The Best Mac, Meat, & Veggie Bake Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and versatile, this Mac, Meat, & Veggie Bake is your go-to. It's one of those meals you can whip up from whatever you have lying around in your pantry or fridge. This creamy, cheesy pasta bake combines Italian turkey sausage, elbow macaroni, broccoli florets, and sun-dried tomatoes—creating a perfect balance of flavors. And the best part? It’s freezer-friendly! Make it ahead, freeze, and bake when you're short on time or energy.
Ingredients
- 1 Pack Italian Turkey Sausages w/ Onions & Peppers [Mine are from Costco. Use whatever sausages you want!]
- 1 1/2 Cup Dried Elbow Macaroni
- 16 oz. Organic Frozen Broccoli Florets – thawed and drained
- 1/2 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes – julienne & packed in oil
- 2 Cups Shredded Three Cheese Blend
- 1/3 Cup Organic Green Onions – sliced green part only
- 1 3/4 Cup Organic Half & Half
- 2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter
- 2 Tbsp. All Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. Dried Basil
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Be sure to salt your water before bringing it to a boil.
- Meanwhile, slice and quarter your sausage links. Put the sausage, broccoli, and sun dried tomatoes in a large bowl and set aside.
- Melt your butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the green onions and cook for a few minutes until tender.
- Your pasta should be finished cooking now. Drain it and add it to the large bowl containing your other major ingredients.
- Whisk the flour, basil, salt, and pepper into your cream mixture. Add the half & half. Stir and cook until it begins to bubble. Next, add 1 1/2 cups of your shredded cheese blend, a little handful at a time, stirring with each addition to ensure it melts nicely.
- When your cheese sauce is thick and evenly melted, remove it from the heat and pour it over your large bowl of ingredients. Toss the ingredients to evenly coat everything with the cheese sauce.
- Pour everything into a prepped [w/ nonstick spray] 9 x 13 baking dish and top with the last 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake for 30 – 35 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly on top.