Description
When the craving for pure comfort strikes, there’s nothing quite like Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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