Hot Italian Sausage Macaroni Casserole Recipe 🌶️🧀🍲

Overview:

Indulge in the warmth of a comforting macaroni casserole infused with the zesty kick of hot Italian sausage. Perfect for those chilly fall and winter evenings, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you opt for mild sausage or embrace the fiery heat with jalapenos and hot sauce, this recipe caters to your preference. With a hearty combination of macaroni, sausage, and a medley of savory ingredients, this one-dish meal promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty rolls for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 778 per serving
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 16 reviews)

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a skillet with oil and heat it over medium heat.

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2. Cook the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing and crumble it into the heated skillet. Cook until it’s nicely browned and crumbly, breaking it up further as it cooks to achieve an even texture. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat.

3. Add Vegetables: Toss in diced onions and sliced mushrooms, and jalapenos if using, into the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender, infusing the mixture with rich flavors.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture into a large oven-proof dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

5. Deglaze the Skillet: Pour the sherry wine into the skillet, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom. Let it come to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to incorporate all the delicious flavors.

6. Combine Ingredients: Pour the deglazed sherry over the sausage mixture in the baking dish. Add tomato sauce, beef consommé, water, and pasta, stirring until everything is well combined and the pasta is submerged in the savory liquid.

7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the pasta is cooked to perfection and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

8. Add Creaminess: Once the casserole is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and stir in the sour cream or cottage cheese, ensuring a creamy and luscious texture throughout.

9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and if desired, some grated Asiago cheese for an extra layer of indulgence. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this hearty dish.

Notes:

• Customize the Heat: Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of hot Italian sausage, jalapenos, or hot sauce according to your preference.

• Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply follow all the steps up to baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.

• Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings and transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.

• Vegetarian Variation: For a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for a delicious meat-free alternative. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to enhance the flavors.

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Hot Italian Sausage Macaroni Casserole, where every bite is a delightful symphony of savory goodness. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to leave everyone satisfied and craving for more. Enjoy the hearty warmth of this comforting meal as you embrace the joys of home-cooked goodness! 🍲🔥