when I will need to feed the whole family. I have never made macaroni and cheese in my slow cooker before though!
Megan Marlowe says
It’s so fast and easy! You’ve gotta try it. You’ll be amazed!
Karen says
Megan that looks fantastic! What a great idea. There’s nothing wrong with condensed soup when it’s this tasty!
Veena Azmanov says
I just got myself a new slow cooker and this mac and cheese is now on my list of ‘must try’ This looks so absolutely delicious I must plan this soon. Thanks
Wendy Klik says
This sounds amazing. Creamy and comforting during these Midwest winters.
Megan Marlowe says
Yes, I can use all the comfort I can get during our winters!
Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says
I’ve never made slow cooker mac and cheese before! I love how clever you can be with a slow cooker– this looks delicious!
Noel says
There’s nothing like mac and cheese! We have it weekly at my house. And you know it’s good when the husband can’t keep the spoon out of the dish – he’s refilling so often!
Megan Marlowe says
LOL, yes indeed! I can always count on him to be my recipe tester! He’s pretty good at it!
Priya Srinivasan says
That looks droolicious!! My kids don’t enjoy mac and cheese as much as their noodles!! This recipe sounds pretty easy, just dump everything and dangg you have dinner in an hour or so!!!
Megan Marlowe says
Yes, it’s easy-peasy!
Hanady | Recipe Nomad says
Oh my goodness I think I’ve died and gone to heaven! Mac and cheese is my favorite- when I say I’m making it for the kids it’s really for me lol!
Megan Marlowe says
LOL, I’m with you! Mac and cheese is awesome!
Adriana Lopez Martn says
What a great recipe, super easy to make and a crowd pleaser too. Amazing to serve this for a party at home. Must try your mac n cheese recipe soon my grandson is big fan of mac.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
There is no other comfort food than a bowl of warm Mac & Cheese. Slow cooker version sounds so delicious and simple to make and the texture of the mac n cheese looks great!
Megan Marlowe says
I couldn’t agree more! Thank you!
Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health says
Glad to hear your weekend was great. You had the sun this weekend? I’m sooo jealous. Just kidding 😉 We still have Mordor-weather here. But I know what could cheer you up on a lousy weather… this delicious macaroni and cheese, right! Just look at this beautiful pots filled with deliciousness. Worth every single extra calorie, right! 😉 Sharing and pinning!
Megan Marlowe says
Yes, we’re still in Winter so it’s comfort food all the way. I’ll change my tune when it’s warm out and the kids want to go to the pool, LOL!
Tina Marie says
You must be channeling my family, they asked for Mac and Cheese the other day! Great recipe. #FoodBloggerLove
Megan Marlowe says
Thank you so much, Tina!
Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says
My toddler is also not a macaroni and cheese fan! I’ve spent the past year feeding him as many ethnic foods as I can to expand his palate and I guess I did too good of a job because he’ll eat any curry, no matter how spicy, all forms of sushi, Korean food, Greek food, everything – but not plain old macaroni and cheese. Even if it’s all handmade, down to the pasta. Oh well – more for me! 😉
Molly Kumar says
This seriously looks so delicious and I’m so ready to scrap even the last bit out of that slow-cooker. This would make such an easy=peasy dinner or a weekend menu and the best part, its so easy to make.
Megan Marlowe says
Yes, super simple and super delicious!
Pa says
Oh my, that sure is a creamy and very delicious looking mac & cheese. My kids, I’m sure, will LOVE it.
Megan Marlowe says
I hope they do! Thank you so much!
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
I have a slow cooker mac and cheese recipe I use from an old church cookbook but it seems to dry out very quickly. My family loves it though when it is first made. I think next time I will try your version and see how they like it. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
Megan Marlowe says
I would say the keep to keep it from drying out, is really watching your slow cooker. I know that sounds silly, but when I lifted the lid off mine to take a peek (i know you shouldn’t) I just knew it was finished. Any longer and it would have been dry and mushy!
Jae | Dreaming of Leaving says
Oh my goodness this looks absolutely scrumptious! What a fantastic recipe, definitely pinning 🙂 have a great day xo
Megan Marlowe says
Thank you so much, Jae!