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This loaded Bacon BBQ Burger Mac Cheese Bake mixes two beloved comfort classics into one mouthwatering creation. The velvety macaroni foundation gets totally transformed with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and zesty BBQ sauce for a meal that tackles all your comfort food needs in one go.
I came up with this bake during a stormy game day when we wanted both hamburgers and something warm and snuggly. The mix turned out so amazing that folks now ask for it at practically every family event and potluck I attend.
What You'll Need
- Elbow pasta: Catches all that delicious cheesy sauce in its curves
- Flour and butter: Work together for a perfectly smooth cheese base
- Heavy cream and whole milk: Add creaminess and thickness to your sauce
- Sharp cheddar: Brings that real burger cheese punch
- Mozzarella: Creates those amazing cheese pulls everyone loves
- Ground beef: Delivers authentic burger flavor and substance
- Garlic and fresh onion: Set up the taste foundation for your meat mixture
- BBQ sauce: Adds a sweet-tangy kick that makes this dish special
- Worcestershire sauce: Packs in savory depth and boosts the meat taste
- Bacon: Gives smoky crunch and that must-have burger topping feel
- Panko or Ritz crackers: Top things off with a crunchy contrast to all that creaminess
How To Make It
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a big pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Toss in your macaroni and cook it until it's firm to the bite, usually around 7-9 minutes. You'll want it slightly undercooked since it'll soften more in the oven. Drain it well and put it aside.
- Whip Up the Cheese Sauce:
- In a big pot, let butter melt over medium heat until it's bubbly. Sprinkle in flour and keep whisking for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste, making a light tan roux. Pour in your milk and cream bit by bit, whisking the whole time so you don't get lumps. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it's thick enough to stick to your spoon. Turn down the heat and mix in your cheeses a little at a time, letting each handful melt before adding more. Stir in your salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Fix the Burger Mix:
- Get a big skillet hot over medium-high heat. Throw in your ground beef and chopped onions, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Keep going until the beef isn't pink anymore and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Pour off the extra fat. Add your minced garlic and cook just until you can smell it, about half a minute. Mix in BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Let everything bubble gently for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can mingle.
- Put It All Together:
- Get your oven heating to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Mix the pasta with your cheese sauce, making sure every noodle gets coated. Spread half this mixture into your dish in an even layer. Spoon all your BBQ beef mix over that pasta layer. Top it with your remaining cheesy pasta, gently spreading to cover all the meat.
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The BBQ sauce really is the game-changer that turns ordinary mac and cheese into something amazing. I found this out by accident when I ran out of ketchup one time, and my family thought the BBQ version tasted way better. That touch of sweetness cuts through the rich cheese and adds layers of flavor you can't get any other way.
Keeping and Warming
This bake stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days if you keep it in a sealed container. When warming up single servings, your best bet is using the microwave at 70% power with a damp paper towel on top so the pasta doesn't dry out. If you're heating the whole thing again, cover it with foil and warm it in a 325°F oven until it's hot all the way through, about 20 minutes.
Mix It Up
You can tweak this recipe based on what's in your kitchen. Ground chicken or turkey works great instead of beef if you want something lighter. If you don't eat meat, try plant-based grounds or even seasoned black beans. Feel free to play with different cheeses too - maybe pepper jack for some kick or smoked gouda for extra flavor. Got gluten issues? Just grab your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap cornstarch for the flour in your cheese sauce.
What Goes With It
This filling bake tastes great with a basic green salad with tangy dressing to balance out the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies make good sides too. For a fun burger-joint feel, put out small dishes of classic toppings like chopped pickles, tomato slices, shredded lettuce, or extra BBQ sauce for drizzling. Kids especially love this hands-on dinner approach.
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This meal always brings joy to anyone who tries it, no matter where it's served.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can put everything together up to a day before and keep it in the fridge covered. When you're ready to cook it, let it sit out for half an hour, add your topping and pop it in the oven. Just cook it a bit longer, about 5-10 extra minutes.
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
This rich dish goes great with something light on the side. Try a fresh green salad, some steamed veggies, oven-roasted broccoli, or tangy coleslaw to balance out all that cheesy goodness.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
You bet! Freeze it before or after cooking. For uncooked freezing, put it all together minus the bread topping, wrap it up tight and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in your fridge overnight, add the topping, then bake. Leftover portions can go in containers in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Want more kick? Throw in some chopped jalapeños or splashes of hot sauce with the beef. You can also grab a spicy BBQ sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes into your cheese mixture.
- → Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of beef?
Sure thing! Just swap in 2-3 cups of pulled chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce and seasonings. It's a great way to use up chicken from yesterday's dinner.
- → What's the best BBQ sauce to use in this dish?
Smoky or hickory BBQ sauce really brings out the bacon flavor, but your family's go-to sauce works fine too. For something different, try honey BBQ for a touch of sweetness or bourbon BBQ for extra depth.