This easy Cajun mac and cheese combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with smoky andouille sausage and tender bell pepper for a flavorful dinner. It takes 5 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, 35 minutes total, and serves 6. It is a weeknight meal that turns Stouffer's® Family Size Macaroni & Cheese into a more robust dish with only a few extra ingredients.
Why you'll love this recipe
Ready in 35 minutes, with minimal hands-on effort, because the frozen mac and cheese is the base.
Smoky, spicy flavor from andouille sausage gives the dish a Cajun profile without a complicated spice blend.
Only 4 ingredients — you do not need to make a cheese sauce from scratch.
Creamy texture with pieces of sausage and bell pepper in every spoonful.
Can be customized — swap the protein, add heat, or change the vegetables to suit your taste.
What to know before you start
The base of this recipe is a package of Stouffer's® Family Size Macaroni & Cheese, which you prepare according to the package directions, microwave or oven. While the mac heats, cook the andouille sausage and bell pepper in a small skillet on the stovetop. Stir everything together at the end and top with sliced green onion.
Look for andouille that is lightly browned and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat. The bell pepper should be tender but still have some bite. The finished dish should be creamy with visible pieces of sausage and pepper throughout.
Equipment needed: A small skillet for the sausage and pepper, plus a microwave-safe dish or oven-safe baking dish for the macaroni and cheese, depending on your preferred heating method.
Substitutions and variations
Sausage swap: Use kielbasa, smoked turkey sausage, or spicy chicken sausage if andouille is not available. For a vegetarian version, try plant-based sausage or skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms.
More heat: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few dashes of hot sauce, or diced jalapeño with the bell pepper.
Different vegetables: Add diced tomatoes, corn kernels, or chopped okra for a more traditional Cajun profile.
Bell pepper color: Any color bell pepper works. Red and orange are slightly sweeter; green has a sharper flavor.
What to serve with it
Pair this Cajun mac and cheese with a simple green salad, buttered cornbread, roasted broccoli, or a cool, crunchy coleslaw to balance the richness and heat.
Storage and reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, in 60-second intervals. This dish works for meal prep, though the pasta may soften slightly when reheated. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate when thawed.
