COUNTRY BACON-BEEF MAC AND CHEESE

Country Bacon-Beef Mac and Cheese image

Wow. Meaty slow cooker mac and cheese is easy to make, very tasty and kids love it! -Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 2h5m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

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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

Steps:

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

Nutrition Facts : Calories 591 calories, Fat 36g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 113mg cholesterol, Sodium 719mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 38g protein.