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I’ve been making this Homemade Sausage Macaroni and Cheese recipe for over 25 years and it’s always a hit. It’s creamy and full of sausage for extra flavor, plus you can make it on the stove top for a simple dinner or as a casserole for a potluck or meal train. It’s the perfect easy recipe!

Mac and cheese in a black pan.

This easy Sausage Mac and Cheese is like the perfect comfort food! This easy homemade macaroni and cheese has so much flavor and everyone loves it – like I said, it’s been my signature dish for over 25 years. Gooey and cheesy with onion and garlic and Italian sausage, it’s a great potluck dish or just a simple easy dinner. It’s a stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe or you can bake it!

ingredients in Mac n cheese with sausage.

Ingredient Notes

  • Pasta – you’ll want to start with dry pasta, any shape. I prefer elbows or shells but really, any small pasta shape will do.
  • Italian sausage – We love adding sausage to this. Use hot or sweet Italian sausage without the casing (or squeeze it out of the casing). You can even use Turkey sausage.
  • Milk – regular, low-fat, or non-fat, although regular milk will make a thicker sauce.
  • Cheese – Cheddar cheese is my gold standard for mac and cheese, but I usually do a mixture of cheeses. I’ll often clean out my cheese drawer for this – I also love using Monterey Jack and even gouda. Shred your own cheese so it melts better!

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How to Make Sausage Mac and Cheese

  1. You’ll need to cook the sausage first – cook until no longer pink, then move to a plate with paper towels to drain any excess fat.
  2. The base of the cheese sauce is a roux: You first cook the onion and garlic in butter, then add all-purpose flour and stir to just cook the flour about a minute. Then you have to whisk in the milk until no lumps remain and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This will take awhile!
  3. Once it’s nice and thick you add your shredded cheese and stir it until it melts into the sauce and then add your sausage. 
  4. How to make in the oven: Boil the pasta until al dente and then combine the cheese, sausage, and noodles, leaving about a quarter of the cheese sauce to spare. Pour the assembled mac and cheese into a baking dish and top it with the remaining cheese sauce, adding bread crumbs if you wish. Topping the pasta with extra cheese keeps the moisture from escaping the noodles, preventing the dish from drying out. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F. 
Mac and cheese in a white glass bowl.

Variations

  • Change up the pasta: Although macaroni is a tried and true choice of pasta for this cheesy classic, any type of pasta can be used. The best kinds of pasta to use for mac and cheese are the ones that have the ability to escort the maximum amount of fromage to your tastebuds: Pastas with hollow bits or ample crevices are the ones that will get you the cheesiest bites; think campanelle, fusilli, penne, and cavatappi.
  • Experiment with cheese: Different cheeses can also be used to suit your liking. While my favorite cheeses to use are monterey jack, gouda, swiss, and cheddar (orange or white, medium or sharp), feel free to get creative and experiment with as many cheeses you like! 
  • Go meatless: Sweet Italian sausage is my personal go-to, but you can use any kind of sausage you’d like. If you’re looking to make this recipe vegetarian, meatless ground “beef” or meatless sausages will work great!
  • Make it a meal: Stirring in some greens like broccoli or brussel sprouts elevate this mac and cheese to a full-on meal! Other compatible veggies include spinach, kale, peas, cauliflower, and many more. 
Mac and cheese in a black pan.

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I don’t like freezing this because the pasta will get soggy. Reheat in the microwave.

Expert Tips

  • I’ve used both nonfat and whole milk for this recipe in the past, and both worked great. However, if you want an even thicker, creamier, richer texture, opt for the whole milk. 
  • If you’re looking ahead at a busy schedule, feel free to make this mac and cheese a day ahead of time. Reheat it in the oven just before serving and you’ll be ready to go!
  • Pre-shredded cheese is a big no-no when it comes to homemade mac and cheese. Packaged shredded cheese will never melt down the way freshly shredded cheese does, and believe me, you can tell the difference. 
  • I avoid adding salt to the recipe because the sausage and cheese typically adds just enough. Once you oversalt, it’s hard to go back. 
Mac and cheese in a black pan.

Sausage Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

3.76 from 29 votes
Sausage Mac & Cheese – this EASY macaroni and cheese recipe is full of Italian sausage! It’s the perfect comfort food. I’ve been making this FOR YEARS and everyone always loves it.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Yield 16 servings
Serving Size 1 serving

Ingredients
 

  • 14-16 ounces dry pasta (any shape; I like using elbows)
  • 1 pound bulk Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or hot, or even turkey sausage)
  • 1 medium (134g) onion , diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves (9g) garlic , minced
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) butter
  • 4 tablespoons (31g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk regular, lowfat, or nonfat
  • ½ teaspoon dry Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon  ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
  • 5 cups shredded cheese (see note)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions – be sure to salt the boiling water. Drain well.
  • While the pasta is cooking, cook the sausage over medium heat in a large pot (at least 5 Qt). Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into small bits. This takes about 5-10 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked through, remove it to a plate or bowl and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in the sausage pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute. Stir in the flour completely and cook for 1 minute, then add the milk. Stir to combine the mixture, then add the italian seasoning, pepper, and dry mustard.
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes or so. It should be the consistency of a creamy soup. Stir in the cheese until melted. Add salt to taste (and more pepper, if desired).
  • Add sausage and pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until combined. Remove from heat and serve hot.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This can be made one day ahead and reheated in the oven as well.
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Recipe Notes

  • I prefer using whole milk but nonfat or 2% will work too. I have not tested this with nondairy milk.
  • I love the kick of hot italian sausage but use your favorite. It’s easiest if you use bulk sausage but you can also use links and squeeze the sausage out of the casing.
  • Cheese: I always use cheddar cheese in this, at least 3 cups. I love mixing other cheeses too for extra flavor (my favorites are sharp cheddar, grueyere, and mozzarella) but use anything you have. I recommend shredding your own cheese for ultimate meltiness.
  • Because of all the salt in the sausage and cheese I do not salt the cheese sauce until after it’s done. Taste and adjust seasoning before adding the pasta.
  • If you want, use one large pot and make the pasta first, drain, then continue. Takes longer but less cleanup.

Recipe Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 64mg | Sodium: 474mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 424IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 267mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

What Goes With Macaroni and Cheese

Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

3.76 from 29 votes (27 ratings without comment)

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15 Comments

  1. I increased the meat mixture to 2 pounds and used an Italian sausage ground beef combination. Also, I added 2 peppers! It’s a great comfort meal on a cool day add a mix green salad.

  2. I made fondue a few nights ago and had a bunch of grated cheese left over so when I came across this recipe, it was the perfect fit! I used up my remaining gruyere cheddar and gouda and threw in some mild cheddar to make the right amount, used the ground turkey I had in the freezer that needed to be used, and it turned out delicious! I will definitely be making this recipe again!

  3. I’ve been looking for the perfect recipe for macaroni and cheese for so long. Dorothy, thank you very much! This is the best dinner, after a hard working day and school day. I love your style!

    Bianca | mastergrades.com