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Slow Cooker Macaroni Cheese
Creamy, soft and utterly comforting — made entirely in the slow cooker
EASY MEALS FOR ELDERLY PARENTS
6/6/20263 min read
Macaroni cheese is one of those dishes that crosses every generation - children love it, adults love it and elderly parents absolutely adore it.
This slow cooker version is particularly wonderful because the pasta cooks directly in the creamy cheese sauce, absorbing every bit of flavour as it slowly softens. The result is mac and cheese that is creamier and more flavourful than any stovetop version - and you barely have to do anything at all.
For elderly parents this is comfort food at its finest. Soft pasta, rich creamy sauce, familiar flavour. It's warm, satisfying and easy to eat with just a spoon.
Why This Recipe Works
Completely soft pasta - cooks until very tender in the creamy sauce
Rich and creamy sauce - smooth, flowing and easy to eat
High in protein and calcium - cheese and milk provide substantial nutrition
Familiar and comforting - universally loved across all generations
Hands off cooking - the slow cooker does everything
Freezes reasonably well - up to 2 months (see notes)
Recipe Details
Serves: 6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 2–2.5 hours on LOW Freeze: Up to 2 months (texture changes slightly)
Ingredients
400g macaroni or small pasta shells (uncooked)
600ml full cream milk
300ml evaporated milk
2 cups grated tasty cheese
1 cup grated gruyere or extra tasty cheese
50g butter, cubed
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and white pepper to taste
Extra cheese for topping
Pinch of paprika for topping
Method
Step 1 - Combine in slow cooker Add the uncooked pasta, full cream milk, evaporated milk, butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and onion powder to the slow cooker. Season well with salt and white pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 2 - Cook Cover and cook on LOW for 1.5–2 hours stirring every 30 minutes. The pasta will absorb the milk as it cooks. Check at the 1.5 hour mark — the pasta should be just tender.
Step 3 - Add the cheese Once the pasta is tender add both cheeses. Stir vigorously until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick add a splash of warm milk and stir through.
Step 4 - Optional - finish under the grill For a golden top transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese and a pinch of paprika over the top and place under the grill for 3–4 minutes until golden and bubbling. This step is optional but lovely.
Step 5 - Serve Serve immediately in warm bowls. The mac and cheese will continue to thicken as it sits — add a splash of warm milk and stir if needed.
Freezing Notes
Mac and cheese can be frozen but the texture of the pasta changes slightly - it becomes softer and the sauce can separate a little on reheating. To minimise this:
Cool completely before freezing
Portion into individual containers
Freeze up to 2 months
Reheat gently with a splash of milk stirring frequently - this brings the sauce back together beautifully
Always ensure food is piping hot all the way through before serving.
Kim's Tips
💕 Stir every 30 minutes - this prevents the pasta sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking. Set a timer so you don't forget.
💕 Evaporated milk is the secret - it gives the sauce a creaminess and richness that regular milk alone cannot achieve. Don't substitute it.
💕 Add cheese off the heat - or at the very end of cooking on LOW. Adding cheese to high heat can make it grainy and oily. Low and slow melting gives a smooth result.
💕 Every slow cooker is different - cooking times vary between slow cookers. Check at 1.5 hours and adjust. The pasta is ready when it's tender but not mushy.
💕 Add vegetables - finely diced broccoli, peas or spinach can be stirred in with the cheese at the end. They warm through in the residual heat and boost the nutritional value beautifully.
💕 Breadcrumb topping - mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and grated parmesan and sprinkle over the top before grilling. Adds a gorgeous crunch.
What You'll Need
A good slow cooker is essential. I've linked mine along with individual freezer containers on my Amazon storefront.
👉 Shop my kitchen recommendations on Amazon
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The ultimate comfort food - I'd love to hear if Mum or Dad approved! Leave a comment below or come and find me on Instagram. You're not doing this alone. 💕