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Craving comfort food with a twist? This Italian Sausage Mac and Cheese Casserole is your answer. Imagine the rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce enveloping tender macaroni, with savory Italian sausage adding a burst of flavor. It's the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a family gathering. Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
The name of the recipe: Italian Sausage Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb casings removed italian sausage
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add cooked macaroni and sausage to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
Read more: Italian Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Italian Sausage Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Italian sausage: Adds a rich, savory flavor and hearty texture, making the dish more filling and flavorful.
- Macaroni: Provides the classic pasta base, perfect for holding the creamy cheese sauce.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey texture and sharp flavor that defines mac and cheese.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy sauce that binds all ingredients together.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps form the base of the cheese sauce.
- Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce, ensuring it clings to the pasta perfectly.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Italian Sausage Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Skillet: Essential for browning the Italian sausage evenly and draining excess fat, ensuring a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Large pot: Needed to create the cheese sauce and combine all ingredients, providing ample space for thorough mixing.
- Whisk: Crucial for blending flour into melted butter and gradually incorporating milk, ensuring a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Baking dish: Used to bake the casserole, allowing it to become bubbly and golden brown in the oven.
- Colander: Necessary for draining cooked macaroni, preventing excess water from diluting the cheese sauce.
Italian Sausage Mac and Cheese Casserole
A hearty and cheesy casserole with Italian sausage, perfect for a family dinner.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
- 2 cups macaroni uncooked
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add cooked macaroni and sausage to the cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Read more: Italian Sausage Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole up to the baking step.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, remove from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but don't bake.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
- Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
For a richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. It enhances the cheddar and gives the dish a subtle warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne or rotini.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare it up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I use a different cheese?
Sure, try mozzarella, gouda, or a mix of your favorites.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
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