Looking for the ultimate comfort food to cozy up with on chilly evenings? Look no further than our mouthwatering recipe for Crockpot Broccoli and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese! 🧀🥦🥓 This creamy and indulgent crockpot macaroni and cheese with tender elbow macaroni, savory bacon, and nutritious broccoli, all smothered in a gooey blend of cheddar, Velveeta, and cream cheese. Plus, it’s all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker for ultimate convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite. So grab your Crockpot and get ready to enjoy a bowlful of cheesy goodness!

Crockpot Broccoli and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Not only is this Crockpot Broccoli and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese incredibly delicious, but it’s also a breeze to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can have a hearty and satisfying meal ready with minimal effort. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker, give it a good stir, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, the addition of broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition to this classic comfort food, making it a win-win for everyone at the table.

Mac and cheese is a staple in our house. We are always turning to our copycat Chick-fil-A mac and cheese, our Velveeta mac and cheese, and our air fryer mac and cheese. Lately, though I have been turning to my crockpot broccoli and bacon macaroni and cheese. This crockpot meal has everything you need, protein, vegetables, carbs, and delicious flavor all in one pot. With about 5 minutes of prep, you will be serving your family in no time.

What You Will Love About This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this Crockpot Broccoli and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese recipe! First and foremost, the taste is unbeatable. The combination of creamy cheese, savory bacon, tender macaroni, and nutritious broccoli creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly comforting and satisfying, making it the perfect meal to warm you up on cold days or when you’re in need of some serious comfort food. Another great thing about this recipe is its convenience. With just a few minutes of prep time and your slow cooker doing all the work, you can have a delicious homemade meal ready with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. And let’s not forget about the leftovers – if you’re lucky enough to have any, they’re just as tasty reheated the next day! Overall, this Crockpot Broccoli and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household for its deliciousness, ease of preparation, and pure comfort factor.

Ingredients

1 (16 ounces) package of elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons butter

1 (12 ounces) can evaporated milk

2 1/2 cups of milk

4 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided

8 ounces Velveeta, cubed

1 (8 ounces) package of cream cheese, cubed

½ teaspoon dry mustard

1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

1 (12 ounces) package of broccoli florets, thawed

How to Make Crockpot Broccoli and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook macaroni for 6 minutes. Drain and rinse.
Prepare the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
To the slow cooker, add the cooked macaroni, butter, evaporated milk, milk, 3 cups shredded cheddar, Velveeta, cream cheese, and dry mustard. Stir to combine.

Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
About 30 minutes prior to serving, stir in the broccoli and bacon. Re-cover and continue cooking until the broccoli is at desired tenderness.

Sprinkle the macaroni with the reserved cheddar cheese and cover until melted. Sprinkle with additional cooked and crumbled bacon if desired.

Tips & Tricks

Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality sharp cheddar cheese. The sharpness of the cheese adds depth to the dish and complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Cook Bacon in Advance: Save time by cooking the bacon ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. You can also use store-bought cooked bacon bits to save even more time.
Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients. You can add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture, or swap out the broccoli for spinach or peas.
Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on your macaroni and cheese as it cooks in the slow cooker. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker model, so adjust accordingly to ensure that the pasta doesn’t overcook and become mushy.
Stir Occasionally: To ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed and cooked, give your macaroni and cheese a stir occasionally during the cooking process.
Garnish Before Serving: Sprinkle some extra shredded cheese and cooked bacon bits on top of the macaroni and cheese just before serving for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor.

Can I make this without a crockpot?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe without a crockpot! If you don’t have one, you can simply prepare everything on the stovetop and bake it in the oven.

Here’s how:
Cook the pasta as directed in the recipe, then drain and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then stir in the evaporated milk, regular milk, 3 cups of shredded cheddar, Velveeta, cream cheese, and dry mustard. Stir until everything is melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture, stirring until well coated.
Fold in the broccoli and bacon, then transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Top with the remaining shredded cheddar and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

This stovetop-and-oven method will give you the same delicious result without the need for a slow cooker!

Reheating

To reheat your mac and cheese, place your desired amount in a microwavable safe bowl and heat up in 30-second intervals. Stir in between each 30-second interval.

FAQs about cheesecloth

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional and adds a rich flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyere, mozzarella, or even blue cheese to customize the taste to your preference.

Absolutely! If you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or additional vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers.

Yes, you can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Simply chop the fresh broccoli into small florets and add them to the slow cooker as directed in the recipe. Keep in mind that fresh broccoli may require slightly longer cooking time to become tender.

Crockpot Broccoli and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Name: Crockpot Broccoli and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Ingredients: 1 (16 ounces) package of elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons butter; 1 (12 ounces) can evaporated milk; 2 1/2 cups of milk; 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided; 8 ounces Velveeta, cubed; 1 (8 ounces) package of cream cheese, cubed; ½ teaspoon dry mustard; 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 1 (12 ounces) package of broccoli florets, thawed

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Crockpot Broccoli and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect one-dish wonder that your kids are going to be craving again and again as it combines all the delicious flavors of mac and cheese and elevates it even more with the addition of broccoli and crispy bacon!

Ingredients

1 (16 ounces) package of elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
1 (12 ounces) can evaporated milk
2 1/2 cups of milk
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
8 ounces Velveeta, cubed
1 (8 ounces) package of cream cheese, cubed
½ teaspoon dry mustard
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 (12 ounces) package of broccoli florets, thawed

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook macaroni for 6 minutes. Drain and rinse.
Prepare the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
To the slow cooker, add the cooked macaroni, butter, evaporated milk, milk, 3 cups shredded cheddar, Velveeta, cream cheese, and dry mustard. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
About 30 minutes prior to serving, stir in the broccoli and bacon. Re-cover and continue cooking until the broccoli is at desired tenderness.
Sprinkle the macaroni with the reserved cheddar cheese and cover until melted. Sprinkle with additional cooked and crumbled bacon if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 727Total Fat: 57gSaturated Fat: 33gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 171mgSodium: 1416mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 39g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

Crockpot Mac & Cheese Loaded with Bacon and Broccoli Goodness