🧀🌭 Slow Cooker Sausage Mac & Cheese
Introduction
Get ready for the ultimate comfort-food dinner! This Slow Cooker Sausage Mac & Cheese combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with smoky sliced sausage for a rich, hearty meal the whole family will love.
😍The best part is how easy it is: everything goes into the slow cooker, allowing the pasta to become tender while the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
The smoked sausage adds a delicious savory flavor that makes this mac and cheese extra satisfying.Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, game days, and gatherings!
🛒 Ingredients
🌭 Sausage 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage or kielbasa
1 tablespoon butter or oil, optional
🧀 Mac & Cheese
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
8 oz (225 g) Velveeta or processed American cheese, cubed
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste🌽 Optional
1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
½ teaspoon smoked paprikaChopped green onions or parsley for garnishCrumbled cooked bacon—
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the SausageSlice the smoked sausage into thick rounds.
For extra flavor, you can quickly brown the sausage in a skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.
This step is optional but gives the sausage a delicious caramelized exterior
.—2. Add the MacaroniLightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and spread it evenly across the bottom.
—3. Add the DairyPour in:Whole milkHeavy creamEvaporated milkStir gently to combine.
—4. Add the CheeseAdd the cubed Velveeta, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack.Then add the butter.
—5. SeasonSprinkle in:Garlic powderOnion powderPaprikaBlack pepperSaltStir everything together gently.
—6. Add the SausageArrange the sliced smoked sausage around the top of the macaroni mixture.If you’re adding corn, sprinkle it evenly over the top as well.
—7. Slow CookCover with the lid and cook on:LOW: 2–3 hoursorHIGH: 1–1½ hoursStir every 30–45 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking together and to help the cheese melt evenly.
The macaroni is ready when it’s tender and the sauce is creamy and thick.
⚠️ Avoid overcooking—the pasta can become mushy if left in the slow cooker too long.
—8. Add Extra CheeseDuring the final 10–15 minutes, sprinkle a little extra cheddar or Monterey Jack over the top.Cover and allow the cheese to melt completely.
—9. RestTurn the slow cooker to WARM and let the mac and cheese sit uncovered for about 5–10 minutes.The sauce will thicken slightly as it rests.
—10. Garnish & ServeTop with chopped green onions, parsley, or crispy bacon if desired.Serve hot with the smoky sausage pieces mixed throughout the creamy macaroni.
💡 Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese
🧀 Use freshly shredded cheeseFreshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
🌭 Brown the sausageIt’s optional, but browning the sausage first adds much more flavor.
🥛 Use full-fat dairyWhole milk and heavy cream create a richer and creamier sauce.
🍝 Watch the pastaSlow cookers vary, so start checking the macaroni early. You want it tender but not mushy.
🔥 Want it spicy?Add diced jalapeños, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.
🥓 Make it loadedAdd cooked bacon, jalapeños, and extra cheddar for an incredible loaded version.
—🍽️ What to Serve With It
This creamy sausage mac & cheese pairs perfectly with:
🥗 Green salad
🥦 Steamed broccoli
🌽 Corn
🥒 Pickles
🥖 Garlic bread
🥬 Coleslaw
🍅 Roasted vegetables
—❤️ Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Sausage Mac & Cheese is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and incredibly comforting.
The combination of tender macaroni, melted cheese, and savory smoked sausage creates a satisfying meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for a family gathering.
😍With just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker doing most of the work, you can have a warm, cheesy dinner ready with minimal effort.
Creamy mac & cheese + smoky sausage = the ultimate comfort food! 🧀🌭🔥👉 Would you add bacon or jalapeños to yours?