Comforting mac and cheese loaded with tender peas, broccoli, and carrots for a satisfying family meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 10 oz elbow macaroni
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
03 - 1 cup carrots, diced
04 - 1 cup frozen peas
→ Cheese Sauce
05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 - 2 cups whole milk
08 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
09 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
10 - 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
11 - 1/2 tsp mustard powder
12 - 1/4 tsp garlic powder
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
14 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 1 tbsp melted butter
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than package directions. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli and carrots. In the final minute, stir in frozen peas. Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste and remove raw flour taste.
04 - Gradually whisk in whole milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
05 - Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Add mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
06 - Pour the cooked pasta and vegetables into the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
07 - In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
08 - Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.
