Who doesn't love macaroni and cheese, especially kids, right? But there's no need to turn to the box for mac and cheese the kids will love. Why not give them something homemade and healthy, too?
And with this mac and cheese pie recipe, your kids are getting a complete meal, with the vegetables and hot dogs baked right in the dish. Indeed, the whole family will love it.
Even better: This is a great make-ahead recipe, too. Just prepare it, bake it and refrigerate when cool. Heat it in a 350-degree oven the next day until warm and serve.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses. You can even add more veggies, too. Try red peppers, mushrooms and cauliflower.
Serve this baked macaroni and cheese pie with bok choy salad or pea salad and orange oatmeal cookies for dessert.
Three Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese Pie
- 1 lb. regular or whole wheat elbow macaroni
- 2 cups small broccoli florets
- 1 cup liquid egg substitute (such as Egg Beaters)
- 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 2 fat-free hot dogs, cut into 1/2-inch slices (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch pie pan with nonstick cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook 1-2 minutes shorter than the time suggested on the package. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking time. (So if the package recommends cooking the macaroni for 9 minutes, cook it for 7 minutes, adding the broccoli after 5 minutes.) Drain the pasta and broccoli.
Return the macaroni and broccoli to the cooking pot. Stir in the liquid egg substitute, ricotta cheese, hot dog slices and cheddar cheese. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into prepared pie pan. Top with Parmesan cheese. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the pie to rest 15-20 minutes before serving.
Note: This macaroni and cheese pie is even better the second day. Serve the leftovers for dinner or pack the pie in the kids' lunch boxes.
Serves 6.
Per serving: 414 calories, 7 g fat (4 g saturated), 21 mg cholesterol, 59 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 26 g protein, 23% Vitamin A, 37% Vitamin C, 28% calcium, 26% iron
See also:
- Baked Penne Pasta with Broccoli
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese Souffle
- Healthy Macaroni and Cheese
- Italian Baked Pasta Recipe
- Spinach Manicotti
- Easy Chicken Lasagna Recipe
- Broccoli Salad
