Build Your Own Mac and Cheese is a versatile, family-friendly recipe that combines boxed macaroni and cheese with lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and additional cheese for a satisfying one-dish meal. By mixing and matching ingredients, you can create a customized casserole that fits your family's tastes while adding extra nutrition to a classic favorite.

This baked version transforms ordinary mac and cheese into a complete meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or potluck gatherings.

Prep + Cook Time: 45 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

Base

2 boxes (7.25 ounces each) boxed mac and cheese

Choose a Protein (2 cups total)

Ground beef, cooked and drained
Ground turkey, cooked and drained
Canned chicken, drained

Choose Vegetables (2 cups total)

Bell peppers, diced
Onion, diced
Broccoli, chopped
Spinach, chopped

Add Cheese (1 to 1¼ cups)

Low-fat cheddar cheese
Low-fat mozzarella cheese

Seasoning

1–2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning blend

Instructions

Wash hands with soap and warm water.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
Boil water in a medium-sized pot and cook both boxes of macaroni according to package directions. Use only one seasoning packet from the boxed macaroni and cheese.
Microwave vegetables for 2–4 minutes, or until heated through. Drain if needed.
In the same pot, combine:
- Cooked pasta
- One packet of cheese sauce mix
- 2 cups protein of choice
- 2 cups vegetables
- 1–2 teaspoons all-purpose seasoning
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 to 1¼ cups cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.