Sneaky Veggies, Happy Kids: 3 Recipes They’ll Love

1. Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies
2. Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Veggies
3. Hidden Veggie Pizza Quesadillas

Mac and Cheese with Hidden Veggies

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 box of elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp butter (pantry staple)
• 2 tbsp flour (pantry staple)
• 1/2 cup pureed carrots or cauliflower
• Salt, pepper, paprika to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Slowly add milk while whisking until the mixture thickens.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then add pureed veggies. Season to taste.
5. Combine with cooked pasta and serve warm.

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Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Veggies

Serves: 6 (12 mini meatloaves)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup finely grated zucchini or carrot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spinach (optional)
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp ketchup + extra for topping (pantry staple)
• 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper (pantry staples)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients (except extra ketchup). Mix well.
3. Divide the mixture evenly into 12 muffin cups.
4. Top each with a small dollop of ketchup.
5. Bake for 25 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
6. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Great with mashed potatoes or a side salad.

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Hidden Veggie Pizza Quesadillas

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach or kale
• 1/4 cup finely grated carrot or zucchini
• 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms or bell pepper
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (pantry staple)
• Olive oil or butter for greasing the pan (pantry staple)

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or butter.
2. Lay one tortilla in the pan. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on half of it.
3. Sprinkle on cheese and all finely chopped veggies. Add a dash of Italian seasoning.
4. Fold the tortilla in half and press gently.
5. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and cheese is melted.
6. Slice into wedges and serve with extra sauce for dipping.