Low Fat Cheesy Comfort Casserole
Indulge guilt-free with this Low Fat Cheesy Comfort Casserole, a hearty and wholesome twist on classic comfort food! Loaded with nutrient-rich whole wheat elbow macaroni, creamy low-fat cheeses, and vibrant mixed vegetables, this dish delivers the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. A velvety cheese sauce made with skim milk, low-fat cream cheese, and sharp cheddar pairs beautifully with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian herbs for a burst of savory goodness in every bite. Topped with crunchy whole grain bread crumbs and grated Parmesan, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Ideal for health-conscious families or anyone craving lighter comfort food, this baked casserole is easy to make and serves as a satisfying dinner centerpiece. Perfect for cozy nights or meal prep, this recipe proves you don't need to sacrifice flavor for a low-fat meal!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fold in the cooked macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables into the cheese mixture. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
In a small bowl, combine the whole grain bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling in the center.
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Low Fat Cheesy Comfort Casserole warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2230 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 63.7 g | 82% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.4 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 135 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 4240 mg | 184% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 276.9 g | 101% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.3 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.3 g | ||
| Protein | 129.9 g | 260% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.3 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 1927 mg | 148% | |
| Iron | 13.8 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 2163 mg | 46% | |
*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.
