Sizzling BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese Casserole Recipe

Fire up your appetite for a comfort food revolution with this smoky bbq bacon cheeseburger mac n cheese casserole that blends two classic favorites into one mouthwatering dish.

Melted cheese, crispy bacon, and savory ground beef create a heavenly combination that screams pure indulgence.

Every bite packs a punch of rich, smoky flavors that dance across your taste buds.

The creamy mac n cheese provides a velvety base, while bbq-seasoned meat adds a robust, tangy kick.

Crisp bacon bits scattered throughout bring a satisfying crunch to each forkful.

This isn’t just another casserole – it’s a culinary celebration of everything deliciously comforting.

Prepare to be the hero of dinner night with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes In Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese Casserole

• Macaroni: Classic foundation that captures creamy sauce perfectly, select high-quality pasta for best texture.

• Butter: Adds rich foundation for sauce, choose unsalted for precise flavor control.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates smooth roux, ensures sauce thickens beautifully.
• Whole Milk: Provides creamy consistency, select fresh dairy for best results.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances luxurious texture, opt for high-fat content version.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp flavor profile, select aged variety for deeper taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes melty smoothness, pick low-moisture type.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth, ensure fresh and fragrant.
• Onion Powder: Brings gentle background warmth, select fine-ground version.
• Salt: Balances overall seasoning, use kosher for clean taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat, freshly ground offers superior flavor.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base, choose lean blend for optimal texture.
• Onions: Adds sweet undertone, select fresh firm variety.
• Garlic: Introduces pungent complexity, pick firm cloves.
• BBQ Sauce: Delivers smoky sweetness, choose thick robust style.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces umami depth, select traditional version.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes subtle smokiness, use authentic Hungarian type.
• Bacon: Provides crispy salty accent, select thick-cut quality.

Tools Needed For Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese Casserole

• Large saucepan: Perfect for creating creamy, smooth cheese sauce.
• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and mixing cheeseburger ingredients.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending flour, milk, and creating lump-free sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions and garnishes.
• Sharp knife: To prepare ingredients precisely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing cracker topping.

Steps To Make Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese Casserole

• Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook macaroni until tender, then drain and set aside, ready for the cheesy magic ahead.

• Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and slowly introduce milk and cream. Stir in a blend of melted cheeses and seasonings until silky smooth.

• Sizzle Cheeseburger Filling

Brown ground beef with onions, then splash in BBQ sauce and Worcestershire for a flavor explosion. Let the mixture simmer with aromatic spices.

• Layer Your Flavor Masterpiece

Preheat oven and grab a baking dish. Spread half the cheesy pasta, top with beefy goodness, then cover with remaining mac and cheese.

• Crown with Crunchy Toppings

Scatter crispy bacon bits and extra cheese across the surface. Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy finish.

• Bake and Serve with Flair

Slide into the oven until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest briefly, then dish out this ultimate comfort food. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Tips To Know For Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese Casserole

• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy casserole, ensuring a creamy yet firm bite that holds up beautifully in the cheese sauce.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours – perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap traditional pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version that keeps all the delicious cheeseburger flavors without the carbs.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free flour for the roux, choose gluten-free pasta, and substitute panko with certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms, maintaining the rich, savory profile while creating a meat-free alternative that's equally satisfying.

Serving Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese Casserole

• Burger Bash Celebration: Invite friends over for a casual dinner party and serve this hearty casserole as the star attraction.
• Tailgate Party Delight: Perfect for game day gatherings, this dish will score big with sports fans looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort food.
• Family Movie Night Feast: Pair with a crisp green salad and transform your regular movie night into a memorable culinary experience that everyone will love.
• Potluck Showstopper: Bring this casserole to your next community gathering and watch it disappear quickly, becoming the talk of the event.

Smart Storage For Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese Casserole

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 3-4 days.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Assemble entire casserole before baking, wrap tightly in plastic and aluminum foil, store frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Portion Control Strategy: Divide casserole into single-serving containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners, making meal planning effortless and delicious.

Smoky BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty bbq bacon cheeseburger mac n cheese casserole combines comfort classics with smoky barbecue flair. Rich pasta layers meld perfectly with crispy bacon and melted cheese, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (80/20 or lean)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked, crumbled)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup bbq sauce
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ cup onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• ½ cup Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs (crushed)
• 2 tbsps butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook macaroni in salted water until tender with a slight bite, then drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Cheese Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour milk and cream, stirring until the mixture thickens. Incorporate cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until achieving a silky, luxurious sauce.
3. Beef Flavor Development: Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet, breaking meat into fine crumbles and draining excess fat. Infuse with minced garlic, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer briefly to meld flavors.
4. Casserole Assembly: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fold cheese sauce into cooked pasta, creating a creamy base. Layer half the mac and cheese mixture, top with seasoned beef, then cover with remaining pasta and cheese blend.
5. Topping and Baking: Distribute crumbled bacon across the surface, sprinkle additional cheddar and mozzarella. Mix crushed crackers or panko with melted butter and scatter over the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
6. Finishing Touch: Rest the casserole for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or pickles for a cheeseburger-inspired presentation.

Notes

• Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook macaroni just shy of package instructions to maintain a slight al dente bite, preventing mushy texture during baking.
• Control Cheese Sauce Consistency: Whisk roux continuously and add dairy slowly to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth, velvety sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and maintain the dish’s rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free options, use lean ground turkey instead of beef, and replace dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives for adaptable, inclusive meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg