Low Fat Cheesy Comfort Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate guilt-free comfort food with this Low Fat Cheesy Comfort Casserole—a hearty and wholesome dish that delivers all the creamy, cheesy satisfaction you crave without the excess fat. Made with whole wheat elbow macaroni, a velvety sauce crafted from low-fat cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and cream cheese, and nutrient-packed mixed vegetables, this casserole is a nutritious twist on a comfort food classic. Topped with golden parmesan breadcrumbs for added crunch, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a simple bake, this recipe makes healthy eating both delicious and effortless.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup skim milk
• 4 oz low-fat cream cheese
• 1 cup vegetable broth, low sodium
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup whole grain bread crumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the whole wheat elbow macaroni for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Step 4

Pour the vegetable broth and skim milk into the saucepan. Add the low-fat cream cheese, stirring constantly until melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 5

Stir in the low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat sharp cheddar cheese, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined.

Step 6

Fold in the cooked macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables into the cheese mixture. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 7

Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the whole grain bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling in the center.

Step 10

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Low Fat Cheesy Comfort Casserole warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1482.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2230.3

Total Fat 63.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol 134.9mg	0%
Sodium 4240.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 276.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.3g	0%
Total Sugars 45.3g
Protein 129.9g	0%

Vitamin D 131.4IU	0%
Calcium 1926.6mg	0%
Iron 13.8mg	0%
Potassium 2162.6mg	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: 26.1%

Protein: 23.6%

Carbs: 50.3%