Smoked Sausage Bake

Links Of Interest

This recipe feeds approx. 20 people, divide  recipe accordingly or freeze half.

4 c. uncooked elbow macaroni

2 lbs smoked sausage, cut lengthwise and sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

16 oz bag frozen mixed vegetables, squash, zucchini, carrots,
         cauliflower, broccoli - can use smaller bags of each if
         necessary to get this combination or amount. Thawed

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 can 26oz of four cheese spaghetti sauce

1 can 14.5oz diced tomatoes

2 c shredded cheddar /monterey jack cheese

2 c shredded mozzarella cheese

grated parmesan cheese

Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain.

Pre- heat oven to 350 degrees.

In large skillet, brown sausage in olive oil over medium heat; drain.

Add thawed vegetables and garlic, stir and cook till fully heated, not too long, we don't want veggies to get soggy.

Stir in Spaghetti sauce and tomatoes, heat to boil and reduce heat.

Simmer 15 minutes.

In 2 9x13 casseroles, sprayed lightly with oil, sprinkle a handful of the cheddar mix cheese into bottom.  lightly, just enough to know its there.

Add the noodles to casseroles dividing the noodles evenly between the two dishes.

Pour the sauce mixture over the top, evenly dividing between the two dishes.

Bake one casserole or both for 25 minutes each, remove, add cheeses to top and bake an additional 10 minutes to melt cheese.

You may cover one of the casseroles and freeze up to 2 months, thaw for about 24 hours, remove from refrigerator for 30 minutes, bake 350 degrees for 25 minutes, add cheese and bake 10 more minutes to melt.

Tip: This can be made in advance, do all but add the cheese and refrigerate till 30 minutes to cooking time, let sit and then bake according to regular directions.  will also make a 15x11 and a 9x13 casserole at the same time if you don't have 2 9x13s.