Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 slices bacon
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 onion , chopped
• 1 clove garlic , minced
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. 2

   Cook pasta in a large pot with boiling salted water until al dente. Drain.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside.

4. 4

   Add onion and garlic into the skillet; cook and stir in bacon grease until softened and fragrant. Remove from heat and add chopped cooked bacon; set aside.

5. 5

   To make the sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat; add flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk and continue stirring until thickened. Stir in 2 cups of the grated Cheddar cheese until melted.

6. 6

   Combine cooked pasta, bacon and onion mixture, and white sauce; pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese on top.

7. 7

   Bake uncovered in preheated oven until cheese on top is melted and brown, 15 to 20 minutes.

8. 8

   Serve warm.