Get ready for a mouthwatering culinary adventure that combines the irresistible comfort of cheesy macaroni with the bold, savory flavor of perfectly cooked sausage! This one-skillet wonder is about to become your new favorite go-to meal that promises to satisfy hunger, impress dinner guests, and make weeknight cooking a breeze. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a dish so delicious, it'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups cheese sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of sausage, 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 3 cups of cheese sauce, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet, heat the skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- While the sausage is cooking, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- Once the sausage is cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the cheese sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sausage.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, mixing well to ensure that the macaroni is coated with the cheese sauce and sausage mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the macaroni mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, mixing it in gently.
- Serve the Cheesy Sausage Macaroni Skillet hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for a flavorful sausage like Italian or spicy chorizo to add extra depth to your dish.
- Cheese Sauce Hack: For an extra creamy texture, use a combination of sharp cheddar and mild cheese to balance flavors.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente to prevent mushy macaroni - the pasta will continue cooking slightly in the skillet.
- Low and Slow Melting: When adding shredded cheese, use low heat and cover the skillet to ensure smooth, even melting.
- Customize Your Skillet: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Leftover Magic: This dish reheats beautifully - store in an airtight container and reheat in the skillet with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 25g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: mg
