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

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If you love the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger and creamy mac and cheese, this BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is a must-try! This indulgent dish combines tender pasta, a rich cheese sauce, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a smoky BBQ kick. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or potlucks, this casserole is comfort food at its finest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultimate Comfort Food – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors.
  • Family-Friendly – A hit with both kids and adults.
  • Smoky BBQ Twist – The addition of BBQ sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep in advance for an easy meal.
  • Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
  • Ground beef
  • Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • Onion (diced)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • BBQ sauce
  • Cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • Milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper
  • Paprika
  • Mustard powder (optional)
  • Green onions (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Cook the Pasta – Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef – In a large skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion and garlic until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add BBQ Flavor – Stir in BBQ sauce and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Once thickened, add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until smooth.
  5. Combine Everything – In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, cheese sauce, ground beef mixture, and crumbled bacon.
  6. Assemble the Casserole – Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with extra cheese.
  7. Bake – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  8. Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Different Cheese: Try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower instead of pasta.
  • Crunchy Topping: Add crushed crackers or crispy onions before baking.
  • Extra Veggies: Mix in bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells work well in this casserole.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce—honey BBQ, smoky, or spicy all work great.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How do I keep the cheese sauce from getting grainy?

Use low heat and stir constantly while melting the cheese.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes! Turkey bacon or even plant-based bacon works well.

What’s the best cheese combination for this dish?

Cheddar and mozzarella provide a great balance of sharpness and meltiness.

Can I make this without BBQ sauce?

Yes, but the BBQ sauce adds a smoky-sweet flavor. You can substitute ketchup or leave it out.

How do I prevent my casserole from drying out?

Don’t overbake, and add extra cheese sauce if needed before baking.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 2-3 hours or until heated through and bubbly.

What sides go well with this casserole?

Serve with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish, combining all the best flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy mac and cheese. With its smoky, cheesy, and savory goodness, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Make it for dinner, meal prep, or potlucks—you won’t regret it!

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

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This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! A cheesy, creamy mac and cheese base is loaded with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a smoky BBQ sauce twist. Baked to perfection, this dish is a family-favorite dinner that combines all the flavors of a cheeseburger in one delicious casserole!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole, Comfort Food
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac ‘n’ Cheese:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Cheeseburger Layer:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Toppings:

  • 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
  • 2 tbsp butter (melted)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, cooking until slightly thickened (3-4 minutes).
  4. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Cheeseburger Mixture

  1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
  2. Add garlic, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and spread half into the baking dish.
  3. Layer with the cheeseburger mixture and then top with the remaining mac and cheese.

Step 5: Add Toppings & Bake

  1. Sprinkle crumbled bacon, extra cheddar & mozzarella cheese over the top.
  2. In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers/panko with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley or pickles for extra cheeseburger flavor!

Notes

  • Meat Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground pork.
  • Cheese Varieties: Use smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
  • BBQ Sauce Choice: Use a honey BBQ or smoky BBQ for a great taste.

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