Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is the ultimate mash-up of two of America’s favorite comfort foods—mac and cheese and a juicy bacon cheeseburger. This dish delivers a creamy, cheesy pasta base loaded with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a hint of classic burger flavors. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with bold, savory goodness that makes it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game-day feasts.
So, if you’re a fan of comfort food that warms the soul, this recipe is a must-try! Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!
Ingredients Needed
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients.
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheeseburger Mix:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Optional Add-ons:
- Pickles, diced (for a true cheeseburger flavor)
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for topping
- Hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy kick
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside, tossing it with a little butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Bacon and Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble.
- In the same skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add minced garlic, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the crumbled bacon and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
Combine Everything
- In a large pot, mix the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and cheeseburger mixture until well combined.
- If desired, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
To make sure your Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is absolutely perfect, follow these pro tips:
1. Choose the Right Cheese
- Sharp cheddar gives that classic mac and cheese flavor.
- Mozzarella adds creaminess and stretch.
- Monterey Jack or gouda can enhance the richness.
- Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
2. Make It Extra Creamy
- Use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream for the richest texture.
- Stir the cheese in gradually on low heat to prevent separation.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
3. Get the Perfect Crispy Bacon
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat for an even crisp.
- Bake bacon on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F for 15 minutes for extra crunch.
- Always drain bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Variations and Customization
Want to switch things up? Try these variations to make this dish your own:
Spicy Version
- Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for additional heat.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Option
- Swap the pasta for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for fewer carbs.
- Increase the cheese and bacon for a keto-friendly flavor boost.
Vegetarian Alternative
- Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms.
- Use a meatless bacon alternative or crispy fried onions.
- Add roasted veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is indulgent, so pairing it with lighter sides can create a balanced meal.
Best Side Dishes
- Green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or asparagus for a healthier touch
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls for extra comfort
Beverage Pairings
- Classic cola or root beer for a nostalgic diner-style meal
- Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing contrast
- A cold beer (lager or pale ale) complements the richness
Garnishing Tips
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions for color.
- Add crumbled bacon on top for extra crunch.
- A drizzle of ketchup or mustard gives it a burger-like presentation.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish reheats well!
Best Ways to Store
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a little cheese or cream if needed.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Healthier Alternatives
Want to enjoy this dish without the guilt? Here’s how:
Lighten Up the Recipe
- Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream.
- Swap lean ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
Gluten-Free Options
- Substitute gluten-free pasta for traditional macaroni.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour in the cheese sauce.
Lower-Calorie Tips
- Reduce cheese slightly and use Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
- Load it up with veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything and store it in the fridge before baking. When ready to serve, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
2. What’s the best cheese combination?
A mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda gives the best flavor and creaminess.
3. How do I prevent my cheese sauce from being grainy?
Make sure to melt the cheese on low heat and use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged.
4. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Absolutely! Just crumble it and add it in when mixing everything together.
5. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the cheeseburger flavors, and you can adjust the seasoning to their taste.
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together creamy mac and cheese, crispy bacon, and savory beef for a meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a party, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is the perfect blend of two classic favorites—cheeseburgers and creamy mac and cheese! Featuring tender pasta, a savory beef and bacon mixture, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is pure indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something hearty, this recipe will never disappoint.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
12 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheeseburger Mix:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
½ small onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Optional Add-ons:
Diced pickles
Hot sauce or jalapeños
Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
Drain and set aside, tossing with a bit of butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Beef
In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove, crumble, and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook ground beef and onions until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add garlic, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in crumbled bacon, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add flour and stir for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large pot, mix the pasta, cheese sauce, and cheeseburger mixture until well combined.
(Optional) Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Choose the Right Meat – Use 80/20 ground beef for the best texture, or try turkey/chicken for a lighter version.
Don’t Overmix the Meat – Overmixing can make the meatloaf tough. Mix until just combined.
Season Well – A little smoked paprika or BBQ sauce adds a delicious smoky flavor.
Crispy Tots Trick – Bake uncovered so the tater tots get golden and crunchy. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 3-5 minutes.
Make It Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes