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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped - 1 cup carrots, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cups milk - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Kid-Friendly Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Veggie Delight Mac & Cheese Casserole! This tasty twist on a classic dish combines creamy cheeses and nutritious veggies for a hearty meal that the whole family will love. With vibrant broccoli and carrots, this casserole is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, this recipe is sure to please everyone's palate. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of mac and cheese with a healthy kick!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup diced carrots (fresh or frozen)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.

    Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

      Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking constantly to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and bubble, about 5-7 minutes.

        Add the Cheese: Once the sauce is thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika.

          Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni, broccoli florets, and diced carrots into the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well combined and coated with the sauce.

            Assemble the Casserole: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

              Prepare the Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.

                Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown (if using breadcrumbs).

                  Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It's perfect as a family dinner or a fun dish for gatherings!

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6-8 servings