Mac & Cheese with Sausage Meatballs

  0.0 – 0 reviews  • Sausage Recipes
Level: Easy
Total: 35 min
Active: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. Kosher salt
  2. 12 ounces cavatappi or other corkscrew pasta
  3. 1 cup crushed cheese crackers
  4. 2 1/4 cups whole milk
  5. 10 ounces bulk sweet Italian sausage
  6. 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  7. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  8. 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  9. 2 ounces processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  10. 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain. Reserve the pot.
  2. Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup crushed cheese crackers and 1/4 cup milk in a medium bowl; let sit until slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Add the sausage and 2 tablespoons Parmesan and mix well to combine. Form the sausage mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 28); arrange on the prepared pan. Bake until golden and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes. 
  3. Add the flour and the remaining 2 cups milk to the reserved pot and whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the cheddar and processed cheese and stir until smooth. Stir in 3/4 teaspoon salt and the mustard. 
  4. Add the pasta and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Add the meatballs and stir to coat; thin with the remaining 1/4 cup cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. 
  5. Combine the remaining 1/2 cup crushed cheese crackers and 1 tablespoon Parmesan in a small bowl. Divide the mac and cheese among bowls and sprinkle with the cracker mixture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 of 4 servings
Calories 923
Total Fat 42 g
Saturated Fat 21 g
Carbohydrates 86 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Sugar 10 g
Protein 49 g
Cholesterol 113 mg
Sodium 1203 mg

 

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