American Country Fare Recipe

A nostalgic family favorite! This recipe recreates the classic cheesy macaroni and cheese from the iconic short, fat box, elevated with savory sausage and tender vegetables. Get ready for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for weeknights or family gatherings. Easy to make and even easier to love – just like Mom used to make!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 31 mins
Calories 461 kcal
Protein 52g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
American Country Fare

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for American Country Fare

  • Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Mix
  • Smoked Sausage
  • Fresh Broccoli Florets
  • Red Peppers
  • Green Onions
  • Dried Oregano

How to Make American Country Fare

  1. Cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. While macaroni cooks, brown 1 pound of Italian sausage (removed from casings) in a large skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add 1 cup of chopped onion, 1 cup of chopped bell pepper (any color), and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the cheese sauce from one (1) 7-ounce box of macaroni and cheese.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Gently stir to combine everything until heated through and the cheese is melted and creamy.
  6. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra oregano or grated Parmesan cheese (optional).

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

71 g

Sugar

6g

Fat

64g

Carbs

2g

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