Hearty Veggie, Bacon, Mac n' Cheese Bake

Hearty Veggie, Bacon, Mac n' Cheese Bake
Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 lb large elbow macaroni
• 1 can Progresso Recipe Starters Cooking Sauce Creamy Three Cheese
  
• 7.5 oz Sargento 4 State Cheddar Blend
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small orange bell pepper, diced
• 2 TBSP minced garlic
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1 lb bacon
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cheddar mozzarella & cheddar cheese sticks
• 3 TBSP butter
• 1 cup of  Panko Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs (with 2 TBSP butter)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the macaroni. Cook until al dente. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven and cook the bacon until crispy and brown. Drain, pat off, and set aside to chop up into medium chunks.
3. In a sauce pan, add the butter, onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Saute on Medium to Medium High until onions are translucent.
4. Add in the Progresso Cheese Sauce Starter, the Turmeric Powder, and the Paprika. Bring to a simmer.
5. Once it is simmering, add in the frozen vegetables, cheese blend, Parmesan cheese, and the two cheese sticks. Cook until the cheese is melted and combined. About 5 minutes.
6. While the sauce is simmering, get a 13x16 baking dish and butter bottom and sides of the dish. Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs so that they cover all sides of the pan.
7. In the pot that the pasta was cooked in, return the pasta to the pot and pour in the cheese sauce. Stir and combine.
8. Pour in 3/4s of the bacon and mix through. Then add the mixture to the baking dish. 
9. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top.
10. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees F.