Country Bacon-Beef Mac And Cheese

• 5 bacon strips, chopped
• 1-1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
• 1 large carrot, coarsely grated
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups uncooked protein plus or whole wheat elbow macaroni
• 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1. In a large skillet, cook bacon, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until crisp, 5-6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of drippings. Brown ground beef in drippings; remove from pan. Add onion to skillet; cook and stir until translucent, 2-3 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute more.
2. Combine red pepper, carrot, seasonings and pasta in a 4-qt. slow cooker. Layer with ground beef, bacon and onion mixture (do not stir). Pour in broth.
3. Cook, covered, on low until meat and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in sour cream and cheeses.

bacon, ground beef, onion, garlic, sweet red pepper, carrot, parsley flakes, salt, pepper, whole wheat elbow macaroni, beef broth, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/country-bacon-beef-mac-and-cheese/ (may not work)