Kielbasa Mac & Cheese
1 16-ounce package cooked kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/2-inch "coins"
1 8-ounce package elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter ~ divided use
1 small onion ~ chopped 3 tablespoons flour
2 cups whole milk
3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large skillet, cook and stir the kielbasa over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until lightly browned.
Remove the sausage from the skillet, and set aside.
Boil the macaroni until al dente. Drain.
Melt 5 tablespoons of the butter in the skillet over medium-low heat, then add the chopped onion and saute for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the milk stirring constantly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, and cook over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Whisk in the cheese and cook until sauce is smooth and hot.
Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, and stir to combine.
Stir in the cooked kielbasa.
In a small bowl, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and combine with the panko crumbs. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni mixture.
Bake for about 20 minutes until the crumbs are brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Allow to stand for 10 minutes before serving.