Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage, Peppers and Onions

Ingredients and Weight:

• Macaroni - 400 grams
• Cheese - 250 grams (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Sausage - 250 grams (pre-cooked or fresh)
• Peppers - 1 red and 1 green, diced - 200 grams total
• Onions - 1 large, diced - 200 grams
• Butter - 50 grams
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Milk or cream - 500 ml
• Seasonings of choice (e.g., oregano, basil) - a few sprigs or pinches

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total: 50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, boil the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the diced onions and peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the pre-cooked sausage and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Pour the milk or cream into the pan and bring to a gentle boil.
7. Add the cheese and stir until fully melted.
8. Add the seasonings, black pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust taste with salt.
9. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce mixture.
10. Transfer to an oven-safe baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbling and slightly golden on top.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming equal distribution among 8 people)

• Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving (depending on additional seasonings and ingredients used)
• Fat: 35-45 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
• Protein: 25-30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• A comforting dish with a rich, creamy cheese sauce combined with the savory flavors of sausage, peppers, and onions.
• The dish is hearty and filling, making it a great main course for a meal.
• The dish can be customized with different seasonings and additional ingredients to suit different tastes.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
2. "My family loved this dish. It was a great way to use up leftover cooked sausage."
3. "I added some chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a more Italian flavor. It was excellent!"
4. "This dish was easy to make and was a hit at my dinner party."
5. "I used low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to make it healthier. It still tasted great!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for best results.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste. Start with smaller amounts and add more if needed.
• If using fresh sausage, make sure to cook it first before adding it to the dish to ensure it is fully cooked through.