3 ingredient, 15 minute mac and cheese recipe that costs $7. All you need is elbow noodles, Velveeta cheese and broccoli. Both kids and adults love this easy dinner!
Easy Macaroni and Cheese
You guys, you’re going to love this Broccoli Mac and Cheese. It’s an easy one pot, three ingredient, 15 minute meal. It’s basically my solution when I get home from work and the girls are going to walk in the door with Dad in a couple of minutes. Even though it’s so simple, my oldest always tells me this is one of her favorite meals, so it’ll be sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Here’s what you need:
1 pot – Seriously.
3 ingredients – Noodles, cheese and broccoli. Who doesn’t love cheesy broccoli?
15 minutes – A real 15 minute meal. Not 15 minutes plus prep time. You might even finish in 13 minutes!
Cheap Meal – Costs $7
You only need 3 ingredients to make this macaroni and cheese. The ingredients will cost you $7, maybe even less if you find things on sale or grow your own broccoli (high 5!).
- Elbow noodles $1
- Broccoli $2
- Velveeta Cheese $4
This equals a pretty budget friendly meal that can feed 6 people!
How To Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in elbow noodles and broccoli. It’s important to cut the broccoli into small florets so they aren’t overwhelming in size in the final dish, and also they cook quick. Cook according to the pasta box, probably 6-7 minutes. Drain the pasta and broccoli and put back into the pot.
Cut the Velveeta cheese into small cubes, and then add into the pot with pasta. Stir with a spoon until cheese is melted and noodles are completely coated. Season with a sprinkle of salt if you want.
Serve and enjoy! Dinner is served. SO EASY, RIGHT?!
What Pasta Is Best For Mac And Cheese?
Elbow pasta is my favorite to use when I make macaroni and cheese as it’s smaller in size and the cheese gets in all the nooks and crannies. You could also use shells, penne or even bow tie pasta for this recipe if you have that in your pantry instead. Just be aware, cooking time might differ with other pasta.
What Is The Best Cheese To Use For Macaroni And Cheese?
This recipe calls for Velveeta cheese, which is my favorite for any type of mac and cheese. It melts perfectly!
If I wasn’t going to use Velveeta, I would choose a medium or sharp cheddar. I recommend using freshly grated cheese for this recipe instead of pre-shredded cheese as they often contain additives that keep the cheese from melting fully.
What other vegetables can I add to macararoni and cheese?
Don’t have broccoli? That’s fine. That’s why this recipe works so well as you can easily clean out your fridge with whatever vegetables you want. Here’s my favorites:
- cauliflower florets
- green beans, chopped
- carrots, chopped
- brussels sprouts, chopped
- corn
- tomatoes
- caramelized onions
The options are really endless!
Serving Ideas
I typically serve broccoli mac and cheese as a cozy main course along with fluffy dinner rolls or Italian bread. But it is also fantastic served as a side with meatloaf or rotisserie chicken.
More Cheesy Recipes You’ll Love
- Tomato Macaroni and Cheese
- Cheesy Cauliflower
- Cheesy Green Beans and Cabbage
- Bok Choy Mac and Cheese
- Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
- Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Pin for later:
Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz box elbow noodles
- 1 small head broccoli cut up into small florets
- 8 oz Velveeta
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in elbow noodles and broccoli. Cook according to the pasta box, probably 6-7 minutes. Drain the pasta and broccoli and put back into the same pot.
- Cut the Velveeta cheese into small cubes, and then add into the pot with pasta. Stir with a spoon until cheese is melted and noodles are completely coated. Season with a sprinkle of salt if you want.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
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