Print

Ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese Bake

bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A hearty, cheesy comfort food combining creamy mac and cheese with smoky bacon and classic cheeseburger flavors. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or any short pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup diced pickles (optional)
  • Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil the macaroni according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and diced pickles (if using) on top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Season generously to avoid bland flavors.’, ‘Don’t skip the roux for a creamy cheese sauce.’, ‘Cook bacon ahead or use pre-cooked bacon to save time.’, ‘Toss cooked pasta with olive oil to prevent sticking if prepping ahead.’, ‘For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2 minutes.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger, mac and cheese bake, comfort food, family dinner, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/ultimate-loaded-bacon-cheeseburger-mac-and-cheese-bake-recipe/