Macaroni and Cheese....and Veggies

Geema's Note:

This dish has all the creamy goodness of our favorite mac and cheese, plus lots of nutritious veggies. You can sub for favorites for the ones printed in the recipe.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 lb broccoli, but into flowerettes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup cream
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the macaroni with the oil.
2. Cook the broccoli with 1 teaspoons salt in boiling water for 2 minutes then drain well and rinse in cold water to stop the cooking.
3. Add broccoli and the spinach to the macaroni.
4. Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat, add onion and saute under tender.
5. Add mushrooms and cook 5 more minutes.
6. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring until blended.
7. Gradually add in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 15 minutes.
8. Add 1 1/2 cups cheese, 1/2 teaspoons salt, cream pepper and nutmeg. Stir until cheese melts.
9. Fold this sauce into the macaroni then spoon everything into a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
11. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 40 minutes.

Reviews

[dianegrapegrower]

Very nice. Clear directions, tasty veggie choices. I will add a pinch of cayenne, and some diced red pepper when I make again. And I will repeat this dish - quite tasty.

[Mustang Sally 54269]

Enjoyed this recipe. Liked the veggies mixed in. Substituted yogurt for the cream, however, cut it back abit along with the milk cause we don't like our pasta real goopy. It was perfect for us.

[Mad City Pug Lady]

Yummy! I found some locally grown spinach to use. I used 1/2 cup of pepperjack cheese because I needed to use it up. Next time, I will put more grated cheese on top. That was my favorite part.