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

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!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

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

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

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

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and spread half into the dish.
Layer with the cheeseburger mixture, then top with remaining mac and cheese.

Step 5: Add Toppings & Bake
Sprinkle crumbled bacon and the extra cheeses on top.
In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers or panko with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or pickles for a fun twist.

Notes

• Meat Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, pork, or plant-based alternatives.
• Cheese Varieties: Try smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor depth.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite—smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy BBQ sauces all work great.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Serving Tip: Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

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