Description
Savor the creamy and cheesy delight of Sausage Mac and Cheese with Peppers and Onions, a comforting meal that combines macaroni and cheese with savory sausage, sweet peppers, and onions, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Macaroni
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Sausage
- 1 pound sausage (spicy, sweet, or mild)
Cheddar Cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Milk
- 2 cups whole milk
Peppers
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
Onions
- 1 cup onions, chopped
Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sautรฉ the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit of oil if necessary, then sautรฉ the onions and peppers until they are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about a minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add in the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, sausage, sautรฉed vegetables, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Bake (Optional): If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Donโt Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta will hold up better in the baking process.
- Choose Quality Sausage: A good quality sausage enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Mix Cheeses: Combining different cheeses adds complexity to the flavor profile.
- Season Well: Donโt forget to season each layer with salt and pepper for the best flavor.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking to firm up before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg