Description
Cheesy Bacon Beef Macaroni
Ingredients:
250g elbow macaroni
300g ground beef
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. In a pan, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef, season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano, and cook until browned. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Stir in cooked pasta and crumbled bacon. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pasta Prep: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, as per package directions. Drain and set aside. This prevents it from overcooking later.
2. Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains.
4. Creamy Base: Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until completely melted and a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
6. Combine: Add the drained macaroni and crumbled cooked bacon to the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Let it simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and hearty dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, try steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. For a crowd-pleasing potluck option, transfer the finished macaroni to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil for a few minutes for a crispy, golden top.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta and set aside. Sauté onion and garlic, then brown seasoned ground beef. Create a sauce by adding broth, cream, and cheeses. Stir until creamy. Fold in cooked pasta and bacon. Simmer briefly, garnish, and serve hot for a decadent, one-pan comfort food meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes. Any short pasta with good sauce-holding ability works well, such as shells, cavatappi, or penne.
How can I make this dish less rich? Substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. For a leaner option, use ground turkey and reduce the cheese amount slightly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can cook the components ahead, but combine and reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, as the sauce may thicken when chilled.
My cheese sauce is grainy. What happened? This often occurs if the heat is too high when melting the cheese. Always add cheese to a simmering (not boiling) liquid over low heat and stir constantly.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a tablespoon of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta initially, leading to mushy final texture.
- Adding cheese to a boiling liquid, which can cause it to separate and become oily.
- Using pre-shredded bagged cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
- Not deglazing the pan with broth, leaving flavorful browned bits behind.
- Skimping on simmering time at the end, which is crucial for the flavors to fully combine.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Bacon Beef Macaroni is the ultimate comfort food, masterfully combining savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and create a consistently delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a comforting weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home cooking repertoire.