Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

Meet the mac and cheese of your dreams: Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese. This dish is a cheesy, meaty, and bacon-loaded delight that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, comforting pasta bake. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe promises that every bite will be packed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and seasoned ground beef. It’s like enjoying your favorite cheeseburger, but even better!

In our household, mac and cheese is always a hit, but this Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese takes it to a whole new level. My husband and kids get extra excited when they hear this dish is on the menu. I still remember the first time I made it – the kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling bacon and bubbling cheese. The smiles and happy sighs around the dinner table were priceless. Since then, it has become a family favorite that never fails to bring everyone together. It’s our go-to comfort food, especially on those days when we need a little extra warmth and coziness.

Why You’ll Love Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

• Cheeseburger Twist: Combines the best of both worlds – mac and cheese with the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger.
• Easy & Quick: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry and fridge.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings where you want to impress with minimal effort.
• Customizable: Add toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or even a drizzle of ketchup for a fun cheeseburger-inspired finish.

Ingredients Notes for Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

• Pasta: Use elbow macaroni for the classic mac and cheese feel, but shells or rotini work great too.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is best to keep the dish hearty without being overly greasy.
• Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella provides that perfect blend of creamy and stretchy cheese goodness.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that elevates the cheeseburger flavor.
• Bread Crumbs: For that crispy, golden topping that makes baked mac and cheese so irresistible.
• Pickles (Optional): Chopped dill pickles can be added on top for an authentic cheeseburger twist.

Recipe Steps for Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 12 ounces of macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Beef

1. In a large skillet, cook 6 slices of chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. In the same skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk for about 1 minute to create a roux.
2. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef, half of the cooked bacon, and cheese sauce. Mix until well coated.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Add Toppings

1. Sprinkle ½ cup of bread crumbs and the remaining bacon on top of the mac and cheese. Optionally, add a bit of extra shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy crust.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
• Freezer: You can freeze this dish before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F, adding an extra 15 minutes to the baking time.

Variations & Substitutions

• Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version.

Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

Creamy macaroni and cheese loaded with seasoned ground beef and crispy bacon, topped with melted cheese and baked to golden perfection.

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Course: Main Course

Kitchen: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 lb elbow macaroni uncooked
• ▢ 6 slices bacon chopped
• ▢ 1 lb ground beef
• ▢ 1 small onion finely chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ▢ 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ 1/2 cup milk
• ▢ 1 cup beef broth
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ 1 teaspoon mustard yellow or Dijon
• ▢ Salt and black pepper to taste
• ▢ 1/4 cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for topping
• ▢ Chopped green onions for garnish, optional

Instructions

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
• Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
• Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cooked bacon, beef mixture, milk, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix well and season with salt and black pepper.
• Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top.
• Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): If using, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese layer for added crunch.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.