Instant Pot Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese recipe is a quick and easy homemade dinner that’s perfect for busy days. Just add the ingredients and cook!
This post is sponsored by Eckrich Smoked Sausage. I have been compensated for the post, but opinions are completely my own.
Now that the kids are back in school, life is even busier than ever. Since I’m exhausted by the end of the day, I’m all about quick and easy dinner recipes, like this easy Instant Pot Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese!
This is one of the easiest, simplest Instant Pot recipes you can make because there is hardly any prep work involved. And because you’re using smoked sausage, there’s no need to pre-cook the meat, which is a huge timesaver!
I grew up on Eckrich Smoked Sausage. And, even today, I love using it in so many different dishes, like sheet pan dinners, along with noodles and cabbage and in a bun! It’s very versatile!
Eckrich Smoked Sausage is naturally hardwood smoked for a delicious flavor that goes with just about anything, including this creamy macaroni and cheese recipe. Mix them together, and you’ve got a quick, delicious dinner the whole family will love!
You can find Eckrich Smoked Sausage in the deli section of your local grocer.
How to make Instant Pot smoked sausage mac and cheese
When I make plain Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, I like to use several kinds of cheese for more flavor, but for this one, I kept everything simple. You get plenty of extra flavor from the smoked sausage.
Just cut the smoked sausage into pieces roughly ½ in thick and place them in the pressure cooker.
Next, add the pasta, spices and water, and cook the mac and cheese for 4 minutes.
Stir in some butter, shredded cheese, cream and a little Dijon mustard, and mix well. The mustard adds an extra pop of flavor that goes well with the smokiness of the sausage. It’s not overpowering, but if you’re not a mustard fan, you can leave it out.
And that’s it! You’ve got an easy, kid friendly dinner in about 30 minutes — quicker than takeout and healthier, too!
Recipe for Instant Pot Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 Rope Eckrich Smoked Sausage sliced
- 1 16-ounce box macaroni pasta
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 cups water
- 3 tablespoons butter sliced into smaller pieces
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded Colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Place the smoked sausage slices in the Instant Pot
- Add the macaroni over the sausage
- Add the sea salt, garlic powder and pepper over the pasta
- Pour water around the sides and over the pasta
- Cover with lid, turn vent to Sealing position, and hit PRESSURE COOK for 4 minutes
- Pot will take time to pressurize, then begin counting down at 4 minutes
- After cook time, do a gradual quick release
- After pin drops, open lid, add butter, cream, mustard, and gradually add cheese, stirring well until completely blended
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I hope you enjoy this creamy, cheesy Instant Pot homemade mac and cheese with smoked sausage as much as we do!
Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says
I’m thinking I need to invest in an Instant Pot! This looks great!
Dee says
Oh, definitely! I love my Instant Pot! 🙂
Misty Elliott says
You have to get one!!!
Sara says
I know my family is going to love this! Super easy to make and delicious!
Dee says
It was a huge hit with my family! 🙂
Kimberly says
The addition of the sausage is a delicious touch!
Dee says
It really is! Thanks so much, Kimberly!
James says
Made this last night! Yummy and super easy. Always have the ingredients on hand.
Dee says
I’m glad you liked it, James! Thanks! 🙂
Mahy Elamin says
That sounds so flavorful! One of my favs. I can’t WAIT to try this! Thank you for this great recipe! So YUMMY!
Dee says
Thanks so much, Mahy! This mac and cheese is definitely a favorite. 🙂
Catalina says
My kid will go crazy over this version of Mac and Cheese!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This couldn’t look any more perfect! This looks fabulous!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Erin! 🙂
Lauren says
I bet the smokiness of the sausage gives it a nice touch
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I’ll add this to my list for a fab fall dish! I love adding tasty sausage to different dishes. Looks great!
Miz Helen says
A great combo for the Instant Pot! Hope you are having a good week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday!
Miz Helen
James says
WE have made this twice already! The kids just gobble it up!
Dee says
That’s wonderful, James! Thanks for letting me know!
Art says
Trying this recipe again the first time was great this time I put broccoli florets and cauliflower in it we’ll only know soon!
Mialee says
Yikes! Mine was soupy! I have an 8 qt, used 4 cups water as directed. But I’m new to the IP. Ideas of what I did wrong?! I made sure it was sealed. Thanks!
Dee says
So sorry to hear that! It definitely should not have been soupy — It should look like it does in the video. Did you use an entire box of macaroni and only one cup of cream? It might seem like there’s extra liquid at first, but it quickly gets absorbed and thickens up as the pasta cools down.
Lori says
I’ve made this a few time for my family and they really LOVE it! It has a great flavor. I am wondering if I were to make this without the sausage would I need to adjust the cooking time/settings?
Thanks
Dee says
So glad to hear this, Lori! The cook time and settings would stay the same without the sausage added. 🙂
Heather Wik says
I really want to try this! Can you tell me how many cups of macaroni noodles is 16 oz? Thank you!
Dee says
I’ll have to check for sure next time I make it, but it’s roughly about 4 cups.
Amy says
What does gradual quick release mean?
Dee says
You release the pressure little by little instead of all at once or letting it release naturally.
Tina says
My family LOVED this yummy, quick and easy meal…even my husband who’s not a huge fan of pasta. He insisted I take my Instapot on vacation with us just to make this meal. I’ve only tried a handful of recipes in my new Instapot and I highly recommend this recipe for newbies like myself.
Dee says
That’s awesome! Thrilled that you liked it, Tina! 🙂
Sarah says
How do I amend for a 3Qt?
Dee says
I’m not sure if it would all fit in the 3 quart, but if it does, just follow the recipe as is. I’m not familiar with the 3 quart, so I can’t say for sure.
lynne trover says
fixed this for dinner tonight and it was so good!!!
yummy!!!
Dee says
Thanks, Lynne. So happy you liked it!
Gregory instant pot says
Very good! Although I used about 3/4 cup of half and half in place of heavy cream, it turned out really well.
Dee says
So glad you liked the mac and cheese! Thanks!