Baked Macaroni And Gouda Cheese With Italian Sausage Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Macaroni And Gouda Cheese With Italian Sausage

• Macaroni
• Sweet Italian Sausage
• 1 1/2 cups caramelized onions
• Whole Milk
• Unsalted Butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Gouda Cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Baked Macaroni And Gouda Cheese With Italian Sausage

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook 1 pound of macaroni pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente (about 11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink (3-4 minutes). Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add 1 cup caramelized onions and stir to combine with the cooked sausage.
5. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups milk until steaming (or microwave).
6. Melt 1/4 cup butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 3 minutes, whisking constantly to make a roux.
7. Gradually whisk in the hot milk, 1/4 cup at a time, until the sauce is smooth, thick, and simmering.
8. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 1/2 cups shredded Gouda cheese until melted and smooth (about 2 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Add the cheese sauce to the pasta and sausage mixture; stir to combine.
10. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared dish.
11. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup caramelized onions and 1 1/2 cups shredded Gouda cheese.
12. Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
13. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.