Dirty Macaroni” typically refers to a style of macaroni and cheese that includes flavorful, often spicy, additions such as Cajun or Creole seasonings, and may also incorporate ingredients like sausage, ground meat, or vegetables. It’s a variation that adds a bit of a kick and extra layers of flavor to the classic macaroni and cheese dish.
Here’s a simple recipe for Dirty Macaroni and Cheese:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound andouille sausage or smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook Macaroni:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Sausage and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned. Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened.
- Add Cajun Seasoning:
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, coating the sausage and vegetables evenly.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add Cheese:
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese to the milk mixture. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Sauce and Macaroni:
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, then fold in the sautéed sausage and vegetable mixture. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the Dirty Macaroni hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
This Dirty Macaroni and Cheese recipe adds a spicy and savory twist to the classic dish, making it a flavorful and satisfying comfort food. Adjust the spice level to your liking and enjoy the deliciousness of this unique macaroni and cheese variation!
