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!

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese

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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!

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese

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.

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese

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.

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese

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!)

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese

Set out the drinks, bowls, napkins, and spoons.

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese

And if you have a festive or pretty baking dish or pan, use it!

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese

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).

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese

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!

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese
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Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 -8
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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.
Did you make this recipe?Tag @reluctantentertainer on Instagram and hashtag it #reluctantentertainer!

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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!

Bush's Beans Bacon Leek Macaroni and Cheese