I have really been craving some macaroni and cheese lately, so I decided to make a lighter version of the sinful dish. This baked broccoli mac and cheese is a family go-to comfort food. It’s so tasty that no one says “No” to this!

Delightful Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
This baked broccoli mac and cheese is a go-to comfort food. It's a healthy choice as it has broccoli.
Ingredients
12 ounces macaroni - whole wheat
1 head broccoli - chopped
2 cups ground beef (minced beef)
½ medium yellow onion - diced
1 cup chicken stock (chicken broth or chicken bouillon) - reduced-sodium and fat-free
16 ounces cheddar cheese - reduced-fat and shredded
¼ cup all purpose flour (plain flour Australia and UK)
1 ½ tablespoon butter
¼ cup bread crumbs - seasoned
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 pinch garlic powder
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta for about 7 minutes in salted, boiling water, and add broccoli for 7 to 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Saute onion in melted butter over medium-low heat for approximately 2 minutes, and then add the beef and let brown.
- Add the flour and combine for an additional minute. Pour milk and chicken broth, bring to a boil, and whisk for about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper while the mixture is boiling. Remove from heat, and add cheddar cheese, combining until melted.
- Add cheese sauce to broccoli and pasta, adjust salt and pepper, and pour into a sprayed dish. Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, and then bake in your 375-degree heated oven for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 767kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 48gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 1282mgPotassium: 907mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1665IUVitamin C: 91mgCalcium: 810mgIron: 4mg
How did this recipe turn out for you?We’re eager to hear your thoughts!