Kid Casserole

Looking for a meal that’s delicious, nutritious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? This Kid Casserole hits all the right notes with its creamy cheese sauce, tender elbow macaroni, and kid-approved additions like shredded chicken, broccoli, and carrots. Perfect for picky eaters, this easy weeknight dinner combines hearty flavors and hidden veggies, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection under a crispy breadcrumb topping. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an ideal comfort food recipe for busy families that serves up to six. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a family dinner, or simply looking for a quick, wholesome dish, this classic casserole is sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1.5 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 0.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 5

Turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Blanch the broccoli florets and diced carrots in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then drain.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, vegetables, and shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.

Step 8

Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle this over the casserole.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this kid-friendly casserole as a hearty meal the whole family will love!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1453.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2973.3

Total Fat 135.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 72.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.4g
Cholesterol 554.6mg	0%
Sodium 5245.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 250.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 38.9g
Protein 188.2g	0%

Vitamin D 219.2IU	0%
Calcium 2375.0mg	0%
Iron 14.5mg	0%
Potassium 1569.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.0%

Protein: 25.3%

Carbs: 33.7%