Ingredients
2 lbs. Laura’s Lean 96% ground beef
8 oz. dry elbow macaroni (I use Barilla Plus elbows or whole wheat)
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves or 1 Tbsp, minced
2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1 can (16 oz.) dark red kidney beans, drained
1 can (4 oz.) diced fire roasted green chilies
1 can (14.5 oz.) diced petite tomatoes, undrained
1 and 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded reduced fat cheese ( I use Velveeta shreds)
Green onions, fat free sour cream or plain yogurt, or additional cheese for garnish
Instructions
Fill a large 5-quart Dutch oven or stockpot with water and cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set pasta aside.
Return pot to stove on medium-high heat. Spray the Dutch oven or stockpot with non stick cooking spray. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Once meat is cooked, drain excessive liquid, if needed.
Add onion and garlic. Cook onions and garlic until onions are soft.
Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, green chilies, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, occasionally stirring. Cook for about 15 minutes.
Combine the cooked pasta and cheese to the meat and beans. Cook for another minute or until well combined and the cheese is melted.
Serve with your favorite toppings such as: fat free sour cream, sliced onions, or additional cheese.
Makes 8 servings and 5-8 points eacH

Introduction: Embark on a culinary journey with our WEIGHT WATCHER Skinny One Pot Mac and Cheese, a culinary creation that combines the indulgence of classic macaroni and cheese with the health-conscious twist of a skinny recipe. This one-pot wonder not only promises a comforting symphony of flavors but also ensures a seamless, hassle-free cooking experience. Join us as we unravel the art of crafting this delectable dish, complete with meticulous measurements, step-by-step instructions, and invaluable nutritional insights.

Ingredients:

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 2 cups whole wheat elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets, finely chopped
  • 2 cups low-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup skim milk
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Cauliflower:
    • Finely chop the cauliflower florets, creating a rice-like consistency. This ingenious addition enhances the creaminess of the mac and cheese while introducing a nutritional boost.
  2. Cook the Macaroni:
    • In a large, deep skillet or pot, combine the whole wheat elbow macaroni, finely chopped cauliflower, skim milk, and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil and then simmer, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is cooked al dente.
  3. Create the Cheesy Sauce:
    • Gradually stir in the low-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt, and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
  4. Season to Perfection:
    • Season the mac and cheese with salt and black pepper to taste. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess, elevating the overall flavor profile.
  5. Prepare the Topping:
    • In a separate bowl, combine whole wheat breadcrumbs with olive oil, creating a crunchy and golden topping for the mac and cheese.
  6. Bake to Golden Perfection:
    • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Transfer the skillet or pot to a preheated oven and broil for 2-3 minutes or until the topping achieves a golden brown hue.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    • Optional: Garnish the mac and cheese with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color. Serve hot, savoring the aroma and visual appeal of this culinary masterpiece.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 18g

Weight Watchers (WW) SmartPoints: 9 per serving

Culinary Insights:

  • Cauliflower Infusion: The finely chopped cauliflower not only adds nutritional value but also enhances the creaminess of the mac and cheese without compromising texture.
  • Greek Yogurt Magic: The addition of fat-free Greek yogurt contributes to the richness of the sauce, infusing a delightful tanginess.
  • Breadcrumb Crunch: The whole wheat breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch while maintaining a health-conscious element.

Conclusion: Our WEIGHT WATCHER Skinny One Pot Mac and Cheese stands as a testament to the marriage of comfort and nutrition. At just 9 SmartPoints per serving, this dish invites you to relish the iconic flavors of macaroni and cheese while embracing a mindful approach to wellness. Elevate your dining experience with this culinary symphony that brings together wholesome ingredients, ingenious techniques, and a touch of creativity. Embrace the joy of guilt-free indulgence as you savor each spoonful of this delectable mac and cheese, a masterpiece that proves health-conscious eating can be a truly epicurean delight.