Throw dry elbow macaroni in the slow cooker and 4 other simple pantry items to get a meal so amazing your family will be begging for more.

This 5-ingredient slow cooker depression era macaroni is the kind of simple, comforting meal our grandparents would have stretched through tough times, but it still feels cozy and special today. You literally throw dry elbow macaroni into the slow cooker with just four other pantry staples and walk away.

A few hours later, you’ve got a creamy, cheesy, stick-to-your-ribs pasta that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s budget-friendly, uses what you probably already have on hand, and is easy enough for the busiest weeknights or when you’re just too tired to fuss with dinner.

Serve this macaroni hot and scoopable, straight from the slow cooker, with a simple green salad or steamed frozen vegetables on the side to round out the meal. Buttered toast or garlic bread makes a nice, inexpensive pairing for soaking up the extra sauce.

If you want to stretch it even further, serve smaller portions alongside sliced apples or carrot sticks for the kids. A sprinkle of black pepper or hot sauce at the table lets everyone adjust the flavor to their own taste without complicating the basic recipe.

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Depression Era Macaroni

Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 cups dry elbow macaroni
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, packed

Directions