This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is a hearty, cheesy dream that blends two of the most iconic comfort foods—macaroni and cheese + a juicy bacon cheeseburger—into one over-the-top baked dish. It’s rich, meaty, gooey, and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crunch that makes every bite a delight.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a weeknight dinner with leftovers to spare, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and easy to adapt.
🛒 Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Tips
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based beef for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Mix in some Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or American cheese with the cheddar for extra gooeyness.
- No diced tomatoes? Use tomato sauce or even a squirt of ketchup for a cheeseburger vibe.
- Want it spicier? Add pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne to the cheese sauce.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Crisp the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat. - Brown the Beef
In the same skillet, add ground beef. Cook until browned, then stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. - Add Liquids and Tomatoes
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, beef broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble gently for 5–6 minutes. - Add the Pasta and Cheese
Mix in the cooked macaroni. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with melted butter. - Assemble the Bake
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the crispy bacon, then sprinkle evenly with the buttered breadcrumbs. - Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. - Serve Hot
Let cool slightly, then scoop and serve. This is peak comfort food.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the macaroni—slightly underdone pasta will finish cooking in the oven without turning mushy.
- Pre-shredded cheese works fine, but freshly grated cheese melts smoother.
- Want it extra crispy? Broil the top for the last 2 minutes of baking.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This dish is rich and satisfying, so a simple side will do. Try pairing it with:
- A crisp Caesar salad or coleslaw
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- An icy cold drink like lemon iced tea or Beer Cheese Dip as a fun appetizer
For a full comfort food spread, serve it with:
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or oven reheat with a splash of milk to revive creaminess.
- Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout.
🍴 More Recipes You’ll Love
Can’t get enough of cheesy, meaty comfort food? Check these out:
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
🙌 Final Thoughts
If you love burgers, mac and cheese, or bacon (who doesn’t?), this Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese is your new obsession. It’s got everything: savory beef, creamy cheese, crunchy bacon, and that golden crumb topping you’ll want to pick off before anyone else can.
Make it once and you’ll find yourself dreaming up reasons to make it again. Let me know how yours turns out—tag @ChefManiac and share your cheesy masterpiece!
📬 Don’t forget to subscribe for more creative comfort food ideas and kitchen inspiration.
