When the craving for pure comfort strikes, there’s nothing quite like Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese.
It’s exactly what it sounds like: the hearty, beefy flavor of a juicy cheeseburger combined with the creamy, cheesy decadence of macaroni and cheese — all baked together into one irresistible dish. ❤️
Growing up, this dish was a family favorite for busy weeknights and game days alike. Easy, satisfying, and always a hit with both kids and adults, it’s a true American classic with a little gourmet twist.
Ready to make your kitchen smell like the coziest diner ever? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
🍔 Loaded with Flavor: Beefy, smoky, cheesy goodness in every bite
🧀 Extra Creamy Cheese Sauce: Made from scratch — no boxed stuff!
🥓 Bacon Everything: Because bacon makes everything better
🏠 Ultimate Comfort Food: Hearty and filling for any season
🎉 Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and parties
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: pickles, chopped tomatoes, green onions
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Skillet (for beef and bacon)
- Saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook macaroni until just al dente (it will cook more in the oven).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon and Beef
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add diced onion and ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream.
- Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
- Stir until melted and creamy.
- Stir in mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine and Assemble
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, bacon, and cheese sauce.
- Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and cooked bacon on top.
5. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with optional toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or green onions for extra cheeseburger vibes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
- Use Sharp Cheddar: It adds more bold cheesy flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercooking ensures it won’t get mushy after baking.
- Customize the Toppings: Jalapeños, crispy onions, or BBQ sauce drizzle would be amazing!
- Double the Bacon: You’re allowed. No judgment here. 🥓
Creative Variations
- BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac: Add 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce to the beef mixture.
- Spicy Jalapeño Cheeseburger Mac: Add chopped jalapeños or pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute plant-based crumbles and veggie bacon.
- Double-Decker Mac and Cheese: Layer extra cheese between pasta layers before baking.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 42 g |
| Saturated Fat | 19 g |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Calcium | 25% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Nutrition values are estimated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella give the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. Feel free to mix it up with Gouda or Monterey Jack!
Can I make this without baking?
Yes! After mixing everything, you can serve it straight from the stove as a stovetop version.
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
- Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
- Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Loaded Potato Casserole
Conclusion: The Comfort Food Mash-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed
This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese brings all the best parts of your favorite diner meal into one cozy casserole dish. 🍔🧀
Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, game nights, or just treating yourself on a chilly evening, this is comfort food at its absolute finest.
Once you try it, it’ll be on your dinner rotation for life!
Print
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Bake
- Total Time: 45
Description
When the craving for pure comfort strikes, there’s nothing quite like Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: pickles, chopped tomatoes, green onions
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook macaroni until just al dente (it will cook more in the oven).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon and Beef
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add diced onion and ground beef to the skillet.
- Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream.
- Stir constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
- Stir until melted and creamy.
- Stir in mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine and Assemble
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, bacon, and cheese sauce.
- Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and cooked bacon on top.
5. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with optional toppings like pickles, tomatoes, or green onions for extra cheeseburger vibes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Sharp Cheddar: It adds more bold cheesy flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercooking ensures it won’t get mushy after baking.
- Customize the Toppings: Jalapeños, crispy onions, or BBQ sauce drizzle would be amazing!
- Double the Bacon: You’re allowed. No judgment here.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
Keywords: Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
