Description
A low-effort, high-reward creamy mac and cheese made by dumping ingredients directly into a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Dutch oven. This recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a rich, cheesy dish without the need for a roux or boiling pasta separately.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340 grams) dry elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (about 200 grams) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (about 115 grams) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Add the dry elbow macaroni to your chosen cooking vessel (slow cooker, Instant Pot, or Dutch oven).
- Pour in the heavy cream, milk, and melted butter, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper, then stir to combine.
- For Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours until pasta is tender. Stir in cheeses and cook for another 15-30 minutes until melted and creamy.
- For Instant Pot: Seal lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 4-5 minutes. Quick release pressure, then stir in cheese until melted.
- For Stovetop: Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Always shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk. If too thin, cook longer. The pasta will continue to cook in residual heat, so do not overcook in the slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours (Slow Cooker) or 10-12 minutes (Stovetop)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: mac and cheese, dump dinner, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, weeknight meals, family friendly