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–+ servings
Zucchini Mac and Cheese
This comforting mid-century casserole blends classic boxed macaroni and cheese with tender zucchini and creamy cottage cheese for a quick, family-friendly dinner. Popular during the 1970s and 1980s, recipes like this brought creativity to boxed dinners, stretching meals with vegetables and pantry staples. The crispy rice topping adds nostalgic crunch, making it both a satisfying and budget-friendly supper. Perfect for busy weekends, this dish highlights the era's inventive home cooking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 212 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pkg Kraft macaroni & cheese
  • 1 ½ cups zucchini (quartered slices)
  • 2 tbsp margarine (or butter)
  • 1½ cups cottage cheese
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup crispy rice cereal (e.g., Rice Krispies)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Macaroni and Cheese

  • Prepare the macaroni and cheese dinner according to package directions.

Step 2: Cook the Zucchini

  • Melt margarine in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté the quartered zucchini slices until tender (about 5–7 minutes).

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared mac and cheese, cooked zucchini, cottage cheese, oregano, and salt.
  • Stir until well mixed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  • Spoon the mixture into a 1.5-quart casserole dish.
  • Top evenly with crispy rice cereal.

Step 5: Bake

  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Tips

  • Use butter instead of margarine for richer flavor.
  • Substitute yellow squash for zucchini.
  • Mix in a handful of shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness.
  • Add cooked ground beef or turkey for a heartier casserole.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes for moisture and flavor.
  • Top with crushed Ritz crackers instead of crispy rice cereal.
  • Add garlic powder or Italian seasoning for more depth.
  • Make it vegetarian by using vegetarian-friendly mac & cheese dinner.
  • Add sautéed onions or peppers for extra veggies.
  • Use cottage cheese with chives for added flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 11gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 503mgPotassium: 215mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 306IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 103mgIron: 1mg
Keyword casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meals, macaroni and cheese, vintage recipes, zucchini recipe
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