Mac And Cheese: Best Protein Pairings For A Hearty Dish

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food, but it often lacks sufficient protein to be a well-rounded meal. While cheese and pasta contain some protein, they are mainly sources of fat and carbohydrates, respectively. To increase the protein content of macaroni and cheese, various proteins can be added, such as chicken, ground beef, bacon, sausage, or plant-based proteins like beans and quinoa. These additions not only boost the nutritional value but also add flavour and texture to the dish.

Chicken, bacon, and beef

Chicken

Chicken mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that can be easily made in one pot. You can use either raw or pre-cooked chicken, making it a great option for using up leftovers. Start by cooking some elbow pasta according to the package instructions. In a separate skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken, cooking until it's no longer pink. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté some onions until they're translucent, then add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Sprinkle in some flour and cook for another minute, before whisking in milk and dried mustard. Add your favourite cheeses—mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan all work well—and stir until melted. Finally, add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and combine everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan on top.

Bacon

Bacon mac and cheese is a flavourful and indulgent twist on the classic dish. To make it, start by cutting bacon into small squares and cooking them in a pan until crispy. Leave some of the bacon fat in the pan and discard the rest. Add flour and whisk until combined, then pour in water and milk and whisk until smooth. Stir in the pasta, along with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the pasta is done. Turn the heat down and stir in your desired cheese—cheddar is a great option. Finally, add the crispy bacon to the mix, and sprinkle some more on top, along with some parsley, for garnish.

Beef

For a hearty and satisfying meal, try a cheesy beef and macaroni casserole. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook some elbow macaroni or similar pasta for about three-quarters of the time recommended on the package. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water. In a large skillet, brown some lean ground beef until fully cooked, then drain the fat. Add diced onions and garlic and cook until the onions start to soften. Stir in diced green bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, salt, and pepper, and simmer for about five minutes. In a 9x13 casserole dish, combine the drained pasta, beef mixture, and some shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then top with more cheddar and shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until bubbly and browned.

Beans, chickpeas, and lentils

Beans

Kidney beans are a great option to add to your mac and cheese. They provide a meaty texture and taste, making the dish more substantial. You can also try baked beans, which are sweet and tangy and will give your mac and cheese a unique flavour. If you're looking for something more subtle, try cannellini beans, which have a creamy texture and mild flavour that will blend seamlessly into your mac and cheese sauce.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas are a versatile legume that can be used in various forms to enhance your mac and cheese. For a creamy, dreamy mac and cheese, blend cooked chickpeas with plant-based milk and seasonings to create a smooth, cheesy sauce. You can also use chickpea pasta, which is naturally gluten-free and packed with protein. Try using chickpea pasta shells or spirals for an interesting texture and added nutritional boost.

Lentils

Lentils are a fantastic way to boost the protein content of your mac and cheese. They come in various colours, such as green, brown, or red, and each variety has a unique flavour and texture. Try cooking lentils and blending them into your cheese sauce for a creamy, hearty dish. Alternatively, use lentil pasta, which is readily available and provides a simple way to increase the protein content of your meal.

Combining Beans, Chickpeas, and Lentils

Why not get creative and combine these protein-packed ingredients? You can mix cooked beans, chickpeas, and lentils into your mac and cheese for a hearty, textured dish. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of beans and lentils to find your favourite combination. By incorporating these legumes, you'll not only add protein but also a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Recipe Ideas

If you're looking for some inspiration, here are a few recipe ideas to get you started:

• Vegan Jalapeño Chickpea Mac and Cheese: This vegan twist on mac and cheese uses nutritional yeast and almond milk for a cheesy flavour. The addition of chickpeas and lentil pasta takes the protein content to 27 grams per serving.
• Vegetarian Southwest Macaroni and Cheese: This quick and easy recipe combines boxed mac and cheese with black beans, corn, tofu, and salsa for a complete meal that satisfies both meat-lovers and vegetarians.
• High Protein Chickpea Mac and Cheese: This simple stovetop recipe uses chickpea pasta, cheddar cheese, milk, and butter to create a gluten-free, protein-packed dish. With 29 grams of protein per serving, it's a delicious and nutritious option.

Meatballs and sausages

Meatball Macaroni and Cheese

A hearty and comforting meal, meatball macaroni and cheese is perfect for family dinners or when you're looking for a dish with some extra oomph. You can make the meatballs from scratch or use ready-made ones. For the cheese sauce, a combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan works well. Don't forget to cook your pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Here's a simple recipe for Meatball Macaroni and Cheese:

Ingredients:

• Meatballs (store-bought or homemade)
• Elbow macaroni or other short pasta
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg (optional)

Directions:

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions, stopping 2 minutes short of the recommended time to achieve al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Prepare the meatballs if making them from scratch. Combine the meatball mixture and form into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Broil or bake until cooked through and golden brown.
• In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for about a minute without browning.
• Slowly add milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking continuously until well blended.
• Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it comes to a simmer and thickens slightly. Do not let it boil.
• Remove from heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using).
• In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, stirring well.
• Nestle the meatballs into the macaroni and cheese.
• Bake in the oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling throughout.

Mac & Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

For a fun twist, you can make meatballs with macaroni and cheese stuffed inside. This recipe combines two comfort foods into one delicious bite.

Ingredients:

• Lean ground beef
• Finely chopped onion
• Egg
• Panko bread crumbs
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Black pepper
• Cubed cheddar cheese
• Prepared macaroni and cheese, chilled
• Barbecue sauce (optional)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Combine ground beef, onion, egg, bread crumbs, shredded cheese, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
• Divide the meat mixture into 10 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a thin circle.
• Place a heaping tablespoon of macaroni and cheese, along with a cube of cheddar cheese, on each circle of meat.
• Fold the sides of the meat up and around the filling, pinching to seal and form a meatball.
• Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with barbecue sauce (if using).
• Bake for 24-26 minutes, or until the center of each meatball reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage

Spicy or Italian sausages go exceptionally well with macaroni and cheese. The combination of browned sausage, bell peppers, and tomatoes adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta. You can use a mixture of cheddar and American cheese or any good melting cheese blend.

To make this dish, simply prepare your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe and add in cooked, crumbled sausage, along with diced bell peppers and sliced grape tomatoes. You can also include some Cajun seasonings and onions for an extra kick.

Fish and seafood

If you're looking to add some oceanic delights to your macaroni and cheese, there are plenty of options to choose from. Seafood mac and cheese is a decadent and rich option, often considered a comfort food. Lobster, crab, shrimp, and crawfish are all popular choices, with lobster being a luxurious treat. You can use just one type of seafood or a combination of your favourites.

A simple recipe for seafood mac and cheese involves creating a smooth, thick white sauce by whisking milk and butter with flour over medium heat. You can add mustard, cheese, peas, and parsley to taste. Boil the pasta according to the package instructions, and heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Combine the pasta with the sauce and add your chosen seafood, reserving some to push into the top of the pasta bake for presentation. Cover with the remaining cheese and bake for 30 minutes until golden. This dish can be served with a salad.

For a more complex recipe, you can try making a seafood mac and cheese with a butter and flour roux base, adding milk, nutmeg, and a combination of cheeses such as Parmesan, cheddar, Swiss, and fontina. This recipe also includes Creole seasoning for added flavour. You can top the dish with panko breadcrumbs and bake until golden.

If you're looking for a pie-style dish, you can try a fish pie mac and cheese, which combines the best of both worlds. This dish can be frozen and enjoyed at a later date, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

Eggs

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food, but it's not always a protein-packed meal. Adding eggs to your macaroni and cheese is a great way to increase the protein content and create a more satisfying dish. Here are some tips and tricks to incorporate eggs into your macaroni and cheese:

Southern-Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese:

Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese is a soul-food classic that often includes eggs as a key ingredient. This version uses a custard-style base, creating a creamy and hearty dish. Here's a recipe you can follow:

Ingredients:

• 8 to 10 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1½ teaspoons white pepper
• 1½ teaspoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• ½ pound Velveeta, cut into small chunks
• 8 ounces shredded Colby-Jack cheese or 4 ounces each of Colby and Monterey Jack
• 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente. Drain the pasta well and place it in a 9" x 13" baking dish or pan.
• In the same pot, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and sugar until combined.
• Pour the milk and egg mixture over the cooked macaroni in the baking dish.
• Add the butter, sour cream, Velveeta, Colby-Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Stir everything together well.
• Top the mixture with the shredded mild cheddar cheese.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it's bubbly and lightly browned on top.
• Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Classic Southern Macaroni and Cheese:

Another option is to prepare a classic Southern macaroni and cheese, which also includes eggs as a binding agent. This version doesn't use a custard base but still results in a delicious, cheesy dish. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 8 ounces grated extra-sharp Cheddar (about 2 cups)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Milk

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 9" x 13" ovenproof casserole dish.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the macaroni and cook until tender, slightly more than al dente (about 12 minutes). Drain the macaroni well in a colander.
• In a large bowl, combine the macaroni, grated cheese, milk, and eggs. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
• Bake until it's golden brown and bubbly, which should take about 30 minutes.
• Transfer the dish to a rack and let it cool slightly before serving.

Extra Gooey Version:

If you're looking for an even creamier and gooier version of Southern macaroni and cheese, you can follow this variation:

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 7 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• 1¼ teaspoons season salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 16 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9" x 11" casserole dish.
• Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.
• Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl and add the butter while the pasta is still hot.
• Combine the half-and-half or milk, eggs, sour cream, season salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a medium bowl, whisking to combine.
• Add this mixture to the macaroni and stir to combine.
• In a separate bowl, combine the Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheeses.
• Sprinkle in 16 ounces of the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
• Add the sharp cheddar cheese and gently fold it into the mixture.
• Spread the mixture into your prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
• Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks:

• It's important to salt the pasta water when cooking the macaroni. This ensures that the macaroni itself is seasoned, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.
• When it comes to milk, use whole or 2% milk for the best results. Skim milk is not recommended as it can affect the moisture and flavor of the dish.
• For the cheese, feel free to experiment with different combinations and types of cheese. Just make sure to grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese for better melting.
• If you want to make your macaroni and cheese extra creamy, you can add some heavy cream or half-and-half.
• This dish cannot be frozen due to the dairy content. However, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before baking.

Frequently asked questions