Add A Can Of This To Your Mac And Cheese For A Delicious Protein Boost

If it seems like everyone around you is fixated on getting more daily protein, there's probably a good reason for that. As for us specifically, we're always chasing protein in our diets because we know full well about the benefits — improved muscle and bone health, greater satiety, metabolism-boosting, and better kidney health, just to name a few. Upping the protein we eat need not be a chore ... in fact, you can even do it without sacrificing your favorite foods — take mac and cheese, for instance. Just stir in a can of baked beans, and presto! You have a yummy, more complete meal that boosts protein to the tune of six grams per half-cup serving of beans.

Before you look askance at the idea, keep in mind that sweet-ish additions to mac and cheese are nothing new. Remember pop star Drake's birthday mac and cheese with raisins? Canadians love to eat Kraft mac and cheese (which is called Kraft Dinner north of the border) with ketchup, which is both sweet and tangy. And, lest we forget, both caramelized onions and peas are popular add-ins to boxed mac with undeniable sweet savor. Mac and beans is a delicious meal with endless versatility. We're imagining a spin on our three-ingredient baked bean chili mac recipe using boxed mac for ultimate convenience. 

The obvious add-in that can really tie together your mac and cheese with baked beans is some cooked ground beef. This will add bulk and savor to the dish ... to say nothing of even more protein! If you want to swap the ground beef for ground sausage or even some chorizo, we'll be picking up what you're throwing down. Adding a can of tomato sauce and some chili powder will complete the transformation to total "chili mac" territory, but that's up to you.

Alternatively, allow us to once again make the case for Dijon mustard as a preferred ingredient in boxed mac and cheese. When combined with baked beans, the mustard's zesty tang will cut through a lot of the sweetness and add nuance to your dish. Along those same lines, if you have just a little extra time for preparation, some diced sautéed onion and bell pepper, along with a can of sweet corn and half a packet of your favorite taco seasoning, will add vegetal freshness and a touch of Southwest flair to your beans and mac! We also love the idea of adding even more cheese to this meal, especially something with a little spice, like a pepper jack or chipotle cheddar. Bacon? But, of course!

The great thing about beans and pasta (other than the combination tasting so good!) is the fact that it's vastly open to interpretation. Mac and beans is a worthy side dish or main course, depending on how you present it. Honestly, we're really feeling the possibilities of this protein-packed meal!