Vegetarian Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Vegetarian Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage—a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This hearty dish elevates classic mac and cheese with the addition of savory, golden-brown vegetarian sausage, creating a flavorful twist. The cheese sauce is a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, with a hint of Dijon mustard and paprika for added depth. Made with tender elbow macaroni and a rich homemade roux, this recipe is easy to prepare, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish. Serve this vegetarian meal as a cozy main dish or pair it with a crisp side salad for a balanced spread. Perfect for families and easily customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 links vegetarian sausage
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Slice the vegetarian sausage links into bite-sized pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Lower the heat to medium-low and gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
Add the salt, black pepper, dijon mustard, and paprika to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine.
Combine the cooked macaroni and sausage pieces with the cheese sauce, stirring until thoroughly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4039 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 210.2 g | 269% | |
| Saturated Fat | 115.5 g | 578% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 589 mg | 196% | |
| Sodium | 6995 mg | 304% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 332.3 g | 121% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.4 g | 62% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.2 g | ||
| Protein | 208.7 g | 417% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.3 mcg | 46% | |
| Calcium | 4253 mg | 327% | |
| Iron | 18.9 mg | 105% | |
| Potassium | 1757 mg | 37% | |
*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.
