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Ultimate Beef Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese – Crowd Favorite

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Dive into the indulgent flavors of Ultimate Beef Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese, a twist on the classic comfort food. This dish combines creamy macaroni and cheese with crispy beef bacon and zesty ranch seasoning for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–12 slices Beef Bacon
  • Elbow Macaroni (or shells, rotini, or penne)
  • 4–5 tablespoons Butter
  • 4–5 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
  • 4 cups Whole Milk
  • 2–3 tablespoons Ranch Seasoning Mix
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • Monterey Jack Cheese
  • Provolone Cheese or Smoked Gouda
  • Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Melted Butter
  • Smoked Paprika (optional)
  • Fresh Chives or Parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef Bacon: Start by cooking your beef bacon. Lay the slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, drain it on paper towels, and crumble it into small bits. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
  3. Make the Roux: In a large pot, melt 4-5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 4-5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
  4. Whisk in the Milk: Gradually whisk in 4 cups of whole milk into the roux, preventing lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  5. Season the Sauce: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
  6. Add the Cheese: Gradually add your grated cheeses to the warm milk mixture, stirring until each addition is melted and smooth.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained, cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold until coated.
  8. Stir in Beef Bacon: Fold in about two-thirds of your crumbled beef bacon, reserving the rest for topping.
  9. Serve or Bake: For stovetop serving, serve immediately garnished with remaining beef bacon. For baked mac and cheese, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), transfer to a buttered baking dish, and prepare a crispy topping with panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and ranch seasoning. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
  10. Rest and Serve: Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Grate your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Adjust ranch flavor to your liking, and ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness.

Find it online: https://mamablueberry.com/ultimate-beef-bacon-ranch-mac-and-cheese-crowd-favorite/