Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with this mouthwatering Mac and Cheese with Sausage and Bell Peppers! This isn't just another ordinary mac and cheese recipe – it's a flavor explosion that transforms the classic dish into a gourmet experience. Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta studded with savory sausage and sweet, caramelized bell peppers that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress your family or craving a hearty meal that combines classic comfort with exciting flavors, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add crumbled sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving any rendered fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced bell peppers until they are soft and slightly caramelized, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove peppers and set aside with the sausage.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Slowly add shredded cheese to the milk mixture, stirring continuously until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach desired consistency.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Gently fold in cooked sausage and bell peppers.
- Transfer mac and cheese to a serving dish. Let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Tips
- Cheese Selection: Use a combination of cheeses for maximum flavor. The mix of cheddar and mozzarella provides both sharp taste and creamy texture.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook your macaroni just until al dente – it will continue to absorb the sauce and soften while mixing.
- Sausage Secret: For extra flavor, choose a slightly spicy sausage like Italian or chorizo to add depth to the dish.
- Pepper Technique: Sauté bell peppers until they're slightly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little warm milk to thin it out. If it's too thin, continue cooking to reduce and thicken.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Optional Add-Ins: Consider adding breadcrumbs on top and broiling for a crispy golden crust, or mix in some fresh herbs like parsley for extra freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 387kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
