Healthy Loaded Mac ‘N Cheese
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I'm taking a classic box of organic mac ‘n cheese and loading it with fresh veggies and protein for Healthy Loaded Mac ‘N Cheese that is just as easy as it is delicious! The whole family will love this recipe.
If you love simple dinner recipes as much as I do, be sure to check out some of my other favorites like Classic Shepherd's Pie, Healthy Chicken & Kale Soup, or my Slow Cooker Cozy Beef Chili.
Table of Contents
This recipe for Healthy Loaded Mac ‘N Cheese is so incredibly easy! I make this all the time, as I can easily switch it up by changing the veggies and protein. Not only that, but you can use a box of organic mac and cheese or you can also just use noodles and organic cheddar cheese powder. Either one will do! When I use a box of mac and cheese, I use Annie's Organic as that one is my fave.
I take a classic box of mac and cheese and add fresh veggies and protein to create a healthy dinner that's easy and quick. In this recipe I add red pepper, red onion, kale, and ham, but you can also use whatever you have in the fridge. If you don't have the specific veggies or protein I used, you can use different ones as well and I provide variations below!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: I love this recipe because it's quick and easy. Using a boxed macaroni and cheese brings flavor and ease.
Healthy Comfort Food: This recipe is healthy comfort food! Combining your classic mac and cheese with lots of fresh veggies and protein makes this a nostalgic and healthy meal.
Versatile: I provide variations below for different add in options, making this recipe one you can make all the time by simply switching up the veggies and protein!
Ingredients & Health Benefits
Boxed Mac ‘N Cheese: I use Annie's Organic Mac ‘N Cheese.
Butter: When making boxed mac n cheese, you need butter. My favorite is Organic Valley.
Milk: You also need milk! I love Organic Valley Grassmilk or Alexandre Family Farms A2 Milk, always use whole milk for best flavor. Grassmilk or A2 milk is going to be the healthiest choice for your gut.
Kale: I add organic kale for fiber and gut health.
Red Onion: I love organic red onion as it provides a sweet onion flavor and it's not over powering. Plus, they're loaded with antioxidants.
Red Pepper: I use organic red bell pepper, but any color you like is fine. I prefer the red for flavor and because it has the most nutrients as it's been on the vine the longest.
Deli Ham: I use Organic Prairie Deli Ham as the ham goes so well with the cheese and veggies!
Tools Needed
Cast Iron Skillet (use code MIMIBAKES for 10% off your order!)
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Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Fill a pot with 6 cups water, and bring to a boil.
Step 2
Add the noodles, and cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are done (this will take a few minutes longer at high altitude, so make sure to test the noodles).
Step 3
While noodles are cooking, add the bell pepper and onion to a large skillet with 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent and fragrant and the peppers are cooked, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 4
Remove the noodles from heat once cooked, and strain. Place noodles back into pot. Add the remaining butter, milk, and stir to combine completely. Add the kale and stir to combine, cover with a lid and let the steam cook the kale.
Step 5
Add in the onions, peppers, and ham and stir to combine completely. Salt and pepper to taste.
Variations
I love making this recipe as mac and cheese is nostalgic for me, and if you're buying an organic version and loading it with good stuff, then this is a really easy and nutritious dinner that the whole family will love! Plus with all the variations, you can make this on the regular!
- turkey, zucchini, red onion, mushrooms
- chicken, mushrooms, spinach, scallions
- sausage, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms
- ham, spinach, mushrooms, broccoli
FAQ's
Yes, in this recipe you can substitute spinach for kale or zucchini for bell peppers. You can also try the variations I list above.
Yes, feel free to remove meat if you prefer.
Craving More?
Healthy Loaded Mac ‘N Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- ½ red onion (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups kale (de-stemmed)
- 6 ounces deli ham (chopped)
Instructions
- Fill a pot with 6 cups water, and bring to a boil.
- Add the noodles, and cook 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are done (this will take a few minutes longer at high altitude, so make sure to test the noodles).
- While noodles are cooking, add the bell pepper and onion to a large skillet with 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent and fragrant and the peppers are cooked, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Remove the noodles from heat once cooked, and strain. Place noodles back into pot. Add the remaining butter, milk, and stir to combine completely. Add the kale and stir to combine, cover with a lid and let the steam cook the kale.
- Add in the onions, peppers, and ham and stir to combine completely. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutrition
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