Baked Broccoli and Macaroni Casserole
A kid-approved casserole with tender macaroni, broccoli, and a golden cheese topping for effortless family dinners. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 45 minutes pairs cooked elbow macaroni, chopped into small florets broccoli, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, cooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups, chopped into small florets broccoli
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat, then whisk in 3 tbsp flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
- Step 2: Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth, then stir in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp paprika. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a greased baking dish, combine cooked elbow macaroni and chopped broccoli. Pour cheese sauce over the top, then sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Broccoli and Macaroni Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Broccoli and Macaroni Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Broccoli and Macaroni Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Broccoli and Macaroni Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Broccoli and Macaroni Casserole?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A hit at our house! The baked casserole was creamy and comforting.
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured this! So easy to make and they loved the macaroni and broccoli combo.
- ★★★★☆
Great for family dinners, though the broccoli was a little overcooked in one spot.
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