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Comforting Crock Pot Cheesy Beefy Mac Casserole

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A warm, cheesy, and effortless slow cooker casserole combining ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a blend of cheddar and Velveeta cheeses for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Optional: 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Add uncooked elbow macaroni, evaporated milk, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, butter, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Velveeta cubes evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2.5 hours. Check at 2 hours for doneness; pasta should be tender but not mushy. Continue cooking if needed, checking every 15 minutes.
  7. Once cooked, give the casserole a final stir and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
  8. Optional: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese or crispy fried onions on top and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not open the slow cooker lid frequently during cooking to avoid heat loss and extended cooking time. If casserole is too thick near the end, stir in a splash of milk or broth to loosen. Browning the beef first adds flavor and prevents rubbery texture. Use sharp cheddar for best flavor contrast. Let casserole rest covered for 5-10 minutes after cooking to thicken and set.

Nutrition

Keywords: crock pot, slow cooker, cheesy beef casserole, beefy mac, comfort food, easy dinner, mac and cheese, family meal

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/comforting-crock-pot-cheesy-beefy-mac-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea/