Good For You Macaroni and Cheese

Using the best of all the ideas out there, this mac n' cheese incorporates old-style methods with hidden veggies and a crunchy, new topping that will please both kids and adults. I like to use 'smart' pasta that has calcium and fiber. It's too good to be good for you!

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
• Calories: 624 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup water
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
• ½ cup dry bread crumbs
• salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg, or to taste
• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, or to taste
• ½ cup canned garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups shredded, yellow sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup shredded, white extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still very firm to the bite, about 5 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink, and rinse with cold water until cold; set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour, and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Gradually whisk the evaporated milk and water into the flour mixture, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Season to taste with red pepper flakes, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth, 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 4

Place the garbanzo beans into a blender. Cover, and puree until smooth. Scrape the puree into a small bowl and stir in the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese; set aside.

Step 5

Once the sauce has thickened, whisk in the sweet potatoes and sour cream; return to a simmer. Whisk in half of the yellow and white Cheddar cheeses until melted. Stir in the macaroni until well coated with the sauce, then pour half into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheeses overtop, then cover with the remaining macaroni. Smooth the top, then dot with the garbanzo bean mixture and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbly, and the top is golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.