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This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole brings together the best of two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible dish. Creamy mac and cheese meets savory cheeseburger flavors with smoky BBQ sauce and crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. It’s an easy bake that combines hearty, cheesy, and smoky elements effortlessly.
I first tried this casserole on a chilly winter night and it instantly became a favorite in our house. Now it’s requested regularly, especially on game days when everyone is craving something comforting and filling.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni or any short pasta: holds the creamy sauce well while providing classic mac and cheese texture
- Ground beef: I recommend 80/20 for juicy, flavorful results but lean beef works fine too
- Bacon cooked and crumbled: adds irresistible smoky crunch and salty richness
- Onion diced: builds a savory base, choose firm, fresh onions for sweetness
- Garlic minced: amplifies the savory notes, fresh garlic is always best
- BBQ sauce: gives a smoky, tangy twist, use your favorite style such as honey BBQ or spicy smoky
- Cheddar cheese shredded: sharp cheddar offers bold flavor and melts smoothly
- Mozzarella cheese shredded: adds creamy stretchiness and mild flavor balance
- Milk and heavy cream: combine for a rich, velvety cheese sauce
- Butter and all-purpose flour: form the roux to thicken the sauce evenly
- Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning layers properly
- Paprika and optional mustard powder: bring subtle smoky warmth and complexity
- Green onions for garnish: fresh and bright contrast to the rich casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook macaroni in boiling salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent sogginess later.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens to a smooth creamy consistency, about three to four minutes. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and melted.
- Cook the Cheeseburger Mixture:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef with diced onions until fully cooked and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease. Add minced garlic followed by BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for two to three minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine pasta and half the cheese sauce. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Top with the cheeseburger mixture, spreading evenly, then cover with the remaining mac and cheese sauce.
- Add Toppings and Bake:
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon and additional shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the top. Mix crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top for added crunch. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the casserole to rest for five minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of flavor and serve warm.
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Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes to restore creaminess and melt any hardened cheese. For longer storage, freeze portions wrapped tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or pork can replace beef for a different flavor or leaner option. Use plant-based bacon or omit bacon for a milder taste. Swap cheddar and mozzarella with pepper jack, smoked gouda, or Monterey Jack for varied flavor profiles. Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to balance richness. Garlic bread on the side adds satisfying crunch and an extra buttery flavor complement. Roasted or steamed vegetables provide a colorful, nutritious contrast.
Cultural Context
Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food with roots in European cheese and pasta dishes. Adding BBQ flavors and bacon taps into the beloved American barbecue tradition, combining two heritage foods into a hearty modern casserole loved across generations.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely, varieties like penne, rotini, or shells work well and hold the cheese sauce beautifully.
- → What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Choose your favorite version—honey BBQ, smoky, or spicy sauces all complement the rich flavors nicely.
- → Can I assemble it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake for convenience.
- → How do I avoid a grainy cheese sauce?
Use low heat and stir constantly while melting the cheese to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- → Can I substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives work well, adding their own twist to the dish.
- → What cheese combinations work best?
Cheddar and mozzarella create a great balance of sharpness and meltiness that enhances the casserole’s flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this without BBQ sauce?
Yes, but removing BBQ sauce changes the flavor profile; alternatives like ketchup can offer a milder, sweeter taste.