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Home » recipes » Dinner
4.8 from 5 reviews

Broccoli Mac and Cheese

15 minutes
broccoli
By: Pamela Reed
Posted:6/2/22
Updated:1/18/23
Jump to Recipe

3 ingredient, 15 minute mac and cheese recipe that costs $7. All you need is elbow noodles, Velveeta cheese and broccoli. Both kids and adults love this easy dinner!

spoon lifting cheesy noodles and broccoli out of pot.

Easy Macaroni and Cheese

You guys, you’re going to love this Broccoli Mac and Cheese. It’s an easy one pot, three ingredient, 15 minute meal. It’s basically my solution when I get home from work and the girls are going to walk in the door with Dad in a couple of minutes. Even though it’s so simple, my oldest always tells me this is one of her favorite meals, so it’ll be sure to be a hit with the whole family!

Here’s what you need:

1 pot – Seriously.
3 ingredients – Noodles, cheese and broccoli. Who doesn’t love cheesy broccoli?
15 minutes – A real 15 minute meal. Not 15 minutes plus prep time. You might even finish in 13 minutes!

spoon holding broccoli mac and cheese, ready to be served.

Cheap Meal – Costs $7

You only need 3 ingredients to make this macaroni and cheese. The ingredients will cost you $7, maybe even less if you find things on sale or grow your own broccoli (high 5!).

  • Elbow noodles $1
  • Broccoli $2
  • Velveeta Cheese $4

This equals a pretty budget friendly meal that can feed 6 people!

velveeta cubes and broccoli on cutting board.

How To Make Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in elbow noodles and broccoli. It’s important to cut the broccoli into small florets so they aren’t overwhelming in size in the final dish, and also they cook quick. Cook according to the pasta box, probably 6-7 minutes. Drain the pasta and broccoli and put back into the pot.

Cut the Velveeta cheese into small cubes, and then add into the pot with pasta. Stir with a spoon until cheese is melted and noodles are completely coated. Season with a sprinkle of salt if you want.

Serve and enjoy! Dinner is served. SO EASY, RIGHT?!

spoon holding broccoli and cheese in bowl.

What Pasta Is Best For Mac And Cheese?

Elbow pasta is my favorite to use when I make macaroni and cheese as it’s smaller in size and the cheese gets in all the nooks and crannies. You could also use shells, penne or even bow tie pasta for this recipe if you have that in your pantry instead. Just be aware, cooking time might differ with other pasta.

What Is The Best Cheese To Use For Macaroni And Cheese?

This recipe calls for Velveeta cheese, which is my favorite for any type of mac and cheese. It melts perfectly!

If I wasn’t going to use Velveeta, I would choose a medium or sharp cheddar. I recommend using freshly grated cheese for this recipe instead of pre-shredded cheese as they often contain additives that keep the cheese from melting fully.

pot filled with cooked broccoli macaroni and cheese.

What other vegetables can I add to macararoni and cheese?

Don’t have broccoli? That’s fine. That’s why this recipe works so well as you can easily clean out your fridge with whatever vegetables you want. Here’s my favorites:

  • cauliflower florets
  • green beans, chopped
  • carrots, chopped
  • brussels sprouts, chopped
  • corn
  • tomatoes
  • caramelized onions

The options are really endless!

Serving Ideas

I typically serve broccoli mac and cheese as a cozy main course along with fluffy dinner rolls or Italian bread or easy cornbread. But it is also fantastic served as a side with meatloaf or rotisserie chicken.

More Cheesy Recipes You’ll Love

  • Crockpot Mac and Cheese
  • Tomato Macaroni and Cheese
  • Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
  • Cheesy Cauliflower
  • Cheesy Green Beans and Cabbage
  • Bok Choy Mac and Cheese
  • Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
  • Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

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4.80 from 5 reviews

Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Print
3 ingredient, 15 minute mac and cheese recipe that costs $7. All you need is elbow noodles, Velveeta cheese and broccoli. Both kids and adults love this easy dinner!
By: Pamela Reed
Prep Time: 0 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 15 minutes minutes
serves 6

Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz box elbow noodles
  • 1 small head broccoli cut up into small florets
  • 8 oz Velveeta

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in elbow noodles and broccoli. Cook according to the pasta box, probably 6-7 minutes. Drain the pasta and broccoli and put back into the same pot.
  • Cut the Velveeta cheese into small cubes, and then add into the pot with pasta. Stir with a spoon until cheese is melted and noodles are completely coated. Season with a sprinkle of salt if you want.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 282kcal (14%)
Author: Pamela Reed
Course:Main Course
Cuisine:American
Keyword:Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Did you make this?I love seeing what you’ve made! Tag me on Instagram at @BrooklynFarmGirl and don’t forget to leave a comment & rating below.

Similar Recipes

  • Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
  • Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese
  • Broccoli Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  • Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup

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  1. Tante says

    April 11, 2023 at 6:08 pm

    Perfect, easy, just what I needed on a busy weeknight. Teen loved it. Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Nikki says

    June 1, 2022 at 12:13 am

    My family loved this!!!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      June 1, 2022 at 9:55 am

      So happy to hear that, thanks for letting me know Nikki!

      Reply
  3. Melanie says

    April 25, 2021 at 7:36 pm

    My family loved this! Next time I will double the broccoli 🥦

    Reply
  4. Lynn Fuller says

    July 10, 2018 at 9:19 pm

    I hate Velvetta, could I use chedder?

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      July 10, 2018 at 9:20 pm

      You sure can!

      Reply
  5. grace says

    November 4, 2015 at 10:53 am

    velveeta!?! though some might turn up their noses, i definitely approve. i can’t help but appreciate that stuff for its supreme meltability. 🙂

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      November 4, 2015 at 11:24 am

      I totally feel the same way Grace. I don’t get the hate for Velveeta… I love that stuff!

      Reply
  6. Amy (Savory Moments) says

    November 3, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    Such a quick and easy mac n’ cheese!! I love adding veg into my mac n’ cheese – makes me feel less guilty about seconds 😉

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      November 3, 2015 at 6:52 pm

      Hahaha, I feel the same way Amy!

      Reply
  7. Anna @ shenANNAgans says

    November 2, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    YARM! Love me super simple, quick and delicious eats. Surely the broccoli makes this dish nearly healthy right?

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      November 3, 2015 at 6:52 pm

      Agreed! Totally healthy now. 😉

      Reply
  8. Mary Frances says

    November 2, 2015 at 11:03 am

    Adding broccoli to mac and cheese is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing this simple and delicious recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      November 3, 2015 at 6:53 pm

      Thanks Mary Frances, glad you enjoyed this dish!

      Reply
  9. [email protected]'s Recipes says

    November 2, 2015 at 9:54 am

    I love dishes made with simple everyday ingredients…this looks super duper comforting and delicious, Pamela.

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      November 3, 2015 at 6:53 pm

      Thanks Angie, it’s one of my favorite Fall comfort foods!

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Pamela, an artist Mom who shares family recipes. My farm is a 1,000 sq ft apartment in NYC. Let's make dinner together.

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