Country Sausage Macaroni Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty and flavorful Country Sausage Macaroni Cheese! This baked pasta dish combines tender elbow macaroni with savory country-style pork sausage and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan. A hint of Dijon mustard and paprika adds depth and richness, while a golden, crispy panko breadcrumb topping elevates every bite. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this crowd-pleaser is easy to prepare and comes together in just under an hour. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color, and serve warm for a dish that's guaranteed to delight. Ideal for anyone searching for hearty macaroni and cheese recipes, sausage pasta bakes, or one-dish comfort food classics!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams elbow macaroni
- 500 grams country-style pork sausage
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the country-style pork sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to stir and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Combine the cooked macaroni, browned sausage, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until the pasta and sausage are well coated in the sauce.
Transfer the macaroni and sausage mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1174 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.4 g | 88% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.2 g | 176% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 175 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 2132 mg | 93% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 84.5 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 56.0 g | 112% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.4 mcg | 12% | |
| Calcium | 1024 mg | 79% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 542 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
