a mac-n-cheese treat for all ages…

Comfort food is always a treat and when we were growing up mac-n-cheese & sausage was a a treat for sure.  Back then my dad was the master of mac-n-cheese.  He would make it on the stovetop with noodles, velveeta and cheese and we thought this was the best mac-n-cheese EVER.  We loved how creamy it was and how cheesy it was…even better my dad would grill up some link sausage and it was a perfect dinner.  

As I have grown up my taste have changed some but mac-n-cheese is still a favorite for me…and when paired with sausage it is still a treat.  To make it a little more to my grown-up tastes I decided to use a few different cheeses such as havarti & gruyere (but the velveeta version is still a good one).  You could use almost any combo of cheeses you prefer, but this is definitely a new favorite of mine.  I also went with turkey sausage to lighten it up a bit, but I also love the taste of it…especially once it is browned and it caramelizes some.  I also love that it is all put into a casserole, which is not only perfect for busy families, but it is also just SO GOOD!

MJ

12 servings

Mac-n-Cheese & Sausage Casserole

A rich and creamy mac-n-cheese studded with smoked sausage throughout the casserole

15 minPrep Time

45 minCook Time

1 hrTotal Time

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Ingredients

1 lb smoked turkey sausage, cut into bite size pieces

1 lb short pasta (I used macaroni)

2 tbsp butter

3 tbsp flour

2 cups fat free milk

1 cup half & half

2 tsp pepper

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups shredded havarti cheese, divided

1 1/2 cups shredded gruyere cheese, divided

1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 375

Spray a large casserole dish with nonstick spray, set aside

In a large pot cook pasta as directed on package until al dente, drain when cooked reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water

Return pasta to same pot and stir in reserved pasta water

While pasta is cooking brown sausage and make sauce

In a large skillet brown sausage over medium-high heat

Once sausage is browned place onto a paper towel lined plate to let cool a little, reserving 1 tbsp of grease in the skillet

In the same skillet melt butter with the grease over medium heat

Whisk in flour, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes, allowing roux to form and flour taste to cook out

Slowly whisk in milk, eliminating lumps as you stir

Add in half & half, again whisking to ensure no lumps form

Stir in salt & pepper

Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer and let cook until thickened nicely (about 5-6 minutes)

Remove from heat and stir in cheeses (reserving 1/4 cup of each shredded cheese) stirring until melted and well incorporated

Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta and stir until well sauce is distributed evenly

Stir in browned sausage

Pour into prepared pan and top with reserved cheese

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until top is nicely browned and cheese is bubbly

Let sit for 5 minutes before serving

ENJOY!!

Notes

Each serving is 10 WW+ points:

Nutritional Info

Calories 376 Calories from Fat 153 Total Fat 17.0g Saturated Fat 9.0g Cholesterol 60mg Sodium 760mg Potassium 107mg Total Carbohydrates 36.2g Dietary Fiber 1.5g Sugars 4.5g Protein 19.2g Vitamin A 9% - Vitamin C 2% - Calcium 30% - Iron 11% Nutrition Grade C

Nutrition

Calories

301 cal

Fat

23 g

Carbs

7 g

Protein

16 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

7.8.1.2

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The first time I fixed this combo for The Hubby he was a little unsure about it.  He did now grow having it like I did and really didn’t understand my love for it…but once I put it in a casserole he LOVED it.  He is quite the sucker for a casserole.  It is rich, creamy and oh so cheesy with bites of sausage making for a perfect meal that everyone (of all ages) is sure to love.

 Take mac-n-cheese to the next level…giving the family a treat for sure.

Make everyday Sparkle – MJ