Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole

Let me share a little secret from my kitchen: this Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is pure comfort food heaven. It’s the dish I turn to when I’m craving something hearty, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors without spending hours cooking. One game-day afternoon, with a hankering for a cheeseburger and a box of macaroni in the pantry, inspiration struck. I combined smoky bacon, seasoned beef, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese into a creamy casserole that’s now a family favorite. Each bite is a mix of juicy burger vibes, crispy bacon, and melty mac ‘n’ cheese, making it perfect for weeknights or potlucks. It’s easy enough for beginners but guaranteed to impress. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s indulgent and delicious, you’re in for a treat!

Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni: 8 ounces, for classic mac ‘n’ cheese texture.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean (90/10), for burger flavor.
• Bacon: 6 slices, cooked crispy and crumbled, for smoky crunch.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded, for gooey richness (sharp cheddar recommended).
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded, for extra meltiness.
• BBQ Sauce: ½ cup, your favorite brand, for tangy sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for creamy sauce.
• Milk: ½ cup, whole or 2%, to thin sauce.
• Yellow Onion: ½ cup, finely diced, for savory depth.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for aromatic kick.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon, for umami flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for smoky warmth.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (or to taste).
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (or to taste).
• Breadcrumbs: ½ cup, panko or plain, for crunchy topping.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted, for breadcrumb topping.
• Optional Toppings: Diced pickles, green onions, or extra BBQ sauce drizzle.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook macaroni in salted water per package instructions until al dente (about 6-8 minutes); drain and set aside. Cook bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Dice onion and mince garlic.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes until onion softens. Stir in BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce, simmering for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, beef mixture, crumbled bacon (reserve a tablespoon for garnish), 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, and milk. Stir until evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter over the casserole for a golden crunch.
5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Garnish: Garnish with reserved bacon crumbles, diced pickles, green onions, or a drizzle of BBQ sauce, if desired. Serve hot with a side salad or roasted veggies.

Nutrition Facts

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is a rich, indulgent dish with high protein from beef and bacon, and carbs from macaroni. The cheese and cream add fats, making it a hearty meal best balanced with lighter sides.

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 500-600 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 30-35g
• Saturated Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 8-10g
• Sodium: 900-1100mg (varies with BBQ sauce and bacon)

Preparation Time

This casserole is straightforward, ideal for busy nights or gatherings. Prepping ingredients while the pasta cooks keeps it efficient, delivering bold flavors in under an hour.

• Prep time: 20 minutes (cooking pasta, bacon, beef)
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes (baking)
• Total time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve

• Family Dinner: Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli for balance.
• Game Day: Offer with a topping bar of pickles, onions, and extra BBQ sauce for fun.
• Potluck Hit: Present in the baking dish, garnished generously, for easy sharing.
• Kid-Friendly: Skip garnishes and serve with ketchup on the side for picky eaters.
• Meal Prep: Divide into portions for lunches; reheat with a splash of milk to keep creamy.

Additional Tips

• Creamy Texture: Add extra heavy cream or cheese if mixture seems dry before baking.
• Bacon Prep: Bake bacon at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for easy, crispy results.
• Pasta Swap: Use penne, rotini, or shells for variety; ensure al dente to avoid mushiness.
• Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready; add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cold.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked in a foil pan for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Budgeting the Recipe

This casserole is budget-friendly, using affordable ground beef and pantry staples like macaroni and BBQ sauce. Buy bacon and cheese in bulk to save, and opt for store-brand ingredients. The recipe serves 8, making it economical for gatherings or leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure BBQ sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

Q: Can I use ground turkey?

A: Absolutely! Swap beef for lean ground turkey for a lighter option; adjust seasoning to taste.

Q: Why is my casserole dry?

A: Insufficient cream or overbaking can dry it out. Add more cream before baking and cover with foil if browning too quickly.

Q: Can I add veggies?

A: Yes! Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach with the beef for extra nutrition.[]

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.

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