Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of mac and cheese effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish allows you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks. Rich with cheddar goodness and simple seasonings, it's perfect as a standalone dish or a side to your favorite meats.
3
Servings
1000
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
minced onions
2 tablespoons (none)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (none)
milk
3 cups (none)
grated cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (none)
uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Prepare your slow cooker by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the flour, salt, pepper, minced onions, and paprika.
3
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4
Continue to heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches a boil and begins to thicken.
5
Reduce the heat to low, add the grated cheddar cheese, and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
6
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni until it is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
7
Transfer the mixture to a 3.5-quart slow cooker.
8
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9
Once the pasta is tender and cooked through, give it a final stir and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
50g
Fat
100g
Carbs
50g
Protein
1.67g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
1500mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese?
You can cook it on low for 2 to 2.5 hours or on high for 1 hour.
Do I need to boil the elbow macaroni before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, the recipe uses uncooked elbow macaroni which cooks directly in the sauce within the slow cooker.
What size slow cooker should I use?
A 3.5-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
Why do I need to make the sauce in a saucepan first?
The saucepan step allows you to thicken the milk and flour mixture and melt the cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While grated cheddar is specified for its classic flavor, you can substitute other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
How do I prevent the mac and cheese from sticking to the slow cooker?
Ensure you spray the interior with non-stick cooking spray and stir the mixture occasionally during the cooking process.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 3 servings.
What are the main seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, minced onions, and paprika.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1000 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 50 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe high in sodium?
Yes, it contains 1500mg of sodium per serving.
What type of milk should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of milk; whole milk or 2% will provide the creamiest results.
Can I substitute the minced onions?
Yes, you can use onion powder or omit them if you prefer a smoother texture, though they add significant flavor.
Is it necessary to whisk the milk constantly?
Yes, whisking constantly while adding milk to the flour mixture prevents lumps from forming.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 50 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, though you should monitor the cooking time closely as gluten-free pasta can become mushy more quickly.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick after cooking, stir in a small splash of warm milk before serving.
How much uncooked macaroni is required?
The recipe uses 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, cooked bacon bits or diced ham can be stirred in during the final stages of cooking.
Is there any fiber in this meal?
There is approximately 1.67 grams of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 100 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh onions instead of minced?
Yes, but you should sauté them before adding to the sauce to ensure they are tender.
What is the sugar content?
There are 4 grams of sugar per serving.
Does this recipe include cholesterol information?
The provided data does not specify the cholesterol amount.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, provided you use a larger slow cooker (6-quart or larger) and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
It is tagged as comfort food, slow cooker, easy dinner, family meal, and one pot meal.
How do I know when the mac and cheese is done?
The dish is ready when the pasta is tender and has absorbed the excess liquid to form a thick sauce.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Grated cheddar is used; while pre-shredded works, freshly grated cheese often melts more smoothly.
Is this a good dish for busy weeknights?
Yes, the slow cooker method allows you to focus on other tasks while the meal cooks.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of milk.