Description
Trisha Yearwood’s Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, rich, and comforting dish made easy by cooking it low and slow in a slow cooker. This recipe features elbow macaroni combined with evaporated milk, whole milk, eggs, and sharp Cheddar cheese, resulting in a smooth, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked
Dairy and Eggs
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 (10-ounce) bricks sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 5 cups), divided
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Dash of pepper
- Dash of paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine ingredients: In the slow cooker, mix together the cooked elbow macaroni, evaporated milk, whole milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, beaten eggs, and all but ½ cup of the grated sharp Cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture. Then add a dash of paprika on top for added color and a subtle smoky flavor.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 hours and 15 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and the cheese to melt perfectly into a creamy sauce.
- Finish and serve: Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker, stir the macaroni and cheese to combine the top layer of cheese with the rest of the dish, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente before adding to the slow cooker; it will continue cooking during the slow cooker process.
- You can substitute sharp Cheddar with other cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially if using salted butter.
- Be sure not to overcook in the slow cooker to avoid a dry or overly thick mac and cheese.
- This recipe serves 12, making it ideal for gatherings or meal prepping.
