Savory Italian Sausage & Macaroni Bake
This delightful Savory Italian Sausage & Macaroni Bake combines the nostalgic comfort of your childhood with the robust flavors of Italian cuisine. Inspired by cherished family recipes, this casserole is layered with al dente macaroni, savory sage sausage, and a luscious spaghetti sauce that brings warmth to the heart and kitchen. Topped with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of Romano, each bite is a celebration of rich, creamy textures and hearty tastes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with loved ones, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying. Relish in the loving memories of home-cooked meals while enjoying this modern twist on a classic favorite.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
2 cups (cooked, drained, and tossed with 2 tablespoons butter)
sage sausage
1 lb (browned, broken into chunks, and drained of grease)
spaghetti sauce
16 ounces (jarred, preferably Classico)
sliced button mushrooms
6 ounces (jarred and drained)
shredded mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (for layering)
Romano cheese
1/2 cup (grated, preferably Kraft)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with 2 tablespoons of butter, ensuring it is well-coated.
3
In a separate skillet, brown the sage sausage over medium heat, breaking it into chunks, and drain any excess grease.
4
In a 2-quart ungreased casserole dish, layer half of the buttered macaroni, followed by half of the browned sausage.
5
Spread half of the spaghetti sauce over the sausage, then layer with half of the sliced mushrooms and half of the mozzarella cheese.
6
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients: macaroni, sausage, sauce, mushrooms, and mozzarella.
7
Sprinkle the grated Romano cheese evenly on top.
8
Cover with aluminum foil (optional) and bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly browned and the casserole is bubbly.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Savory Italian Sausage & Macaroni Bake.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
This dish combines robust Italian flavors with savory sage sausage, tangy spaghetti sauce, and rich, creamy textures from mozzarella and Romano cheeses.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 6 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What is the main type of meat used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of sage sausage.
How much macaroni is needed?
You will need 2 cups of macaroni.
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
No, the instructions specify using a 2-quart ungreased casserole dish.
How should the macaroni be prepared before assembly?
The macaroni should be cooked, drained, and tossed with 2 tablespoons of butter.
What size casserole dish is required?
A 2-quart casserole dish is used for this recipe.
How should the sausage be cooked?
Brown the sage sausage over medium heat, break it into chunks, and drain the grease.
What kind of spaghetti sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests 16 ounces of jarred spaghetti sauce, preferably Classico.
What type of mushrooms are used?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of sliced button mushrooms.
How are the mushrooms prepared?
The mushrooms should be jarred and drained.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What cheese is used as the final topping?
Grated Romano cheese, preferably Kraft brand, is sprinkled on top.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
It is done when the cheese is slightly browned and the casserole is bubbly.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Covering with aluminum foil is optional.
What should I do once the bake is removed from the oven?
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 primary ingredients used in this bake.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What is the layering order for the ingredients?
Layer half of the macaroni, sausage, sauce, mushrooms, and mozzarella, then repeat the process once more.
When is the Romano cheese added?
The Romano cheese is sprinkled evenly on top after all other layers are completed.
What makes this dish a comfort food?
It is inspired by cherished family recipes and nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals.
Can this dish be served at gatherings?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for gatherings with loved ones.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include casserole, italian, comfort food, one dish meal, sausage, macaroni, and cheesy.
How is the sausage distributed in the dish?
The browned sausage is split into two halves and used in two separate layers.
Is the mozzarella shredded or sliced?
The recipe calls for shredded mozzarella cheese.
How is the Romano cheese prepared?
The Romano cheese should be grated.
What is the recommended amount of butter for the macaroni?
Use 2 tablespoons of butter to coat the cooked macaroni.