Sausage Mac and Cheese

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Butter a large casserole dish with one tablespoon of the butter and set aside.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Drain well.

Step 4

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and meat, stirring, until browned and the fat is rendered. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour off all but one tablespoon of fat from the pan.

Step 5

Add the onions, bell peppers, and 1 teaspoon of the Creole Seasoning to the skillet and cook, stirring, over medium-high heat until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and anise seeds if using, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

Step 6

Melt the remaining stick of butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, and stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cook over medium heat until thick, 3 to 4 minutes, being careful not to let the flour brown. Using a whisk, add the milk in a steady stream and cook, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Step 7

Add the salt, pepper, cayenne, and 2 cups of the cheese, and stir well. Add the pasta, cooked sausage and vegetables, and stir well to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining one cup of cheese with the breadcrumbs and remaining 2 teaspoons of Creole Seasoning. Sprinkle over the macaroni and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 25 minutes.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

MawMaw's note - Take one to day old French bread and oven toast for minutes, Crush to make bread crumbs and when combining with the cheese creates a crusty cheese texture..