Mac ‘N Beans - a Quick and Easy Old Favourite Recipe
Table of Contents
An old favourite, but a delicious favourite! I love Mac N Cheese, and I think it can be a tricky dish to make from scratch!
I really wanted to create an easy one pot recipe if I could, that would be just as tasty! But of course having all of the goodness that babies need to grow big and strong! It is an easy recipe to follow, you don’t even have to cook the pasta which is perfect for a one pot oven dish.
As there is quite a bit of milk in this recipe I wanted to combine the carbohydrate and protein elements to the recipe as well!
This is why I have incorporated cannelloni beans to the recipe, which work really well, You don’t even notice they are in there. I have decided to use cannelloni beans as they blend into the dish and are disguised. But you can use any bean you like, whatever you have in the cupboard.
Including cannelloni beans into a baby led weaning diet can provide numerous health benefits for your little one. These creamy white beans are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Rich in protein, fibre, and vitamins, cannelloni beans contribute to the healthy growth and development of your baby. By introducing them during the weaning process, you expose your baby to new textures and flavours, promoting their palate's diversity. These versatile beans can be mashed to a smooth consistency for younger babies or served whole for older ones to practice their grasping skills. Whether mashed into a puree or added to soups and stews, cannelloni beans are an excellent way to introduce plant-based proteins to your baby's diet while promoting their overall well-being.
Pasta is an excellent choice for baby-led weaning due to its numerous benefits. First and foremost, pasta is soft in texture and easy for babies to grasp, making it a perfect finger food. Its malleable nature allows babies to practice their fine motor skills while developing their ability to self-feed. Additionally, pasta comes in various shapes and sizes, providing a tactile experience that stimulates sensory exploration. It is also a versatile food that can be prepared with different nutritious sauces and ingredients, introducing babies to a wide range of flavours and textures. Pasta is a great source of carbohydrates, essential for providing energy and supporting healthy growth. Moreover, it contains vital nutrients like fibre and B vitamins, contributing to healthy digestion and brain development. Lastly, pasta is a culturally iconic food enjoyed by people worldwide, introducing babies to diverse culinary traditions from an early age. With its nutritional value, ease of consumption, and culinary variety, pasta is undoubtedly a wonderful choice for encouraging independent eating during baby-led weaning.
Cheddar cheese is an excellent addition to a baby-led weaning diet for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, it is a rich source of calcium, essential for the development of strong and healthy bones in growing infants. Furthermore, cheddar cheese provides a good amount of protein, aiding in the growth and repair of tissues. Its mild and creamy texture is perfect for babies who are just starting to explore solid foods, making it easier for them to chew and swallow. Additionally, cheddar cheese offers a variety of essential vitamins, especially vitamin B12, which is crucial for brain development. Lastly, introducing cheddar cheese during the weaning stage exposes babies to different flavours, promoting a diverse palate and potentially reducing picky eating in the long run. All in all, cheddar cheese is a wholesome and versatile choice for parents looking to incorporate nutritious options into their baby's diet.
Cream cheese is a versatile and nutritious addition to a baby-led weaning diet. Packed with essential nutrients, it provides a great source of calcium, protein, and healthy fats for growing babies. The soft and creamy texture of cream cheese makes it easily spreadable on toast as a topping, and can also be blended with fruits to create a delicious cheesecake dessert. Cream cheese adds a smooth and creamy element to baby's meals, helping to enhance the taste and texture of various dishes. Furthermore, its high fat content can contribute to the healthy development of a baby's brain and nervous system. Introducing cream cheese in baby-led weaning can be a delightful and wholesome way to expose little ones to new flavours and textures, while providing them with essential nutrients for their growth and development.
Wholemeal bread can be an excellent addition to a baby's diet during the baby led weaning stage. Its soft texture makes it easy for babies to handle and chew, promoting fine motor skills development. Wholemeal bread is packed with essential nutrients such as fibre, B vitamins, and minerals like iron and magnesium, which are crucial for a growing baby's health. The complex carbohydrates in wholemeal bread also provide a slow release of energy and help support their active bodies. As with any new food, it is important to introduce wholemeal bread gradually, watching out for any signs of allergies or sensitivities. Serving it alongside various fruits, vegetables, and proteins can create a balanced and nutritious meal option for your little one, helping them explore different flavours and textures while instilling healthy eating habits from early on.
Ingredient information
Macaroni - you can use any pasta you have in your cupboard, but I like to use macaroni for this recipe.
Cannelloni beans - I like the fact that cannelloni beans blend in well to the is recipe. You can use any beans in water you have in the cupboard.
Whole milk - I use whole milk as this gives a depth of taste to the dish. You can use your milk of choice though.
Cream cheese - I like to add in some cream cheese to add in some more yummy cheesiness.
Cheddar cheese - I like to use a sharp mature cheddar cheese as I feel like it works so well and is so tasty. You can use any cheese you like though and mix some of your favourites.
Bay leaf - I like to add a bay leaf as I really enjoy the flavour, but this is optional If you do not like the flavour.
Black pepper - A touch of black pepper is all this needs.
Cornflour - I like to use a touch of cornflour to thicken the dish slightly.
Wholemeal bread - I use wholemeal bread as I always have wholemeal bread, but you can of course use white bread.
Serving suggestion
You can serve this dish with some steamed vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots and courgette. Or you can roast these vegetables alongside the Mac n Beans.
Storage instructions
The Mac N Beans will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. This is the best way to keep the dish fresh.
The Mac N Beans can be frozen, all you will need to do is store in an airtight container or a freezer bag, alternatively you can portion into small airtight containers. Always leave the dish to cool down fully before transferring to the small airtight containers and then to the freezer. You will be able to keep in the freezer for 3 months.
To defrost the Mac N Beans, remove from the freezer and leave in the fridge overnight to defrost. Once defrosted transfer to an oven proof dish and reheat.
To reheat, pre heat your oven to 180 C or 350F and heat the Mac N Beans for 15 - 20 minutes. You can add a touch of hot water to loosen the sauce if needed. Leave to cool before serving.
You will not be able to re freeze once defrosted and reheated.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Oven proof dish - For pasta bake dishes, I love to use a ceramic dish - they are durable and can withstand high oven temperatures. A baking dish and serving dish in one!
Large Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Small Airtight container - Just 180 ml storage capacity but very useful for leftovers and freezing small baby portions.
Recipe | Mac N Beans
Makes 2 - 3 Portions
50g macaroni
60g cannellini beans
300ml whole milk
2 tablespoons full fat cream cheese
20g cheddar cheese
1 bay leaf
A grind of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cornflour
Half a slice wholemeal bread, blitzed
Instructions
Pre heat your oven to 180C or 350F.
Add your macaroni and beans to your dish, I used a 6x4 inch dish.
Measure the milk in a measuring jug, and add to the jug the cream cheese, cheese, bay leaf and black pepper and cornflour. Stir the milky sauce.
Pour over the macaroni and beans and give it a good stir.
Pop in the oven for 20 minutes and stir half way through.
After 20 minutes, take out of the oven and give it a good stir again. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top and pop back in the oven for a further 10 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
Hope you and your family enjoy!
Recipe notes
You can substitute a few ingredients to make this dish dairy free by swapping dairy milk and cheese for non-dairy, and changing the macaroni and bread to GF pasta.
©The Petit Spoon
Content and photographs are copyright protected and need prior permission to use elsewhere. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to other websites and any social media is strictly prohibited. Sharing and using the link of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated! Share this post now!
