Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Beef:
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it up finely with a spoon as it cooks for even browning. Make sure the beef loses its pink color completely and gets a nice golden edge which adds flavor. Drain off all but a tablespoon of fat for a richer sauce.
Build the Sauce:
Sprinkle flour evenly over the browned beef and stir it in very well. The flour needs to coat the meat to help thicken your sauce. Let it cook for a full minute to remove any raw flour taste.
Whisk in the Milk:
Slowly pour in milk while whisking or stirring constantly. Keep stirring over medium low heat until the sauce is silky and beginning to bubble. This step creates the creamy dreamy sauce base.
Flavor the Sauce:
Add ketchup Worcestershire sauce salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and let it simmer two to three minutes. The sauce will thicken and deepen in flavor at this stage.
Combine Everything:
Add cooked pasta crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese right into the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and every piece of pasta is blanketed in sauce. Make sure nothing sticks to the pan and the cheese creates a glossy sauce.
Serve Hot:
Spoon the pasta into bowls and if you want sprinkle a little extra cheese or a spoonful of crunchy bacon on top for that wow factor.
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