The Budget-Friendly Canned Vegetable That Gives Mac And Cheese An Instant Fiber Boost

Mac and cheese may be the definition of comfort food, but it isn't always the most nutritious meal. The rich, creamy cheese and the tender noodles make for a delectable combination, but sometimes a mac and cheese recipe could use a few upgrades, especially if you're trying to hit nutritional goals. You could add in vegetables like broccoli or a protein like bacon or chicken to get a little more out of your macaroni, but there's also a fiber-rich and budget-friendly canned option that will take your mac and cheese up a notch. Grab a can of beans for a hearty and delicious mac. 

Beans pair well with just about any meal, and mac and cheese is one of them. Depending on the kind of beans you use, this legume can add a decent amount of fiber. Many varieties, such as cannellini and Great Northern beans, have 13 grams of fiber per cup, while a cup of boiled black beans has about 15 grams, per Mayo Clinic. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, navy beans have around 19 grams of fiber per cup. Beans also have a significant amount of protein in them, with many common varieties ranging from 12 to 18 grams per cup (via Johns Hopkins Medicine). Not only does this addition turn your mac and cheese into a nourishing meal, but beans also add a creamy, smooth texture to your dish. Whether you use cannellini, Great Northern, or baked beans, you can't go wrong with this flavor combination. 

Making mac and cheese with fiber-rich beans can be done in more than one way, and there's plenty of tricks to get creative with your flavors. For a ½ pound of pasta you'll need just one can of beans, though this can be adjusted to your liking and based on your recipe. Always make sure you rinse your beans before adding them to avoid off-putting tastes and smells.

Cannellini and navy beans are great white beans to add for a mild taste, and cooked up they'll get soft and creamy. If you don't want to notice the beans but still want the nutritional benefits, you could blend up your beans with cheese, milk, butter, and seasonings of your choice, turning this extra addition into a sauce. On the other hand, if you want a bit more flavor, you could add baked beans to your macaroni for a sweet and savory touch — add in pulled pork or bacon for the ultimate barbecue finish. For a Mexican-style dish, add in black beans, a diced jalapeño, cheese, and cilantro to give your mac a spicy kick. 

Canned beans and cheese are no new pairing, so it's no surprise beans are the perfect addition to a mac and cheese recipe. Along with adding fiber, beans can also soften some of the intense richness that comes from the dairy in this staple dish. Whether you're looking for a bit more nutritional value or an added texture and flavor in your mac, beans are the way to go.