Veggie Mac and Cheese

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Bake: 15 min.
Yield 12 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
Take a decadent family fave, add in a variety of vegetables, and you've got a dinner worth being excited about: veggie mac and cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 cups fresh cauliflowerets
  • 3 large carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • 2 celery ribs, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook macaroni according to package directions, adding broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and celery during the last 6 minutes of cooking. Drain; transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat butter over medium-high heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in milk and broth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes; stir in cheese, mustard, salt and pepper.
  3. Add sauce to macaroni mixture, stirring to coat; sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 15-20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 391mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.

This creamy mac and cheese definitely doesn't come from a box! Fresh veggies add crunch and color and will leave everyone asking for seconds. —Marsha Morril, Harrisburg, Oregon
Recipe Creator

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