Secret Veggie Mac ‘n’ Cheese: 1 amazing dinner
A comforting and kid-friendly mac and cheese recipe with hidden vegetables, perfect for a family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pureed cooked carrots
- 1 cup pureed cooked cauliflower
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in pureed carrots and cauliflower until well combined.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use other pureed vegetables like sweet potato or butternut squash.
- For a crispier topping, sprinkle with breadcrumbs before baking.
- This recipe can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg