Pizza Mac and Cheese

Name: Pizza Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (16 oz); 1 lb bulk mild or spicy pork sausage; 1 large green bell pepper, chopped; 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup); 1/3 cup butter or margarine; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes; 2 cups milk; 3/4 cup water; 4 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese (16 oz); 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 oz); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 20 slices pepperoni (from 3-oz package); Small fresh basil leaves, if desired

2 Ratings

1 Reviews

Prep 30 min
Total 1 hr 5 min
Servings 12

If you're torn between ordering pizza or opening a box of mac-and-cheese mix, create this best-of-both-worlds casserole instead.

By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Updated December 11, 2013

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (16 oz)
1 lb bulk mild or spicy pork sausage
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups milk
3/4 cup water
4 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese (16 oz)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (6 oz)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
20 slices pepperoni (from 3-oz package)
Small fresh basil leaves, if desired

Steps

1

Heat oven to 425°F. Spray 3-quart casserole with cooking spray. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink; drain. In same skillet, cook bell pepper and onion 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
2

In 4-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in flour, salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper flakes. Cook and stir until smooth. Gradually add milk and water, stirring constantly until thickened. Gradually add Cheddar cheese; stir until melted. Add macaroni, sausage and onion mixture; toss to coat. Spoon into casserole. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered 30 minutes or until bubbly. Top with Parmesan cheese, pepperoni and remaining 1 teaspoon pepper flakes. Bake 2 to 4 minutes longer, or until lightly browned. Garnish with basil.