Slow cooker mac and cheese is a must-have comfort meal for students who want cheap, easy, and filling food without using a stove.
Need a warm, cheesy, satisfying meal without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen? Enter Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese — the budget-friendly, no-fuss classic every student needs in their recipe collection. Perfect for late-night cramming, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, this dish combines creamy goodness with real simplicity. And the best part? You don’t even need a stove.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make the best slow cooker mac and cheese, with variations, storage tips, and a few tricks to make it cheaper, healthier, or even more indulgent. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or already mastering dorm cooking, this comfort food will earn a permanent spot on your meal plan.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥜 No boiling required: cook everything in one pot
- 💸 Super cheap ingredients like pasta, milk, and cheese
- 🤔 Minimal prep and almost no cleanup
- 🍽️ Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying
- 🏠 Dorm-friendly and easily scalable
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity | Budget Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 2 cups | Buy in bulk for savings |
| Shredded cheddar | 2 cups | Mix with cheaper mozzarella |
| Milk (whole or 2%) | 2 cups | Use powdered milk as backup |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | Store-brand butter works great |
| Cream cheese | ½ cup (optional) | Adds creaminess, skip to save cost |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Optional, adds flavor |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Basic pantry staples |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Grease your slow cooker with a bit of butter or spray to avoid sticking.
- Add pasta, milk, shredded cheese, butter, and garlic powder into the cooker.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to avoid clumping.
- When pasta is tender and cheese is melted, add salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: stir in cream cheese at the end for an extra creamy texture.
✅ Serve immediately or keep on “warm” for up to 2 hours.
Get Your Free Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
PrintSlow Cooker Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Student Comfort Food
A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese made entirely in the slow cooker—perfect for students on a budget. Easy, no-boil, no-fuss comfort food using pantry staples.
- Total Time: ~2 hrs
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
2 tbsp butter
½ cup cream cheese (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Grease your slow cooker with butter or spray.
Add pasta, milk, cheddar, butter, and garlic powder.
Stir well to mix.
Cook on low for 1.5–2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
When pasta is tender and cheese is fully melted, season with salt and pepper.
Notes
Add a bit of mozzarella or cream cheese for extra stretch and creaminess.
Works well as a meal prep option.
Skip the cream cheese to cut costs.
Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 1.5–2 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Comfort food
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Easy Variations
- Extra Protein: Add cooked chopped chicken or canned tuna.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in sriracha, jalapeños, or chili flakes.
- Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas, spinach, or steamed broccoli.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and margarine.
How to Store and Reheat
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly with a splash of milk.
- Reheating: Microwave in 30-second bursts, stir between each, or reheat on stove.
Cost Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Ingredient | Approx. Cost | Per Serving (6 portions) |
| Macaroni (2 cups) | $0.80 | $0.13 |
| Cheese (2 cups) | $2.00 | $0.33 |
| Milk (2 cups) | $0.50 | $0.08 |
| Butter | $0.40 | $0.07 |
| Cream cheese | $0.75 | $0.13 |
| Spices | $0.10 | $0.02 |
| Total | $4.55 | $0.76 per serving |
👉 Check out our full guide to Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes for more student-friendly ideas!
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes! Shells, rotini, or penne work too just check doneness early.
Can I cook it on high instead of low?
You can, but stir every 20 minutes to prevent sticking or burning. It’ll be ready in ~1 hour.
How do I make it creamier?
Add extra cheese or stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese near the end.
Is this recipe microwave-safe?
Once cooked, yes — great for reheating leftovers.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough (at least 6 quarts).
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward comfort food for students. It’s cheap, fast, filling, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking to meal prep, save money, or just satisfy a cheese craving, this recipe is for you.
Try it this week, share it with your roommates, and make it part of your student survival toolkit. Because when your dinner cooks itself while you study — that’s what we call a win.