Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mashup! This baked bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese combines everything you love about cheeseburgers with creamy, cheesy pasta for a hearty meal that will satisfy the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
This loaded mac and cheese takes comfort food to the next level! With seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a ultra-creamy cheese sauce, it’s like having a cheeseburger and mac and cheese in every bite.
Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need something hearty and satisfying. This baked mac and cheese feeds a crowd and tastes even better as leftovers!
Ingredients for Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
For the Pasta Base:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or shells
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 8 strips bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup American cheese, cubed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For Serving:
- Diced pickles
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Extra bacon bits
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Serves: 8-10
- Prep for baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the meats: In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. In same pan, cook ground beef with diced onion until beef is browned and onion is softened. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook 1 minute more.
- Make cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add cheeses: Remove from heat and whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Add cheddar, mozzarella, American cheese, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine everything: In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, crispy bacon, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Make topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar, melted butter, and paprika until combined.
- Bake: Top casserole with breadcrumb mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with diced pickles, green onions, tomatoes, and extra bacon bits.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese
- Don’t overcook pasta: It will continue cooking in the oven
- Warm the milk: Prevents lumps in the cheese sauce
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly
- Let it rest: Allow 5-10 minutes to set before serving
- Cover with foil: If top browns too quickly during baking
Delicious Variations
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac
Add:
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce to beef mixture
- Smoked cheddar cheese in sauce
Spicy Version
Include:
- Diced jalapeños
- Pepper jack cheese
- Hot sauce in cheese sauce
Mushroom Swiss Version
Add:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Swiss cheese instead of American
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (may be slightly less creamy after thawing). Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Individual portions: Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this comfort food casserole with:
- Simple green salad
- Garlic bread
- Steamed broccoli
- Pickles on the side
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time.
Q: Can I use different pasta shapes? A: Absolutely! Shells, penne, or rotini all work great for holding the cheese sauce.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese sauce from breaking? A: Keep heat medium-low and whisk constantly when adding cheese. Remove from heat before adding cheese.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker? A: Cook everything stovetop first, then combine in slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience
This bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest. Every bite delivers the familiar flavors of a loaded cheeseburger combined with the creamy satisfaction of baked mac and cheese. It’s the kind of meal that brings families together around the dinner table and creates lasting memories. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to treat yourself to something special, this loaded mac and cheese delivers pure comfort in every forkful!
