Country Bacon-Beef Mac N Cheese

Wow. Meaty slow cooker mac and cheese is easy to make, very tasty and kids love it!

·  Total Time: Prep: 35 min. Cook: 1-1/2 hours

·  Makes: 12 cups

Ingredients

• 5 bacon strips, chopped
• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
• 1 large carrot, coarsely grated
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups uncooked protein plus or whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook bacon, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until crisp, 5-6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of drippings. Brown ground beef in drippings; remove from pan. Add onion to skillet; cook and stir until translucent, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more.
• Combine red pepper, carrot, seasonings and pasta in a 4-qt. slow cooker. Layer with ground beef, bacon and onion mixture (do not stir). Pour in broth.
• Cook, covered, on low until meat and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in sour cream and cheeses.

Test Kitchen tips

·  If mixture becomes too dry, stir in milk or broth to desired consistency.

·  If you would like a creamier macaroni, stir in more sour cream.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 591 calories, 36g fat (17g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.