Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese: A Comforting Classic
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese: A Comforting Classic
As a busy home cook and food blogger, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to whip up, especially on those hectic weeknights when I just want to get a satisfying meal on the table. That’s why Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese has become one of my all-time favorite go-to dishes. It’s the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods – juicy bacon cheeseburgers and creamy, indulgent mac and cheese – all in one hearty, flavor-packed bite.
I first discovered this recipe a few years ago when I was craving something comforting and indulgent, but also quick and simple to make. As a self-proclaimed mac and cheese aficionado, I was instantly intrigued by the idea of combining two of my favorite comfort foods. After a little experimentation in the kitchen, I landed on a version that’s become a staple in my household. Follow me on DianaCookingE on Pinterest to see more of my favorite recipes and cooking adventures!
Why This Recipe Works
What I love most about this Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese is how it manages to deliver all the familiar flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger, but in a creamy, comforting pasta dish. The combination of ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheddar cheese, and elbow macaroni creates a truly satisfying and crave-worthy meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep work and a short cook time – perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner.
Ingredients
To make this Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge:
- Elbow macaroni – the classic pasta shape for mac and cheese
- Ground beef – for that delicious burger flavor
- Bacon – crispy, salty bacon is the perfect complement to the rich cheese sauce
- Onion – sautéed onion adds depth and sweetness
- Garlic – for an aromatic boost
- Cheddar cheese – the key to a creamy, cheesy sauce
- Milk – helps create the velvety cheese sauce
- Flour – thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency
- Seasonings – a blend of salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika
Diana’s Tip: Be sure to use a high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture in the cheese sauce.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
One of the best things about this Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas for tasty add-ins and variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give it a little kick.
- Loaded: Top it with extra bacon, diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Seasonal: Swap in different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a seasonal twist, or add in diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in some sautéed spinach, broccoli, or peas for extra nutrition.
Step-by-Step Method
Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Diana’s Tip: Don’t skip the onion and garlic – they add so much flavor to the dish!
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- What I Messed Up At First: Be sure to whisk the milk in gradually to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika to taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese is pretty straightforward to make, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the macaroni until just al dente, as it will continue to soften in the cheese sauce.
- Not draining the excess fat: After cooking the ground beef, be sure to drain any excess fat from the pan to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Rushing the cheese sauce: Take the time to whisk the milk in gradually and let the sauce thicken properly for a smooth, creamy texture.
My Tested Substitutions
While I love the classic flavors of this Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese, I’ve also experimented with a few ingredient swaps over the years. Here are some of my tested substitutions that work well:
- Ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner protein option, ground turkey or chicken work great in place of the ground beef.
- Different cheeses: Try using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or experiment with pepper jack or gouda for a twist.
- Whole wheat pasta: Swap in whole wheat elbow macaroni for a nutritional boost.
- Dairy-free milk: Unsweetened almond or oat milk can be used in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
How to Customize This Recipe
One of the best things about this Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese is how easy it is to customize to your personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and all-purpose flour blend to make a gluten-free version.
- Low-carb: Swap the macaroni for riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
- Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and bacon, and add in extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Spicy: Kick up the heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Serving Ideas
This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and I love serving it up in a variety of ways. It makes a fantastic main dish for a cozy family dinner, but it’s also a crowd-pleasing side dish or even a tasty party appetizer. I like to pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal. And leftovers are just as delicious – I often enjoy it for lunch the next day!
Meal Prep & Storage Instructions
One of the best things about this Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead and store for later. Simply prepare the dish according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. And the best part? This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese actually gets even more flavorful as the flavors meld together during storage.
Nutritional Breakdown
While this Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese is certainly a decadent and indulgent dish, it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cozy, comforting, and downright delicious meal, this Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese is sure to hit the spot. It’s the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods, and it’s incredibly easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just serving up a satisfying dinner for your family, I know you’re going to love this tasty dish as much as I do. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get cooking!
Table of Contents
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until thickened.
- Add the cheese
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth and melted.
- Combine everything
- Add cooked pasta, ground beef, and bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
- Serve
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
