Bush’s Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese
Looking for a quick, cozy meal to serve this season? You’ll love this Bush’s Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese recipe for a potluck or small gathering!
Friends, this past week, with a little bit of snow flurries coming down in central Oregon, we hosted a cozy evening with friends, enjoying this Bush’s Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese one-pot meal!
We love this season so, where the wood stove is burning, and the snowflakes are coming down! Gathering is so important!
The season where we retreat indoors and snuggle up with our favorite people and comfort food. And while BUSH’S® Grillin’ Beans® are usually associated with summer, they’re actually the perfect cozy winter ingredient or side too.
On this night, I took a classic summer Macaroni and Cheese recipe, and winterized it for our friends, adding bacon, Bush’s Grillin’ Bourbon and Brown Sugar Beans, leeks (oh so good), and a few more simple ingredients.
No matter what the season, I love this recipe, because with or without company, it’s dinner table worthy year-round.
A Cozy Tip
Find a space in your home where you can set up a cozy space! (Haggis is ready for company!)
Set out the drinks, bowls, napkins, and spoons.
And if you have a festive or pretty baking dish or pan, use it!
And let your guests dive in!
Bush’s Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese
While your pasta is cooking, saute up the leeks and bacon!
Make a creamy cheese sauce, adding it to the pasta. Add the magical, delicious sweet beans!
Bake for 20 minutes! You can use a baker with a lid, or a 9×13 pan (with foil).
Mouth-watering, delicious.
If you’re planning a cozy evening with your family or friends, and want a stress-free meal to serve, this is the one for you!
Get the Recipe:
Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 11-13 pieces 2.5 oz fully cooked bacon slices, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 leeks, white and light green parts thinly sliced crosswise, rinsed well and drained
- 3/4 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 22 oz can Bush’s Grillin’ Beans, Bourbon and Brown Sugar, undrained
- 6 Tbsp. butter, divided
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups milk, at room temperature
- 3 cups sharp cheddar, coarsely shredded, divided
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta according to package directions, al dente, 4-5 minutes.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 Tbsp. butter; saute the leeks for 2-3 minutes. Add the pre-cooked bacon and cook additional 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until crisp. Transfer bacon/leek mixture to a paper-towel-lined plate.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 4 Tbsp. of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk; cook until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add 2 cups cheese and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper; whisk until smooth. Add one can of Bush’s Grillin’ Beans, Bourbon and Brown Sugar (do not drain the beans).
- In a large bowl, add the pasta, bacon and leeks (minus 1/4 cup for the topping), and the cheese sauce. Toss well; season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Place the hot mixture in a 9×13 baker or Dutch oven; top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Cover with lid or foil and bake for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with the reserved bacon/leek mixture and serve hot.
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This post is sponsored by Bush’s Beans, but as always, we love their product and use it regularly in our home. All opinions are my own!
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
this sounds wonderful Sandy!! My family will love this mac and cheese twist with baked beans!
okay, I’ve never thought to put beans in with mac and cheese, but this looks really good and adding the beans would make it so much more filling. I love the idea.
Mac and cheese is one of the favorites from my childhood and from my own children’s, too. You inspired me to make up a batch and take it to my bachelor son this weekend…you and Haggis!! He and the red plaid have definitely brought the Christmas spirit this morning!