This hearty, family-friendly casserole combines smoky kielbasa, tender macaroni, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese in one easy baked dish. Everything cooks together in the oven for a creamy, comforting meal with minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan dinner
- Rich, creamy cheese sauce
- Smoky kielbasa flavor
- Minimal prep work
- Perfect for busy weeknights
Servings
6–8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces smoked kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
2. Combine the Pasta and Kielbasa
Add the dry macaroni to the dish.
Scatter the sliced kielbasa evenly over the pasta.
Gently toss to distribute the sausage throughout the dish.
3. Add the Milk and Seasoning
Pour the milk evenly over the pasta mixture.
Sprinkle with the kosher salt and stir gently to ensure the pasta is coated.
4. Add Most of the Cheese
Add 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Gently mix until the cheese is distributed throughout the pasta and kielbasa.
Spread the mixture into an even layer.
5. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. First Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 35 minutes, until the mixture is hot and bubbling around the edges.
7. Stir and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil.
Stir gently to loosen the pasta and help create a creamy sauce.
If the mixture seems too dry, add up to ¼ cup additional milk.
Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 15–20 minutes more, until:
- The pasta is tender
- The cheese is melted
- The top is lightly golden
- The sauce is thick and creamy
8. Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
Optional Add-Ins
For extra flavor, try adding:
- Diced onions
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Chopped jalapeños
- Green onions
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 500–600
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbohydrates: 35–40g
- Fat: 25–30g
Conclusion
This One-Pan Kielbasa Mac and Cheese Bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky sausage flavor. It’s a simple comfort-food dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. 🧀🌭🍽️
