Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that's also surprisingly healthy? Look no further! This Hillshire Farms Sausage Mac and Cheese Broccoli recipe elevates the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest! This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, blending the creamy richness of mac and cheese with the savory goodness of sausage and the nutritional boost of broccoli.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Hillshire Farms sausage (Italian or your favorite flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a large pot of salted water for the pasta.
Cook the Sausage and Broccoli:
- In a large skillet, brown the Hillshire Farms sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until tender-crisp.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Reduce heat to low.
Combine and Bake:
- Add the cooked sausage, broccoli, and cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Cook the macaroni al dente (slightly firm to the bite) as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use quality cheese: The flavor of your cheese will significantly impact the overall taste of your mac and cheese. Experiment with different cheeses!
- For a richer flavor: Add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Variations:
- Add different vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Change the sausage: Use different types of Hillshire Farms sausage, such as smoked sausage or chicken sausage, to vary the flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
This Hillshire Farms Sausage Mac and Cheese Broccoli recipe is a fantastic example of a healthy meal that doesn't compromise on taste. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights and a delicious dish the whole family will enjoy. Enjoy!