Broccoli Bake With Macaroni
A comforting baked broccoli and macaroni casserole with melty mozzarella and savory seasonings, perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put water in a kettle and bring to a boil.
- Add broccoli and boil for 6 minutes.
- Drain the broccoli.
- Mix the cooked broccoli, macaroni, and cottage cheese together in a bowl.
- Set aside the mixture.
- Coat an 11 x 7-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Spread the broccoli mixture evenly in the dish.
- Beat the eggs in a bowl, then add black pepper, paprika, and dry mustard to the eggs.
- Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli and macaroni in the dish.
- Top with shredded low-fat Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you want to boost the flavor, try incorporating some garlic powder or sautéed onions. You can also easily swap the low-fat cottage cheese for ricotta or cream cheese for a richer taste. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free macaroni.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli bake is a satisfying main dish, perfect for a family meal or potluck. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For added flavor, serve with a dollop of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s an excellent option to include in your collection of vegetarian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the broccoli bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Bake With Macaroni contains roughly 822 calories, with 43g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (313% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (176% of the Daily Value), and iron (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 757mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the mixture. This will help maintain the texture of the bake. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust as needed.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this broccoli bake dairy-free, replace the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative, such as tofu blended to a creamy consistency or a dairy-free yogurt. For the mozzarella topping, use a dairy-free cheese option that melts well. These substitutions will help you enjoy the dish while adhering to a dairy-free diet.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a protein boost. Just mix them into the broccoli and macaroni mixture before baking. This will make the dish more filling and nutritious, perfect for those looking to incorporate more protein into their meals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).