Three Cheese Macaroni Casserole

Macaroni and cheese typically consists of only a few ingredients, primarily noodles, butter, milk, and tons of cheese. While immensely delicious, the classic version isn’t exactly a well-rounded meal. So, this recipe gives macaroni and cheese casserole a much needed makeover. It retains its creamy and cheesy appeal, with healthy upgrades that make this dish nourishing for the whole family (so does this recipe made with butternut squash).

This three cheese macaroni casserole recipe takes this dish to the next level. A hearty amount of ricotta cheese provides most of the creaminess in the dish. And, because part-skim ricotta is low in fat and packed with protein, it contributes a lot to the 18 grams of protein per serving, without cranking up the fat and calories. The mozzarella melts beautifully in the oven, adding creaminess and those long strands of melty cheese that stretch as you lift each each bite to your mouth. Yum. And finally, the Parmesan cheese gives the dish a bit of sophisticated je ne sais quoi.

In order to make this macaroni casserole more wholesome, there’s a hefty serving of vegetables nestled in all that melted cheese. Red and yellow peppers and broccoli provide a pop of color, without detracting from the indulgent flavor of this dish. The recipe also calls for whole wheat macaroni noodles, instead of pasta made from refined flour. You can use any whole grain pasta, or even those made from lentils or beans! Once covered with cheese, nobody will be the wiser.

You could technically make this dish on the stovetop, and serve it right away, but I highly recommend baking it in the oven. The oven helps get the noodles piping hot, and makes the cheese turn golden brown and bubbly. You won’t need to call your family down to the table, because the smell of melted cheese is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!

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