Frederic Melton
Macaroni and cheese with cooked sausage is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This dish combines the rich, creamy flavours of macaroni and cheese with the savoury, robust flavours of cooked sausage. The best part? It can be prepared in just 30 minutes to 1 hour, making it an ideal choice for those who want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. In this recipe, you'll start by cooking the sausage and diced onion over medium-high heat until browned. Then, you'll stir in additional ingredients like diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk. Finally, you'll add in the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese, allowing the heat from the meal to melt the cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Comfort food, supper food |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Main Ingredients | Pasta, Cheese, Sausage, Onion, Milk, Butter, Flour, Spices |
| Additional Ingredients | Tomato, Bread Crumbs, Vegetables, Mushrooms |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Cooking Time | 14-18 minutes on stove, 15-20 minutes in oven, 25-30 minutes in preheated oven |
| Total Time | 45 minutes to 1 hour and 18 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Suitability | Family dinner, Holiday gathering, Special occasion |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Cooking the sausage
Next, heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. You can use a cast-iron skillet if you have one. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. If you're using a fatty sausage, you may not need any additional oil. Place the sausage in the pan and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces. If you're using sausage links, remove the casing before cooking.
Cook the sausage until it's browned and cooked through. This should take around 5-10 minutes. If using vegetarian sausage, it will cook much faster, usually in about 5 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Drain off any excess grease left in the pan, but be careful as it will be hot.
Now you're ready to add the other ingredients to the pan and continue with the recipe.
Peng Wang Cheese Tofu: A Tasty Recipe
You may want to see also
Making the cheese sauce
To make the cheese sauce, start by cooking diced onion and garlic in butter. Then, add flour and stir for about a minute. You can also add Italian seasoning, pepper, and dry mustard at this stage. Next, gradually whisk in milk until there are no lumps, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This will take about 10 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, add shredded cheese and stir until it melts. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use a mixture of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick. If you're using pre-shredded cheese, it may take a little longer to melt.
For a smoother sauce, shred your own cheese. You can use a block of cheese and grate it yourself, which will ensure it melts better and creates a creamier sauce.
Finally, add your cooked sausage to the cheese sauce. If you're using raw sausage, cook it separately first and set it aside before making the cheese sauce. Break up the sausage into small pieces while cooking, and make sure it's cooked through and no longer pink. You can use Italian sausage, mild breakfast sausage, turkey sausage, or even ground beef or ground turkey.
Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breast with Broccoli and Cheese
You may want to see also
Preparing the pasta
To prepare the pasta for macaroni and cheese with cooked sausage, follow these steps:
First, select your pasta of choice. Any small pasta shape will work well, such as elbows or shells, but you can also use other types of pasta depending on your preference and what you have available.
Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. The amount of water and salt used will depend on the amount of pasta you are preparing, so be sure to follow the package directions for the best results.
Once the water is boiling, add the dry pasta to the pot. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together, and cook it according to the package instructions or until it is al dente.
When the pasta is cooked to your desired level of doneness, drain the water from the pot. Be careful when draining the water, as the steam will be hot. You can use a colander or a sieve to drain the pasta, and make sure to drain it well to remove any excess water.
At this point, you can choose to bake your macaroni and cheese or prepare it on the stovetop. If you prefer a baked dish, preheat your oven and prepare a baking dish by greasing it or using a non-stick spray. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, sausage, and any other desired ingredients, such as vegetables or spices, in a separate bowl before transferring the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
If you are preparing the dish on the stovetop, simply add the cooked pasta directly to the cheese sauce and sausage mixture in the skillet or saucepan. Stir everything together over medium heat until well combined and heated through.
Remember to adjust the ingredient quantities based on the number of servings you need and your personal preferences. Enjoy your homemade macaroni and cheese with cooked sausage!
Hot Chicken Ramen: A Cheesy Twist
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Combining the ingredients
To prepare macaroni and cheese with cooked sausage, you can follow the steps below:
First, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring the water is salted. Drain the pasta well. While the pasta is cooking, cook the sausage. Place the sausage and diced onion in a large saucepan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into small bits. Cook until the sausage is browned, then drain off any excess grease.
Next, you will make a cheese sauce. Melt butter in the sausage pan over medium heat, then add the garlic and cook for about a minute. Add the flour and stir, cooking for another minute. Now, gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. This will take a while! You can use regular, low-fat, or non-fat milk, but regular milk will make a thicker sauce. Once the sauce is thick, stir in your shredded cheese. A mixture of cheeses can be used, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or gouda.
Now, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and sausage. You can add the sausage to the cheese sauce, or combine all three in a baking dish, layering with cheese to prevent the dish from drying out. You can also add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and water to the mixture.
Baking (optional)
If you wish to bake your macaroni, pour the assembled mixture into a baking dish. Top with bread crumbs, butter, and cracker crumbs if desired. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F, or 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F.
Customization
This recipe can be customized with different types of meat, pasta, cheese, and vegetables. You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms to the dish.
Zucchini Parmesan: A Quick, Tasty Dish
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
Macaroni and cheese with cooked sausage is a hearty, comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. It can be served with a prepared salad and warm dinner rolls, or with a mix of green salad. It is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different occasions and tastes.
For a more substantial meal, you can add some cooked mixed vegetables or peas and carrots to the dish before baking. You can also add some lightly sautéed sliced mushrooms and bell peppers to the macaroni and cheese along with the sausage. If you want to add more colour and flavour, you can include some basil leaves and grated mozzarella.
For those who prefer a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of macaroni and cheese and increase the amount of sausage in the dish. You can also substitute different types of meat, such as ground beef or turkey, or even vegetarian sausage.
To elevate the dish, you can add some breadcrumbs on top before baking. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, gouda, gruyere, or parmesan.
Delicious Cheesy Tortellini: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
