Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese (Slow Cooker)

Ingredients

• 148 oz 93% lean ground beef(1360g)
• 28 slice center cut bacon(200g)
• 35 teaspoon coarse salt(30g)
• 41 tablespoon onion powder(8g)
• 51 tablespoon garlic powder(8g)
• 61 tablespoon black pepper(7g)
• 71 tablespoon oregano(3g)
• 82 teaspoon cumin(4g)
• 928 oz diced tomatoes(794g)
• 104 tablespoon sweet relish(60g)
• 113 tablespoon tomato paste(48g)
• 122 tablespoon garlic purée(30g)
• 132 tablespoon diced chipotles(30g)
• 14672 g pasta (uncooked, to be cooked to 50%)(672g)
• 15800 g 2% cottage cheese(800g)
• 16150 g extra sharp cheddar cheese(150g)
• 17125 g American cheese(125g)
• 18250 ml milk(255g)
• 191 teaspoon salt(6g)
• 200.5 teaspoon pepper(1g)
• 213 yellow onions(450g)
• 2216 oz beef bone broth(454g)
• 232 tablespoon soy sauce(30g)
• 240.5 cup chives(15g)

Instructions

1. 1In a bowl, mix together coarse salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and cumin to make the beef marinade.
2. 2Dice the center cut bacon.
3. 3Add ground beef to the slow cooker. Pour over half of the marinade and mix to combine.
4. 4Line the sides of the slow cooker with diced bacon.
5. 5Add diced tomatoes, sweet relish, tomato paste, garlic purée, and diced chipotles to the slow cooker.
6. 6Cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 3-4 hours.
7. 7Meanwhile, cook pasta for half the time indicated on the package (to 50% doneness). Drain and set aside.
8. 8For the cheese sauce, blend cottage cheese, extra sharp cheddar cheese, American cheese, and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9For the caramelized onions, dice yellow onions and cook over medium-high heat until water evaporates and onions begin to brown. Add beef bone broth and soy sauce, then boil until liquid is completely reduced.
10. 10Once the beef and bacon are cooked, add the remaining marinade, half-cooked pasta, and caramelized onions to the slow cooker.
11. 11Pour the blended cheese sauce over the mixture.
12. 12Stir to combine and cook for another 15-20 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.
13. 13Garnish with chopped chives before serving.