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Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Casserole

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This loaded bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese casserole combines all the best flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and classic mac and cheese in one comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. With crispy bacon, savory ground beef, tangy pickles, and a creamy homemade cheese sauce, it’s the ultimate easy family dinner recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small shells (about 3 cups dry)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dill pickles, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • Cooking spray or butter (for greasing casserole dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off most bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  4. In the same skillet, add ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up meat, until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, a handful at a time, whisking until melted. Stir in mustard and smoked paprika (if using). If sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, beef mixture, half the bacon, and cheese sauce. Add diced pickles and tomatoes (if using). Gently stir until well combined.
  7. Pour mixture into prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining bacon and about 1/2 cup extra cheese over the top. Scatter crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs evenly over everything.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. For an extra-crispy topping, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and extra pickles if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese for the sauce. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. The casserole can be assembled ahead (without topping) and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and flour. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese, casserole, family dinner, comfort food, easy pasta bake, ground beef, kid friendly, cheesy casserole, potluck, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/loaded-bacon-cheeseburger-mac-and-cheese-casserole-easy-family-dinner-recipe/