BACON CHEESEBURGER MAC AND CHEESE

Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Cheri Liefeld

Categories Entree

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 package (1 lb) small pasta shells
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
3 cups shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese (12 oz)
4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled
2 plum (Roma) tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups frozen potato nuggets
Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired

Steps:

Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. In Dutch oven or 3-quart saucepan, cook and drain pasta as directed on package, using minimum cook time; return to Dutch oven.
Meanwhile, in large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender and beef is thoroughly cooked. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Remove from heat; stir in ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Cover to keep warm.
In 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour with whisk. Gradually add milk. Heat to simmering; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in Cheddar cheese and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour cheese sauce over pasta in Dutch oven; stir to coat.
Spoon pasta mixture into casserole. Top with beef mixture; sprinkle with bacon. Arrange tomatoes and potato nuggets on top.
Bake uncovered 15 minutes or until potatoes are crisp. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 Serving