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Loaded Mac and Cheese

A healthier twist to a classic kid favorite!
Course dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade mac and cheese balls, loaded mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, picky eater
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 478kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • cup onion diced
  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • ¾ cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 8 ounce box chickpea elbow pasta or any elbow macaroni
  • 1 ½ cup cheddar cheese
  • Parsley & smoked paprika optional for garnish

Instructions

  • Start by melting butter over medium-high heat in a large sauce pan, then sauté onions and ground meat.
  • Add in peas, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper. Continue to cook until meat is thoroughly done.
  • In a separate bowl combine the milk, broth and cornstarch, then stir into the meat- pea mixture. Stir in the tomato sauce after.
  • Next toss in the uncooked pasta and raise to high heat cooking the pasta for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente.
  • Once the noodles are al dente, reduce the heat and add the cheese and simmer until ready to serve. Garnish with a little extra paprika and chopped parsley.
  • *Can be frozen for up to 6 months in an airtight zip bag. Reheat stovetop or microwave.

Notes

Vegetarian options: swap beef broth with vegetable broth. Omit ground turkey

Nutrition

Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 1095mg | Potassium: 674mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 935IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 322mg | Iron: 2mg