Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole
Smoky, Cheesy, and Totally Irresistible
When you take a cheeseburger, blend it with mac ‘n’ cheese, and bake it into a bubbly casserole loaded with BBQ sauce and crispy bacon—you get BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole, the ultimate comfort food fusion.
This dish is big on flavor and crowd-pleasing power. It’s perfect for game day, weeknight indulgence, or anytime you want to show up with something unforgettable at a potluck. It’s hearty, cheesy, and hits every craveable note in one bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast. It’s quick to prep, deeply satisfying, and layered with flavor thanks to smoky BBQ sauce, seasoned beef, creamy cheddar, and the magic of crumbled bacon.
Why it’s a staple in my kitchen:
- Perfect combo of burger + mac ‘n’ cheese
- Easy to scale up for a crowd
- Total comfort food in under an hour
- Crunchy breadcrumb topping = bonus texture
- Leftovers (if you have any) are fantastic the next day
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with salt and pepper until browned.
Stir in the BBQ sauce and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavor.
3. Combine
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Cooked elbow macaroni
- BBQ beef mixture
- Crispy crumbled bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- Heavy cream
Stir everything until well combined and creamy.
4. Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
5. Serve
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot—and don’t be surprised if it disappears fast.
Tips for Success
- Use smoked cheddar or gouda for an extra layer of flavor.
- Add pickles or top with ketchup and mustard drizzle for a real “cheeseburger” vibe.
- Like it spicy? Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Want it crispier on top? Broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish can stand on its own, but pair it with a few party-ready favorites for a next-level meal:
- Start strong with this Beer Cheese Dip—creamy, bold, and perfect with pretzels or chips.
- Add a fun finger food like Cheesy Chicken Sliders to round out your game day spread.
- Want a sidekick dish with major personality? This Dorito Casserole is the perfect pairing.
- Looking to feed a big crowd fast? Serve it alongside Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
- Go big with a Southern side like Easy Turkey Wings for the ultimate comfort feast.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave until hot throughout.
- Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this comfort food mash-up hit the spot, you’ll love these other indulgent, crowd-pleasing dishes:
- Dorito Casserole
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders
Final Thoughts
BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is everything we love about comfort food—familiar, over-the-top delicious, and easy to throw together. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a game day gathering, it’s guaranteed to be the dish everyone talks about.
Make it, love it, and tag @ChefManiac to show off your cheesy masterpiece. 🧀🍔🔥
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