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.

To make this even more budget-friendly or kid-pleasing, you can swap part of the cheddar for whatever cheese you have—American slices, Colby, or a mild blend all melt nicely.

If your family likes a little extra flavor, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder with the salt at the beginning. For a protein boost on lean nights, add 1 cup of drained canned tuna or cooked, crumbled ground beef when you stir in the evaporated milk and cheese.

You can also mix in 1 to 2 cups of thawed frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables during the final 15 to 20 minutes for a one-pot meal. For picky eaters, keep the seasonings very simple, use a mild cheese, and serve toppings on the side—like extra shredded cheese, a little ketchup, or crumbled crackers—so everyone can customize their own bowl without changing the base recipe.