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Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

Ultimate comfort food 🧀🥓🍔 — creamy baked mac and cheese with ground beef, crispy bacon, and a golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Beef
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnish
  • pickles, diced tomatoes, or green onions

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned. Add garlic and crumbled bacon. Drain excess fat.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, then slowly add milk, stirring until thickened. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine cooked macaroni and beef mixture with cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour mixture into greased baking dish.
  6. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and cheddar. Sprinkle over mac and cheese.
  7. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with pickles, tomatoes, or green onions and serve warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for best texture.