For some reason, we feel the need to improve upon perfection. Homemade Macaroni & Cheese is basically the perfect comfort food. It has pasta, melted cheese, salt, and it’s ready in less than 20 minutes.
But for some reason, people try to ruin it with things like tuna fish and peas.
Granted I’m the type that finds that combination simultaneously junky and delicious. But it still feels like a jab at Macaroni & Cheese. Tuna fish and peas is obviously a college kid’s attempt to add protein and vegetables to a meal decidedly lacking in both.
Let me share with you some alternatives. If you have guilt associated with eating the world’s most amazing comfort food, these will help.
Macaroni & Cheese & Broccoli
Macaroni and cheese with broccoli - still comfort food, but like, with some veggies.
Ingredients
- One 12-oz bag frozen broccoli
- 1 batch Macaroni & Cheese
Instructions
- While the pasta for the macaroni and cheese (recipe here) is simmering, Fill a medium size pot with 2-3 inches of water. Set it over medium-high heat. Pour frozen broccoli into the water. Cover with the lid and bring water to a boil.
- When it’s boiling, turn the heat off and let broccoli sit for 3-5 minutes, just until bright green and fork tender.
- Immediately strain the broccoli in a colander (this prevents it from overcooking in the hot water).
- When broccoli cools slightly, place it on a cutting board and chop it finely.
- Stir it into the macaroni and cheese and serve.
Notes
This is not the proper way to steam broccoli. By all means, check the 8 million Google search results for steaming frozen broccoli. Or read the back of the package. This is my lazy/fast way to cook frozen vegetables.
FLAVOR TIP: Instead of using frozen broccoli, saute 1/4 cup each finely chopped onion and peppers with finely chopped fresh broccoli. When the onion is translucent and broccoli is tender, stir it into the macaroni and cheese.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1 cupAmount Per Serving Calories 79Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 1mgSodium 118mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 3g
Hamburger Helper Macaroni & Cheese
A little bit like the classic boxed hamburger helper, here's an easy variation of my macaroni and cheese that adds a little more protein.
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups ground beef, browned*
- 1 batch Macaroni & Cheese
Instructions
- When macaroni is done simmering, stir in the beef with the shredded cheese.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- *Make Ahead Ground Beef works great here. If possible, use a salt-free batch - macaroni and cheese is plenty salty on its own.
- TIP: You can also add 1-2 cups diced tomatoes (canned or fresh - saute the fresh ones until soft).
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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1 cupAmount Per Serving Calories 268Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 68mgSodium 180mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 22g
Please note: The actual calories and nutrition of this dish will change depending on what ingredients you use. Nutrition information is not always accurate.
Macaroni & Cheese & Greens
Add some greens for a healthier take on macaroni and cheese
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 4 cups fresh greens, chopped, (2-3 cups if using frozen)
- 1 batch Macaroni & Cheese
Instructions
- While pasta is simmering, set a frying pan over medium heat. Add and melt 1 tablespoon butter or oil. Saute finely chopped onion and peppers until onion is translucent.
- Add greens and cover pan. Reduce heat to low and cook until greens are wilted.
- When macaroni and cheese is done, stir in vegetables.
Notes
EASY VERSION: Skip the onion and peppers. Instead, toss the chopped greens directly into the pasta as it boils and then simmers, cooking both simultaneously.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1 cupAmount Per Serving Calories 110Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 1mgSodium 131mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 6gSugar 3gProtein 5g
Please note: The actual calories and nutrition of this dish will change depending on what ingredients you use. Nutrition information is not always accurate.
Loaded Macaroni & Cheese
Add all three macaroni and cheese variations to bring all the protein and veggies to this classic comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 4 cups fresh greens, chopped, (2-3 cups if using frozen)
- One 12-oz bag frozen broccoli, chopped finely, (or fresh)
- 1-2 cups ground beef, browned*
- 1 batch Macaroni & Cheese
Instructions
- While pasta is simmering, set a frying pan over medium heat. Add and melt 1 tablespoon butter or oil. Saute finely chopped onion and peppers until onion is translucent.
- Add broccoli and greens and cover pan. Reduce heat to low and cook until greens are wilted and broccoli is tender.
- When macaroni and cheese is done, stir in beef, to taste.
Notes
EASY VERSION:
Skip the onion and peppers. Instead, toss greens directly into the macaroni as it boils and then simmers, cooking both simultaneously. Steam broccoli separately (to prevent overcooking). When Macaroni and cheese is done, stir in broccoli and beef until it’s one messy, cheesy, conglomerate of glorious, one-pot meal.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1 cupAmount Per Serving Calories 332Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 68mgSodium 206mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 7gSugar 3gProtein 27g
Please note: The actual calories and nutrition of this dish will change depending on what ingredients you use. Nutrition information is not always accurate.
Your Turn.
What do you add to your Macaroni & Cheese?
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