Mac & Cheese with Trees

Kids and adults will enjoy wholesome "trees" with crowdpleasing mac 'n cheese.

Mac & Cheese with Trees

Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 pkg Mac & Cheese
  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
  • 1/3 cup milk (your choice)
  • 2 cups uncooked macaroni or bite-size pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter (optional)

Preparation

  1. In a large pot set over high heat, boil macaroni until tender, about 6–8 min.
  2. Chop broccoli florets (aka trees) into bite sized pieces. Stir in trees for the last 1 min of cooking.
  3. Meanwhile, add beef to large skillet at medium-high heat. Don’t stir right away. Let the bottom brown for 2–3 minutes — this adds flavour.
  4. Break beef into smaller pieces and then cook through stirring occasionally until no pink remains (about 7–10 minutes total).
  5. Carefully drain, then return noodles and trees to pot. Add milk, seasoning and butter, if using, until combined. Stir in cooked beef. Spoon into bowls.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size
1 serving

Calories
per serving
430
Amount/Serving
  • Calories 430
  • Fat 14 grams
  • Saturated Fat 6 grams
  • Trans Fat 0.5 grams
  • Carbs 47 grams
  • Fiber 3 grams
  • Sugar 7 grams
  • Protein 30 grams
  • Cholesterol 70 milligrams
  • Sodium 390 milligrams