Mac Cheese Bacon Rolls

Highlight: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

These golden tortilla rolls feature a rich blend of creamy macaroni, sharp cheddar, savory beef, and crispy bacon. Cook the beef with aromatic spices, then mix it with macaroni, melted cheddar, and bacon for a hearty filling. Roll the mixture into soft tortillas, brush with melted butter, and toast until golden and crisp. Serve warm for a comforting bite full of familiar, satisfying flavors that add a fun twist to traditional comfort food.

A woman in a pink apron is smiling.
Crafted By Dina
Updated on Sun, 13 Jul 2025 16:49:37 GMT
Two mac and cheese bacon rolls on a wooden table. Save
Two mac and cheese bacon rolls on a wooden table. | myhomemademeal.com

These mac and cheese bacon rolls combine creamy comfort with savory beef and crispy bacon all wrapped in a golden tortilla. Perfect for a fun twist on dinner or a hearty snack, they bring together flavors everyone loves in a handheld delight.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: for a rich, savory base make sure to buy fresh beef with good marbling
  • Salt: for balancing and enhancing all flavors
  • Black pepper and garlic powder: add depth and subtle heat to the beef
  • Onion powder: helps round out the seasoning without overpowering
  • Large flour tortillas: that are fresh and pliable to avoid cracking when rolled
  • Cooked macaroni pasta: as a creamy comfort food base choose elbow macaroni for best texture
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: for rich cheesiness opt for sharp cheddar for extra flavor
  • Cooked crispy bacon crumbled: for smoky crunch quality bacon will make a big difference
  • Ketchup: adds a tangy sweetness that complements the beef and cheese
  • Mustard: provides a mild bite balancing richness
  • Butter melted: for brushing to achieve a golden crispy exterior

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Beef:
Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully browned and no longer pink. This step brings out the meaty flavor and seasoning. Drain any excess grease to keep the rolls from getting soggy.
Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl combine the cooked macaroni pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon pieces, ketchup, and mustard. Stir in the cooked ground beef thoroughly so every bite is packed with flavor.
Roll the Tortillas:
Lay out the flour tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon generous portions of the mac and cheese beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them tightly from one edge like a burrito to keep the filling secure.
Cook Until Crispy:
Brush each rolled tortilla with melted butter for color and crispiness. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook rolls for two to three minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Serve Warm:
Slice each roll into smaller portions if desired and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue sauce.
A close up of a mac and cheese bacon roll. Save
A close up of a mac and cheese bacon roll. | myhomemademeal.com

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the crispy bacon which adds a salty crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy mac and cheese. This dish always brings back memories of sharing late-night snacks with friends around the game.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness instead of the microwave, which can make the tortilla soggy. For longer storage, freeze the rolls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option. You can swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheese kick. Use gluten-free tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free. Vegetarian eaters can replace beef and bacon with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and smoked tempeh.

Serving Suggestions

These rolls pair well with a simple green salad or coleslaw to add freshness. Serve with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for extra flavor. They also make a great party appetizer or picnic treat.

A close up of a bacon and cheese burrito. Save
A close up of a bacon and cheese burrito. | myhomemademeal.com

Cultural Context

Mac and cheese is a beloved American comfort food that has evolved over generations. Adding bacon and beef wrapped in tortillas brings a playful fusion that showcases the versatility of classic flavors in new formats. These rolls are a great example of modern comfort food creativity.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best for these rolls?

Sharp cheddar cheese melts well and adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the beef and bacon perfectly.

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken make lighter alternatives, providing a different but tasty flavor profile.

→ How do I get the rolls crispy on the outside?

Brush the rolls with melted butter before cooking in a skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and crisp.

→ Is it possible to add some heat to the filling?

Absolutely. Adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture gives the rolls a nice kick.

→ Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?

You can assemble them in advance and refrigerate, then toast in a skillet just before serving to preserve the crispy texture.

Mac Cheese Bacon Rolls

Tortillas stuffed with cheesy macaroni, beef, and bacon, grilled to crispy perfection.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Crafted By: Dina

Recipe Type: Side Dishes

Preparation Complexity: Moderate Challenge

Regional Cuisine: American

Servings Output: 8 Serving Size (8 rolls)

Dietary Choices: ~

Everything You’ll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef
02 1 teaspoon salt
03 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 8 large all-purpose flour tortillas
07 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta
08 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 1 cup cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
10 1 tablespoon ketchup
11 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
12 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Steps to Cook

Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ketchup, and mustard. Fold in the cooked ground beef until evenly incorporated.

Step 03

Lay out the flour tortillas and evenly distribute the mac and cheese beef mixture onto each. Roll each tortilla tightly, similar to a burrito style.

Step 04

Brush each roll with melted butter. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each roll for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 05

Slice the rolls and serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Customize with spices such as paprika or cayenne for extra heat. Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For vegetarian adaptation, use plant-based proteins or crumbled veggie patties. Adding additional shredded cheese before toasting enhances cheesiness.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient details for potential allergens. Consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten from flour tortillas.
  • Contains dairy from cheddar cheese and butter.
  • Always verify ingredients for allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.

Nutritional Highlights (per portion)

Nutritional information is shared for guidance and isn't meant to replace expert medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 400
  • Fat Breakdown: 23 grams
  • Carbohydrate Breakdown: 31 grams
  • Protein Count: 18 grams