Macaroni Casserole with Kielbasa Sausage
Servings 6
Cheesy macaroni kielbasa casserole made with kielbasa sausage and lots of fresh veggies, all smothered in a from-scratch cheese sauce. This casserole comes together on the stove and then is topped with panko bread crumbs and baked in the oven to perfection.
Equipment
- 1 10x7 or medium baking pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets fresh
- 1/2 cup green onion
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 6 oz. kielbasa sausage
Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Boil well-salted water and cook 2 cups of macaroni until al dente (5-6 minutes). Drain.
- Chop raw broccoli, green onion, and red bell pepper. Sauté them all in the butter for about 5 minutes on medium heat.
- Chop 6 oz. of high-quality kielbasa and add to the pan of vegetables. Sauté for another 5 minutes or until crispy edges start to form on the meat and the broccoli appears roasted. Set the pan aside.
- Next, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sharp cheddar cheese, whole milk, sour cream, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Microwave on high for one-minute increments until the sauce is melted and creamy (about 3-5 minutes)
- Add your cooked macaroni to the pan of veggies and kielbasa. Pour over the sauce and mix well. Add to a medium baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
- Top with ½ cup panko breadcrumbs and bake uncovered at 350˚ F for 20 minutes.
Notes
Make Ahead: Follow directions and before baking, cover and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the cover and give it about 10 extra minutes of bake time or until the internal temperature reaches 160˚ F.
Freezer Ready: Yes, you can freeze this recipe. After making as directed, cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to make, let thaw in the refrigerator for 12 hours (or overnight). Bake as directed adding 10 additional minutes of bake time. Keep in mind cheesy sauces like this are not as creamy when frozen. However, the flavor will still be amazing.
Kielbasa Sausage: The sausage typically comes in 12 oz. sizes so if you are doubling this recipe, you’ll use the entire link. I love kielbasa over the campfire and I love kielbasa with cheesy noodles. They were made for each other.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 572kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 849mg | Potassium: 423mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1222IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 403mg | Iron: 1mg