Savory Macaroni
A hearty, savory pasta dish featuring sausage, green peppers, olives, mushrooms, and a spicy tomato sauce, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. sausage ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. hot sausage ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced olives ⓘ
- 1 small can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 oz. macaroni ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 6 drops Tabasco sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger, sausage, and hot sausage in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add sliced olives, drained mushrooms, and tomato sauce; stir to combine.
- Mix in chopped tomatoes, water, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco sauce.
- Add macaroni to the mixture.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover tightly and reduce heat; simmer for 40 minutes, stirring often.
- Uncover and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of hot sausage or substitute with additional regular sausage. If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. You can also use whole wheat macaroni for a healthier twist. This dish pairs beautifully with Corn Mushroom Soup for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this savory macaroni hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated cheese for an added flavor boost. It goes well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair it with Pork Chops With Sage Onions for a delightful dinner experience. A glass of red wine can also complement the hearty flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the dish to prevent it from drying out. Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For best results, avoid reheating in the microwave as it may affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Macaroni contains roughly 399 calories, with 38g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (208% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2770mg per serving (120% of the Daily Value).
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 dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meats and replacing them with plant-based alternatives, such as lentils or mushrooms. You might also want to consider adding more vegetables for added flavor and texture. A mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots can work well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! This savory macaroni freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the oven.
What type of cheese works best with this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice that melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor. However, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a stretchy texture or Parmesan for a nuttier taste. Adding cheese just before serving can elevate the dish to another level.
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).