One Pot Bacon Broccoli Mac and Cheese

1 lb broccoli florets
8 oz. bacon
16 oz. medium cheddar cheese
1 lb pasta
2 c evaporated milk
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp hot sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt


Prepare all ingredients before beginning, because this goes fast once you've started!  Chop broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces and place in colander.  Slice bacon into small pieces.  Shred the cheddar.

Cook pasta according to the package directions.  Drain in the colander that has the broccoli in it, and set aside.

Return the pot to the stove, add the bacon, and cook over medium to medium-low heat until the bacon is brown and crispy.  Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the grease behind.

Add the evaporated milk, paprika, Dijon, hot sauce, and salt to the pot with the bacon grease.  Stir to combine and allow it to heat through (it should happen quickly).

Once the evaporated milk is hot, turn the heat low and begin whisking in the shredded cheddar, one handful at a time, waiting until the cheese is fully melted before adding the next handful.  Once all of the cheese has been melted into the sauce, taste and adjust salt or hot sauce if desired.  If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add one or two tablespoons of the evaporated milk.

Return the cooked pasta and bacon and chopped broccoli to the pot with the cheese sauce.  Stir to combine, serve immediately.


From Budget Bytes