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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!

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.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/must-try-bbq-bacon-cheeseburger-mac-n-cheese-casserole/