Crockpot Smoked Sausage Queso Macaroni for a Quick Weeknight Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of depth, consider adding a small amount of diced canned green chiles during the layering step to boost the taco flavor. If the sauce feels a bit too thick when serving, a tiny splash of warm broth or a small amount of milk can be stirred in right at the end to loosen it up without diluting the overall flavor profile of the dish.

When serving, consider the temperature of the plates. Warming the plates briefly before portioning the macaroni can help keep the dish hot for longer, especially during colder months. This simple step ensures that the final bite is just as creamy and satisfying as the first, maintaining the luxurious texture of the sauce from start to finish throughout the entire meal.

Variations

• Cheesy Pepper Macaroni: Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a diced bell pepper to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a sharper flavor and added crunch.
• Spicy Sausage Mac: Incorporate a tablespoon of diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during the layering process to give the dish a pleasant, lingering heat that complements the taco seasoning.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and the sauce can change significantly upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth until warmed through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the pasta from drying out. Place the container in the refrigerator immediately after the food has cooled to room temperature, which should take no longer than two hours.

Properly stored, the leftovers will maintain their quality and flavor for up to three days, making this an excellent option for quick weekday lunches.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be prepared slightly ahead of time. If you need to save time, you can slice the sausage and measure the dry ingredients the night before, storing them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the slow cooker.

This prep work significantly reduces the time needed to get the meal started in the morning or early afternoon.

Serving ideas

Serve this macaroni while it is steaming hot, perhaps alongside a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables to add a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.

The heartiness of the sausage and cheese makes it a substantial main course that stands well on its own, but a side of crusty bread can also be a wonderful addition for soaking up any remaining sauce.

When plating, use a large spoon to ensure each serving includes a generous amount of the smoked sausage and the creamy pasta sauce. Because the dish is quite rich, portion sizes can be kept moderate.

Presenting the dish in shallow bowls can help retain the heat and showcase the glossy, appetizing texture of the sauce, making it look as good as it tastes for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Smoked Sausage Queso Macaroni for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

Prep 5 minCook 3 hRest 5 minTotal 3 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 lb uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Place the sliced smoked sausage into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the dry, uncooked elbow macaroni over the sausage, sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly across the top, and pour the chicken broth over everything.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce. Stir the mixture halfway through to combine the seasonings and ensure even cooking.
3. Once cooked, allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce set perfectly. Give it one final stir to ensure the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the cheesy, creamy macaroni before portioning onto plates.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.