Baked Mac and Cheese with Frozen Veggies

Introduction: The Cozy Classic with a Clever Twist

Let’s be honest: mac and cheese is basically the Beyoncé of comfort food. It’s a total crowd-pleaser. But what if we gave this cheesy legend a veggie-powered upgrade—without any extra effort? That’s exactly what you get with this Baked Mac and Cheese with Frozen Veggies.

Perfect for busy parents, veggie-skeptic kiddos, or anyone trying to clean out the freezer, this dish hits every note: rich, creamy sauce, perfectly tender pasta, melty cheese, and a sneaky serving of vegetables. It’s a little indulgent, a lot delicious, and 100% doable on a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac and Cheese with Frozen Veggies

• Total comfort in a casserole dish
• Uses pantry and freezer staples (AKA no last-minute grocery runs)
• Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners
• Kid-approved and veggie-packed—it’s the unicorn of dinner recipes!

Ingredients

For the pasta and veggies:

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)

For the cheese sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese

For the topping:

• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Frozen Veggies

1. Preheat and prep
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cook pasta and veggies
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen vegetables. Drain everything together and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce
   In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly (this is your roux). Slowly whisk in the milk and stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Add the cheese
   Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Then mix in the cheddar and mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
5. Mix it up
   Combine the drained pasta and veggies with the cheese sauce, and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Add the topping
   In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter (and Parmesan, if using). Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
7. Bake to perfection
   Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving—it’s hot cheese lava at first!

My Family’s Mac & Cheese Hack

This dish was born from a school night panic moment: kids were hangry, fridge was looking sad, and I had 30 minutes. I tossed some frozen veggies into the boiling pasta water and never looked back. Now, it’s our “clean out the freezer” meal that somehow feels like a cozy treat every time. And the best part? My picky eater asks for seconds.

Helpful Tips & Tricks

• Use day-old pasta: If you’re meal prepping, this is a great way to use leftover pasta.
• Boost the flavor: A little Dijon mustard or hot sauce in the cheese sauce adds depth without making it spicy.
• Cheese swap: Gouda, fontina, or even a bit of cream cheese can be mixed in for a richer sauce.
• Need protein? Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground turkey.

FAQs

More Cozy Casseroles You’ll Love

If cheesy comfort food is your thing, don’t miss our Cheesy Baked Potato Skillet or this irresistible Spicy Tuna Melt Quesadillas recipe. Both are perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or quick weekday meals that don’t sacrifice flavor.

Looking for more budget-friendly options? Explore our complete list of Cheap Dinner Ideas to keep your meals tasty and affordable.

The Final Scoop

Creamy. Cheesy. Crunchy on top. Packed with hidden veggies. This Baked Mac and Cheese with Frozen Veggies is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be seriously satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want a hug in casserole form, this dish hits the spot every time.

Bon appétit and happy cooking!