BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac

This BBQ bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese casserole is everything comfort food should be rich creamy smoky and impossible to resist. Each bite packs all the punch of a backyard burger and your favorite gooey pasta in one bubbling dish. It has quickly become the most requested bake in my house when chilly evenings roll around or we are feeding a crowd of hungry friends.

When I first made this on a cold weekend it was gone before I had time to put away the leftovers. Now my family begs for it at every birthday and even my picky eaters scrape their plates clean.

Ingredients

• Macaroni pasta: brings classic bite and holds sauce well Choose high-quality semolina pasta for the best sturdiness
• Ground beef: adds that signature burger flavor Opt for eighty five percent lean for balance between juicy and not greasy
• Smoky BBQ sauce: provides tang and depth Look for a sauce that is sweet but not overpowering with plenty of rich smoke
• Bacon: lends a hearty crispy texture Use thick-cut applewood smoked bacon for maximum crunch and flavor
• Cheese blend: creates a luscious creamy base Combine sharp cheddar for punch Monterey Jack for melt and Gruyère if you want sophistication Use freshly shredded cheese for the quickest melt and smoothest sauce
• Butter and flour: form the roux foundation of a silky cheese sauce Unsalted butter keeps saltiness in check
• Milk: ties the sauce together Whole milk is best for richness but two percent offers good results too
• Yellow onion: adds gentle sweetness and substance Look for firm brightly colored onions with tight skins
• Smoked paprika: brings subtle warmth and color Freshly ground is ideal for the brightest flavor
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper: help the flavors pop

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Boil Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente about seven to nine minutes Drain immediately and rinse briefly under cool water This prevents overcooking once baked

Crisp the Bacon:

Slice thick-cut bacon into small squares Cook in a heavy skillet over medium heat stirring occasionally until deeply golden and crispy Remove bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve about two tablespoons bacon fat in the pan

Brown and BBQ the Ground Beef:

Add diced onion to the reserved bacon fat Sauté until softened and lightly golden about five minutes Add ground beef breaking up with a wooden spoon Cook until no pink remains about eight minutes Stir in BBQ sauce smoked paprika a pinch of salt and pepper Let bubble for two minutes to thicken and caramelize

Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

In a heavy-bottom saucepan melt butter over medium heat Whisk in flour and cook for two to three minutes stirring constantly until just turning pale gold Gradually add warm milk whisking to remove lumps Let it simmer until thick enough to coat a spoon about four minutes Remove from heat Add the shredded cheese blend a handful at a time Stir slowly until completely smooth

Assemble the Layers:

In a large mixing bowl gently combine pasta and cheese sauce Fold in half the bacon and all the beef mixture Spoon half this mix into a greased baking dish Sprinkle with additional cheese if desired Add remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the bacon Another light sprinkle of cheese here adds a great crust

Bake to Perfection:

Transfer dish to the center rack of a preheated three hundred seventy five degree oven Bake for twenty five to thirty five minutes until the top is bubbling golden and crispy edges appear If browning too quickly cover loosely with foil

Rest and Serve:

Remove from oven and let rest for ten minutes before scooping This helps the layers set Slice and serve piping hot with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley

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You Must Know

• This dish feeds a crowd and keeps well in the fridge for days
• Freezes beautifully for future easy meals
• High in protein and satisfies major comfort food cravings

I love how Gruyère brings something extra special to this cheesy bake It melts so gently and gives the casserole a faint nuttiness My favorite memory is watching my kids race to the table with huge smiles on face for that first bubbling scoop

Storage Tips

Cool the casserole completely before transferring it to shallow airtight containers It stores well for three to four days in the refrigerator For longer storage wrap individual squares tightly in plastic and foil then freeze for up to three months Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating Gently reheat in a three hundred fifty degree oven covered with foil until hot about twenty minutes or microwave individual servings for a quick meal

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for lighter flavor or try plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist Use your favorite BBQ sauce style like Kansas City or Texas and make it gluten-free with certified gluten-free pasta and flour blend If you need to skip bacon crisped pancetta or smoked tempeh bring great flavor Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped pickles to bump up the tangy burger profile

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette and lots of crunchy vegetables A side of roasted asparagus or broccoli balances the richness Well chilled sparkling water or a crisp lager pairs perfectly for adults For potlucks bring the casserole hot from the oven and garnish the top with extra crispy bacon bits and snipped chives

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Cultural Context

This recipe is pure Americana a celebration of backyard BBQ love and diner-style mac in one dish It reflects the spirit of gathering together over food that feels both familiar and new Comfort food in America has always been about remixing classics and this casserole is proof that sometimes more really is more

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes this BBQ bacon cheeseburger mac unique?

It blends smoky barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheese blend, elevating traditional comfort flavors in one dish.

→ Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, assembling it up to 24 hours ahead works well. Just allow additional baking time if baking from chilled.

→ Which BBQ sauce style complements this dish best?

Medium-bodied styles like Kansas City or Texas BBQ sauce offer a smoky-sweet balance that enhances the cheese and bacon perfectly.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3-4 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for best texture.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and ensuring the BBQ sauce contains no gluten ingredients.

→ What cheese blend is recommended for the sauce?

A mix of sharp cheddar for tang, Gruyère for smooth melt, and Monterey Jack for creaminess creates an ideal balance.