Craving the ultimate comfort food mashup? This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole Recipe combines everything you love about cheesy pasta, smoky bacon, hearty beef, and bold BBQ flavor into one indulgent dish. It’s a creamy, cheesy, meaty casserole that satisfies big appetites and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings, this crowd-pleaser brings together the best parts of a bacon cheeseburger with the comfort of baked mac and cheese.
Ingredients
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1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked & drained
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1 lb ground beef
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6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup BBQ sauce
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1 cup heavy cream
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¼ cup breadcrumbs
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Salt & pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Mix in the BBQ sauce
Add ½ cup BBQ sauce to the cooked beef. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
Step 4: Make the cheese sauce
In a saucepan, heat 1 cup heavy cream over low heat. Gradually stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef-BBQ mixture, crumbled bacon, and cheese sauce. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Bake the casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle ¼ cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Step 7: Serve hot
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cheese, chopped parsley, or crispy onions if desired.
Variation
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the beef
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Extra Creamy: Add ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce
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Southern Style: Use smoked gouda or pepper jack instead of cheddar
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Loaded Casserole: Stir in chopped onions, pickles, or tomatoes for burger toppings in every bite
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Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground beef and meatless bacon
Cooking Note
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For best texture, cook pasta just until al dente since it will bake further in the oven
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Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents
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Let bacon cool before crumbling to keep it crispy in the casserole
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Stir the cheese sauce constantly while melting to prevent curdling
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Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even cooking and best browning
Tips
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Make ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
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Double it for a crowd: This recipe scales easily for parties and potlucks
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Swap the pasta: Shells, rotini, or cavatappi also work well
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Add crunch: Top with French-fried onions or extra crumbled bacon before baking
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Serve with a crisp side salad to balance the richness
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
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Calories: 590
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Protein: 25g
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Fat: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 42g
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Sugar: 6g
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Sodium: 640mg
Note: May vary based on BBQ sauce and cheese brand used
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes, shells, penne, rotini, or cavatappi all work well for holding sauce and cheese.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite brand—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy depending on your flavor preference.
Conclusion
This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole Recipe is what comfort food dreams are made of. It’s hearty, cheesy, savory, and loaded with smoky, bold flavor that brings all the best parts of a cheeseburger to your dinner table—bacon included. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving a crowd, this casserole is easy to prep, even easier to devour, and guaranteed to be a hit every time. Grab a fork and dig into the ultimate cheesy-meaty masterpiece.
Print
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked & drained
-
1 lb ground beef
-
6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
½ cup BBQ sauce
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
¼ cup breadcrumbs
-
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Mix in the BBQ sauce
Add ½ cup BBQ sauce to the cooked beef. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
Step 4: Make the cheese sauce
In a saucepan, heat 1 cup heavy cream over low heat. Gradually stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef-BBQ mixture, crumbled bacon, and cheese sauce. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Bake the casserole
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle ¼ cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Step 7: Serve hot
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cheese, chopped parsley, or crispy onions if desired.
Notes
-
For best texture, cook pasta just until al dente since it will bake further in the oven
-
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents
-
Let bacon cool before crumbling to keep it crispy in the casserole
-
Stir the cheese sauce constantly while melting to prevent curdling
-
Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even cooking and best browning
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Protein: 25 g