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Comfort food holds a special place in the realm of home cooking, evoking memories of family gatherings, warm kitchens, and nourishing meals that satisfy both the body and soul. Among the myriad of comfort food options, few dishes can rival the heartwarming appeal of a creamy, cheesy pasta bake. Enter the Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Mac Bake—a dish that not only delivers unparalleled flavor but also brings a delightful medley of textures to the table. This casserole is a quintessential family meal, combining the rich, savory notes of smoked sausage with the freshness of vibrant broccoli and the comforting embrace of macaroni and cheese.

Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Mac Bake

Cozy up with a delicious Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Mac Bake, the ultimate comfort food that your family will adore. This recipe showcases a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory smoked sausage, complemented by fresh broccoli. With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, you can whip up this hearty casserole that transforms classic mac and cheese into a filling meal. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a dish that satisfies both the palate and the heart.

Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (choose your favorite variety, such as kielbasa or andouille)

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Add the broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until it’s a light golden brown. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture starts to thicken.

      Add Cheeses: Remove the sauce from heat and add the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

        Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, broccoli, sliced smoked sausage, and cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

          Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and sausage mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.

            Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

              Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Mac Bake!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 6-8