Slow Cooker Broccoli and Sausage Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Broccoli and Sausage Mac and Cheese casserole will become a family favorite quickly. This easy recipe is a flavorful one-pot meal using the bold flavors of smoked sausage with fire-roasted tomatoes. A perfect recipe for busy days when you crave comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Slow cooker recipes are a lifesaver when it comes to getting meals on the table. One of the best parts of this Broccoli Sausage Mac and Cheese is that it will appeal to kids and adults, alike. Sneaking in vegetables with a cheese sauce will even have picky eaters eating for seconds. Of course, the ease of using the crock pot will win over moms in the easy cleanup department. It’s a perfect dinner solution!

This slow cooker mac and cheese with sausage and broccoli is such a satisfying and tasty meal. It’s a hearty meal for any night of the week and leftovers are even better. We love this slow cooker mac and cheese recipe but adding fire-roasted tomatoes, smoked meat, and broccoli to the classic pasta dish just makes it even better. If you’re looking for a little spice in your pasta dishes, try this Cajun Mac and Cheese recipe

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Slow Cooker Broccoli with Sausage Mac and Cheese

This isn’t your ordinary slow cooker mac and cheese recipe. It’s elevated with the smoked sausage and broccoli. The beef links from Hillshire Farms is what I use but other brands are great to use, too. When I make this Hillshire Farms smoked sausage mac and cheese with broccoli, I add fire-roasted tomatoes.  Regular diced tomatoes work well as do ones that have seasonings in them like oregano or mild chili peppers.  

Using fresh broccoli is best for this recipe, but if you only have frozen, add it in in the last 30 minutes so that it will heat through and not overcook. As for the evaporated milk, I have not used anything to replace that but I imagine a little heavy cream or half and half would work in place of that.  I use 1% milk, and you can use what you have on hand.  Cheese – there isn’t any that wouldn’t be good in this – again, use what you like or have.  Sharp cheddar is what I used this time.

Timesaving Tips and Variations

• Be sure to cook the pasta to “al dente” – you want it a little underdone so it won’t be overcooked.
• Cook the pasta the night before and store it in the refrigerator to save time.
• Chop your fresh florets the night before, too. Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator.
• If you want to use frozen florets, do not add it until the last 30 minutes of cooking so that it will not be mushy. No need to thaw it out.
• Use turkey sausage or kielbasa. You can use a spicy ground version. Cook it before adding it to the pot.
• Replace the broccoli with fresh green beans.
• Add a diced onion or some mushrooms.
• For extra nutrition, add a few handfuls of spinach a few minutes of cooking time.

These tips and variations make this recipe adaptable and easier for taste preferences and ensuring it becomes a go-to meal in your household.

What Types of Pasta Can I use?

You can use other shapes of pasta like shells, rotini, penne, or a fun cavatappi shaped elbow pasta. For a different texture or to make it gluten-free, swap out the macaroni for alternatives like gluten-free pasta, or whole wheat pasta.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it up on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze it! Allow to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

More Crockpot Recipes

Give these other scrumptious meals a try. Some can even be served for game days, potlucks, or as appetizers.

• Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
• Easy Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken
• Slow Cooker Cheddar Soup
• Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Delicious recipes like these make meal planning extra easy!

💡Explore my favorite Kitchen Essentials (Amazon affiliate link)

Tools to Make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Sausage and Broccoli

You need a slow cooker for this recipe and I’ve linked to the one I have and love. The other tools you probably already and use often.

• 6-quart slow cooker
• cutting board
• knife

If you are storing leftovers, I recommend these airtight containers. They are also freezer-friendly.

Ingredients

All of the ingredients for this recipe can be found in your local grocery stores.

• elbow noodles
• smoked sausage
• fresh broccoli
• fire-roasted tomatoes
• sharp cheddar
• evaporated milk
• milk

Directions to Make Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Sausage

I lightly sprayed my insert with non-stick spray for easy clean-up. You can also use these great slow cooker liners. Cook the pasta al dente, or a couple of minutes less than the box suggests.  This way the pasta won’t turn mushy while cooking. Add the meat, pasta, vegetable, and tomatoes (undrained).

  Next, add the milk and evaporated milk and give it all a good stir.

Finally, add the shredded cheddar and mix one more time.

Cover and cook for 2 hours. Serve immediately with a side salad or some crusty bread,

Be sure to save this recipe and come back to it when you are craving an simple and tasty dinner that’s filling and everyone will love!

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Enjoy!