Macaroni With Mixed Vegetables
Creamy macaroni combined with mixed vegetables and cheese creates a comforting, versatile dish perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen mixed vegetables and macaroni separately according to package directions; drain.
- Combine milk and cream of celery soup in a saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring until smooth and heated through.
- Mix cooked vegetables and macaroni into the sauce.
- Stir in grated cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a teaspoon of butter to the sauce. If you don’t have cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom or chicken soup can be used as a substitute. You can also incorporate other vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition. Cooking the macaroni al dente will help it maintain its texture when mixed with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this macaroni with mixed vegetables as a standalone dish or as a hearty side alongside grilled chicken or fish. Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Fried Squash Or Okra for a delightful Southern-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the macaroni and vegetable mixture in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni With Mixed Vegetables contains roughly 336 calories, with 13g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just ensure to chop them into small, even pieces and briefly steam or blanch them before mixing them with the macaroni to ensure they cook properly in the sauce.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this macaroni dish vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative, use a vegan cream of celery soup, and replace the cheese with a vegan cheese option or nutritional yeast for flavor.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna can be added for extra protein. Just fold it into the macaroni and vegetable mixture when combining with the sauce for a heartier meal.
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).