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If you love comfort food, this Sausage Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is a must try. Dinner is so easy when you make this delicious recipe full of cheesy goodness, hearty meat and tangy tomatoes.

close up image of sausage mac and cheese and a skillet with a wooden spoon
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Mac and Cheese with Sausage Casserole Recipe:

We love spaghetti at our house! Though it is a staple, I wanted a dinner that was similar, but lighter to enjoy year round. Not only does this have a wonderful flavor that is light enough for even the warmer months of the year but it is very simple to make.

This stovetop one pot meal can be made with easy ingredients and simple process. Dinner can be on the table in less than 30 minutes and it is loaded with flavor.

It is heart and delicious and the perfect meal anytime of the week. Adding the ground sausage to the mac and cheese makes it a main dish. We like to add a side salad to complete the meal.

close up image of sausage mac and cheese and a skillet

Easy Sausage Mac and Cheese Recipe:

If your family loves macaroni and cheese, take it up a level with this tasty macaroni casserole. This meal is the perfect recipe to try on busy week nights.

Everything you need for a fantastic meal is in this casserole. It is so cheesy and delicious that even your pickiest eaters will go crazy over this dish.

The Italian Sausage really adds a great flavor to the macaroni and the tomatoes pull it all together for a great dinner. You will love this!

We love recipes that have everything you need in one dish for a great meal. It sure does help around here when we are all running from work to school and endless activities.

close up image of sausage mac and cheese and a skillet with a wooden spoon.

What to Serve with Italian Sausage Casserole:

Everything you need for the most amazing dinner is in this casserole. Here are some of our favorites to add to this hearty meal:

  • Side Salad
  • Steam Broccoli
  • French Bread
Ingredients needed - ground sausage, onion, tomatoes, half and half, salt and pepper, italian seasoning, cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

  • Ground Sausage
  • Onion
  • Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
  • Half and Half
  • Macaroni Pasta
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Italian Seasoning
  • Cheddar Cheese

How to make Sausage mac and Cheese

  • Brown the Sausage – Place the sausage and the diced onion in a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Break up the meat and cook until the sausage is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Close up image of frying the ground beef in a cast iron skillet.
  • Stir in the additional Ingredients – Then stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, water and half and half. Then stir in the elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
  • Continue Cooking – Cook and stirring constantly for 14-18 minutes until the pasta is tender.
close up image of sausage mac and cheese and a skillet with a wooden spoon.
  • Remove pan from heat – Uncover and then remove the pan from the heat.
  • Add the cheese – Stirring in the cheddar cheese and allow the heat from the meal to melt the cheese. Make sure to stir occasionally so the macaroni is covered with cheese. Serve while warm and enjoy.
close up image of sausage mac and cheese and a skillet

Variation Ideas:

  • Change the Meat – You can easily substitute different types of meat to suit what you have on hand. Use ground turkey or half turkey, half ground beef.
  • Use Different Pasta – We have used all sorts of different pasta depending on what we had in the pantry.
  • Add in vegetables – You can add in green bell peppers or finely chop up broccoli.
  • Use different Cheese – If you want to add some spice, use pepper jack cheese or cheese sauce.
  • Tomato Sauce – Instead of diced tomatoes, use tomato sauce.
close up image of sausage mac and cheese and a skillet with a wooden spoon.

Tips for Sausage Macaroni Skillet:

  • Use a Food Chopper – Another time saving tip is to use a small food chopper or food processor to quickly and easily chop onions for this recipe. I actually do this with peppers too.
  • Casserole Dish – After cooking the sausage macaroni in the skillet, you can place in a baking dish and top with cheese.
close up image of sausage mac and cheese and a skillet

Print this Easy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe below:

A close-up of a skillet containing macaroni pasta mixed with ground beef, diced tomatoes, and savory sausage. A wooden spoon is stirring the ingredients, showcasing this hearty twist on a classic macaroni and cheese recipe.

Sausage Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

5 from 39 votes
Sausage Mac and Cheese is the best comfort food. Dinner is easy when you make this flavorful casserole with hearty meat, pasta, cheese and more.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine Italian
Course Main Course
Calories 571

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Place the sausage and the diced onion in a large sauce pan or cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Break up the meat and cook until the sausage is browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Then stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, water and half and half. Then stir in the elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for 14-18 minutes until the pasta is tender.
  • Uncover and then remove the pan from the heat.
  • Stir in the cheddar cheese and allow the heat from the meal to melt the cheese. Serve while warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

*Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5 days.ย 
You can easily make this recipe with ground beef or ground sausage if you prefer.ย ย 
We recommend shredding your own cheddar cheese for this recipe as it melts smoother and is more creamy.ย ย 

Nutrition Facts

Calories 571kcal, Carbohydrates 34g, Protein 26g, Fat 36g, Saturated Fat 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat 3g, Monounsaturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 0.2g, Cholesterol 99mg, Sodium 1046mg, Potassium 347mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 4g, Vitamin A 786IU, Vitamin C 3mg, Calcium 334mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 39 votes (37 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Brenda says:

    5 stars
    Easiest Mac n cheese to make. The flavor mixture with the sausage, onion, and roasted tomatoes really is delightful. I’ll be making this again…. Many more times.

  2. Becca Tietje says:

    5 stars
    This makes a tonโ€”which is perfect for my family! Tastes just as good as leftovers.