Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes for elbow macaroni. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until crispy and golden, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon onto a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add chopped onion to the same skillet over medium heat. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Break into small pieces and cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until fully browned with no pink remaining. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a small amount for richness.
- Stir in tomato sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir until evenly combined. If the mixture is too thick, add beef broth or water a few tablespoons at a time until saucy.
- Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring between each addition until fully melted and creamy. Fold in most of the crispy bacon, reserving a handful for topping.
- Scoop into bowls. Top with reserved bacon and extra shredded cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest melt. For a creamier sauce, stir in 2 tbsp of cream cheese or sour cream along with the cheddar. Add a pinch of smoked paprika if skipping the bacon. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat well with a splash of broth.
