Green Bean Mac 'n' Cheese

You've likely encountered mac 'n' cheese and green bean casserole separately, but have you ever considered combining these comfort food staples? Green Bean Mac 'n' Cheese offers a unique twist on both classics, merging creamy pasta with crisp vegetables in one satisfying dish. It's a clever way to sneak more nutrients into a family favorite while maintaining that indulgent appeal. Whether you're looking to jazz up your weeknight dinners or searching for a new potluck contribution, this fusion recipe might just become your go-to. But what's the story behind this inventive casserole, and how can you perfect it at home?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Green Bean Mac 'n' Cheese combines creamy macaroni and cheese with crisp green beans in a simple, budget-friendly dish.
The recipe typically requires only five ingredients: elbow macaroni, green beans, cheddar cheese, milk, and butter.
Cooking involves boiling pasta and beans together, then creating a cheese sauce by melting butter and adding milk and cheese.
The dish can be customized with different cheese blends, additional proteins, or vegetarian options like mushrooms or tomatoes.
Green Bean Mac 'n' Cheese originated in mid-20th century America as casseroles gained popularity among homemakers.

History

Tracing the origins of Green Bean Mac 'n' Cheese reveals a blend of two American culinary favorites. You'll find that macaroni and cheese has been a staple in American households since the late 18th century, while green beans have been a popular side dish for generations. The combination of these two beloved foods likely emerged as a creative solution to make mac 'n' cheese more nutritious and appealing.

In the mid-20th century, as casseroles gained popularity, homemakers began experimenting with adding vegetables to classic dishes. This trend coincided with the rise of convenience foods and the desire to create balanced meals efficiently. Green beans, being readily available and easy to prepare, became a natural addition to many recipes, including mac 'n' cheese.

The exact inventor of Green Bean Mac 'n' Cheese remains unknown, but it's believed to have originated in home kitchens rather than professional ones. As the dish gained popularity, it began appearing in community cookbooks and family recipe collections.

Today, you'll find numerous variations of this comfort food fusion, each reflecting regional tastes and personal preferences.

Recipe

Green Bean Mac 'n' Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy macaroni and cheese with crisp green beans. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side for gatherings.

With just five ingredients, this recipe is both easy to prepare and budget-friendly. The green beans add a pop of color and a boost of nutrition to the traditional mac 'n' cheese, making it a more well-rounded meal that both kids and adults will enjoy.

8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
2 cups (200g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (240ml) milk
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, adding the green beans to the boiling water during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and green beans, then return them to the pot. Add the butter and stir until melted.

Pour in the milk and shredded cheese, stirring constantly over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For best results, use a sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a splash more milk. To add some extra depth to the dish, consider topping it with breadcrumbs and broiling for a few minutes until golden brown.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra milk to restore creaminess.

Cooking Steps

You'll begin by boiling water and cooking the pasta according to package instructions, adding the green beans during the final minutes of cooking.

Once drained, return the pasta and beans to the pot, melt the butter, and then add milk and cheese, stirring constantly over low heat until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 1. Boil Water for Pasta

To begin, fill a large pot with cold water and place it on the stove over high heat.

You'll want to use a pot that's large enough to accommodate both the pasta and the green beans, ensuring there's plenty of room for the water to circulate.

As you wait for the water to boil, it's a good time to prepare your other ingredients. Measure out the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and set it aside.

Next, trim and cut the green beans into 1-inch pieces, aiming for about 2 cups worth.

Once you see large bubbles rapidly rising to the surface, you'll know your water has reached a rolling boil.

At this point, add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This will help season the pasta from within as it cooks.

Don't add oil to the water, as this can prevent the sauce from adhering to the pasta later.

When the water's at a full boil and you've added the salt, you're ready to proceed with cooking the pasta and green beans according to the recipe's instructions.

Step 2. Cook Pasta and Beans

With the water at a rolling boil, add the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir immediately to prevent the pasta from sticking together, and set your timer for the cooking time specified on the package, which is typically 8-10 minutes. Keep the water at a gentle boil throughout the cooking process, adjusting the heat if necessary.

When there are 3 minutes left on your timer, it's time to add the green beans. Carefully drop the 2 cups of trimmed and cut green beans into the boiling water with the pasta. This will ensure that the beans are cooked to a perfect crisp-tender texture, retaining their vibrant color and nutritional value. Continue to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Once the timer goes off, quickly test both the pasta and green beans for doneness. The pasta should be al dente, with a slight firmness when bitten, while the green beans should be tender but still have a slight crunch.

If they're ready, remove the pot from the heat and drain the contents in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water.

Step 3. Melt Butter in Pot

The next step in creating your creamy Green Bean Mac 'n' Cheese involves melting the butter. After draining the pasta and green beans, return them to the pot and add the two tablespoons of butter.

Place the pot back on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to distribute the butter evenly. As the residual heat from the pasta begins to melt the butter, you'll notice it coating the macaroni and green beans with a glossy sheen.

Continue stirring until the butter has completely melted and coated all the ingredients. This process shouldn't take more than a minute or two. The melted butter serves as a base for your cheese sauce, helping to create a smooth and creamy texture.

It also adds richness to the dish and helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once the butter has melted entirely, you're ready to move on to the next step: adding the milk and cheese to create your luscious sauce.

Remember to keep the heat low to avoid burning the butter or scorching the pasta.

Step 4. Add Milk and Cheese

Now that your butter has melted, it's time to transform your pot of pasta and green beans into a creamy, cheesy delight. Pour in the milk, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the pot.

Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkling it over the surface of the pasta and green beans. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, begin stirring the mixture gently but consistently over low heat.

As you stir, you'll notice the cheese starting to melt and combine with the milk, creating a smooth sauce. Continue stirring for about 3-5 minutes, or until all the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Be patient during this process, as rushing it may result in a grainy texture. If you find the sauce is too thick, don't hesitate to add a splash more milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Once the cheese has fully incorporated and the sauce coats the back of your spoon, you've reached the perfect consistency. At this point, you can taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5. Season and Serve Hot

Once your Green Bean Mac 'n' Cheese has reached the perfect consistency, it's time to add the finishing touches. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Don't be afraid to taste and adjust as needed; the right amount of salt can really elevate the flavors. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of paprika. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat that complements the creamy cheese sauce.

Once you're satisfied with the seasoning, serve the mac 'n' cheese immediately while it's still hot and gooey. The warmth will enhance the flavors and ensure the cheese stays perfectly melted.

For a visually appealing presentation, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.

If you've opted for a breadcrumb topping, make sure it's golden brown and crispy before serving.