Macaroni And Cheese With Piggies
A creamy, hearty macaroni and cheese baked with sausage links and tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying savory cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente and drain.
- Slice the sausage links and brown them in a skillet.
- Drain off excess grease from the sausage.
- Cube the Velveeta cheese.
- Dice the whole tomatoes in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Add the cooked macaroni, browned sausage, cubed Velveeta, and tomatoes to the pan and mix everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream while mixing the ingredients before baking. You can substitute the Velveeta with a blend of cheddar and cream cheese for a richer flavor. If you can't find sausage links, any cooked sausage or even diced ham will work well. For added flavor, stir in some garlic powder or onion powder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a hearty main course alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Sweet And Zesty Turkey Burgers for a fun twist, or you can enjoy it as a side with Kraut And Sausage. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top can add a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For a crispy top, consider reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni And Cheese With Piggies contains roughly 99 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble all the ingredients in the baking pan, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, a combination of sharp cheddar and cream cheese can provide a similar creamy texture and flavor. You can also mix in mozzarella for a stretchier consistency, but keep in mind that it may not be as rich as Velveeta.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the sausage or briefly steam them before mixing them into the macaroni and cheese to ensure they are tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).