Name: Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Yield: 8
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-enriched 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 -

Ingredients for - Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese

1. 5 bacon strips, chopped

2. 1-1/2 pounds ground beef

3. 1 medium onion, chopped

4. 3 garlic cloves, minced

5. 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped

6. 1 large carrot, coarsely grated

7. 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

8. 1/4 teaspoon salt

9. 1 teaspoon pepper

10. 3 cups uncooked protein-enriched or whole wheat elbow macaroni

11. 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth

12. 1 cup sour cream

13. 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

14. 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

How to cook deliciously - Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese

1 . Stage

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally, 5-6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon drippings. Brown ground beef in drippings, breaking it into crumbles; remove from pan. Add onion to skillet; cook and stir until translucent, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

2 . Stage

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.

3 . Stage

Cook, covered, on low for about 1 hour or until meat and vegetables are tender. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in sour cream and cheeses.