Simple Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Hidden Veggies
Classic macaroni and cheese gets a nutritious upgrade with finely grated carrots and zucchini baked into a creamy cheese sauce that kids will love. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 45 minutes pairs (about 8 oz) elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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 (about 8 oz) elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup grated zucchini
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Fold in 1/2 cup grated carrot and 1/2 cup grated zucchini, then season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp paprika.
- Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese and vegetable sauce, then transfer to a greased 8x8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Hidden Veggies take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Simple Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Hidden Veggies?
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 (about 8 oz) elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Hidden Veggies?
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 Simple Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Hidden Veggies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Simple Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Hidden Veggies?
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.
