BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac (Printable Version)

Smoky BBQ, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese blend in a hearty mac and cheese bake with irresistible cheeseburger flavor.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained

→ Meats

02 - 1 pound ground beef
03 - 6 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

→ Cheese Blend

04 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
05 - 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
06 - 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
07 - 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

→ Sauce and Seasonings

08 - 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce, ideally medium-bodied, Kansas City or Texas style
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 2 cups whole milk, warmed
12 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1 teaspoon brown sugar

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Set oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, drain and set aside.
03 - Render bacon in a skillet until crisp, drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
04 - In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Stir in BBQ sauce and cook until meat is fully coated and heated through.
05 - Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes without browning. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
06 - Remove sauce from heat and fold in the shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth, stirring gently to maintain creaminess.
07 - In a large mixing bowl, layer the cooked macaroni followed by a thin spread of BBQ sauce, then evenly distribute crumbled bacon and the seasoned ground beef. Pour the cheese sauce over all, ensuring it fills gaps for balanced flavor.
08 - Transfer mixture into a greased 9x13 inch ceramic casserole dish. Bake uncovered in preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
09 - Insert a knife into the center to confirm it is hot throughout. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Use an oven thermometer for accurate baking temperature and cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
02 - Freshly grate cheeses and bring them to room temperature for optimal melting.
03 - To make gluten-free, substitute macaroni and breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free products, and use gluten-free BBQ sauce.

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