Bacon BBQ Mac Cheese (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Mac 'n' Cheese
01 -
12 oz pasta elbows (or your favorite shape)
02 -
2 tbsp butter, not salted
03 -
2 tbsp regular flour
04 -
2 cups milk (full fat or 2%)
05 -
1 cup thick cream
06 -
2 cups grated sharp cheddar
07 -
1 cup grated stringy mozzarella
08 -
1/2 tsp powder from garlic
09 -
1/2 tsp dried onion seasoning
10 -
Salt & pepper as needed
→ For the Cheeseburger Layer
11 -
1 lb beef mince (fatty or lean works)
12 -
1/2 cup chopped onion
13 -
2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
14 -
1/2 cup sweet BBQ sauce
15 -
1 tbsp tangy brown sauce
16 -
1/2 tsp paprika with smoky flavor
17 -
Salt & pepper as needed
→ Toppings
18 -
6 crispy bacon strips (broken up)
19 -
1/2 cup grated orange cheddar
20 -
1/2 cup grated white mozzarella
21 -
1/2 cup smashed butter crackers or crunchy breadcrumbs
22 -
2 tbsp butter (melted down)
# Instructions:
01 -
Get the elbows cooking following box instructions until they're firm but tender. Drain out the water and put them aside.
02 -
Grab a big pot and melt your butter on medium. Add flour and keep stirring for a minute. Pour in milk and cream bit by bit, cooking till it gets a bit thick around 3-4 minutes. Mix in all the cheeses and seasonings until everything's smooth and blended.
03 -
Take a wide pan and brown your beef with onions over medium heat. Pour off any fat. Throw in the garlic, sweet sauce, brown sauce, smoky spice, salt and pepper. Let it simmer 2-3 minutes, then take it off the heat.
04 -
Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease up a 9×13-inch dish. Stir the pasta into the cheese mixture and spread half across the bottom. Layer on all your meat mix, then cover with the rest of your cheesy pasta.
05 -
Scatter the bacon pieces and both cheeses on top. In a small cup, mix your crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle that over everything. Bake it for 20-25 minutes until it's bubbling and golden brown.
06 -
Let your casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Add some chopped green herbs or pickle bits on top for that burger feel.
# Notes:
01 -
Different Meats: Try ground turkey or pork instead of beef.
02 -
Cheese Swaps: Smoky gouda, creamy Jack, or spicy pepper Jack add nice twists.
03 -
Sauce Tips: Sweet honey or smoky wood-flavored BBQ sauces work great here.