Ingredients
– 1 lb elbow macaroni
– 1 lb ground beef
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 tbsp butter
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
5. Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, then remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
6. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes or until it begins to turn golden.
7. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.
8. Reduce the heat to low and slowly add in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
9. Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika.
10. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and cheese sauce, stirring until well combined.
11. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
13. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6