Do your kids enjoy vegetables? Mine happily eat carrots and peas, but they often wrinkle their noses at broccoli unless it is dressed up in cheese. Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta makes vegetables more appealing by pairing them with familiar, kid-friendly pasta flavors. One variety we tried—Macaroni and Cheese Sauce with Broccoli—turns a classic favorite into an easy way to add nutritious greens to a meal. Because most children love macaroni and cheese, folding in tender broccoli florets is an effortless method to boost the nutritional value of dinner without a battle at the table.
You can find Valley Fresh Steamers in the frozen foods aisle of many grocery stores. The line includes several vegetable and pasta combinations, each packaged in a microwave-safe bag that streamlines meal prep. The concept is simple: place the bag in the microwave for about five minutes and you have a hot, vegetable-forward side or quick main course ready to serve. That convenience is especially helpful on busy weeknights when you want to offer something wholesome without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Beyond convenience, these steamers offer useful versatility. Serve the Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli as a side alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a vegetarian main like baked tofu. For a heartier meal, add cooked shredded chicken, canned tuna, or extra frozen peas for more color and texture. You can also stir in a sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dash of black pepper, or a few red pepper flakes for older children and adults who prefer a bit more flavor. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Getting kids to eat vegetables often comes down to presentation and familiarity. Mixing vegetables into a beloved dish, offering small portions with positive reinforcement, and inviting children to participate in simple meal preparation are all effective strategies. Letting kids help microwave the bag (with supervision), stir in a topping, or choose a vegetable to try that week gives them a sense of ownership and curiosity. Praise and gentle encouragement go a long way—celebrate small victories when they try something new rather than focusing on what they refuse.
For parents who want more ideas, try these kid-tested tips for increasing vegetable intake:
- Pair vegetables with favorite flavors—cheese, tomato sauce, or a familiar seasoning—to make them more inviting.
- Offer vegetables in different formats: raw sticks with a dip, roasted florets, or mixed into comforting dishes like pasta or casseroles.
- Make meals colorful. Bright, varied plates look more fun and can spark interest in tasting new foods.
- Involve kids in shopping and simple prep tasks so they feel invested in the outcome.
- Model vegetable-eating behavior—children are more likely to try foods they see adults enjoying.
Share your best ideas for helping children enjoy vegetables on the Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Facebook page and see what other families are doing to make produce a regular part of meals. Hearing real-life tips from other parents can spark new approaches that work for your household.
Green Giant Giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers prize package that includes:
- 2 Green Giant placemats
- Broccoli stress reliever
- 32 oz. serving bowl
- Surprise face serving spoon
- A VIP coupon for the new Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta
The giveaway ends December 16 at 11:59pm EST. It is open to USA residents ages 18 and up. Enter using the designated entry form provided by the giveaway organizer. Be sure to read the official rules and eligibility requirements before entering.