Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There are some recipes that just make you happy. They’re a little wild, a little indulgent, and completely delicious. This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is exactly that kind of recipe. It takes two of the best comfort foods—a classic bacon cheeseburger and creamy mac and cheese—and smashes them together into one glorious casserole. It’s the perfect solution for when you’re craving something savory, cheesy, and completely satisfying. This is a one-pan meal that’s fun, fast, and guaranteed to be a huge hit.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its genius simplicity and its incredible payoff. It captures that authentic cheeseburger flavor in a creamy, dreamy mac and cheese format. The combination of savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce is a match made in heaven. The best part? It’s a fantastic one-pan meal that you can have on the table in about 45 minutes, from start to finish. It’s a great way to feed a crowd without spending a lot of time in the kitchen, and it’s comfort food, redefined.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: I prefer a ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 for the juiciest results. You can use a leaner beef, but you might want to add a splash of olive oil to the pan when you cook the meat.
- Bacon: A thick-cut bacon will give you a heartier flavor and texture. Cook it to your desired crispiness and be sure to crumble it finely.
- Cheese: The combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives you both great flavor and a perfect melt. You can use any cheese blend you love, but make sure it’s a good melting cheese.
- Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is a classic for a reason. The small shape holds the sauce and meat well. You can also use another small pasta like shells or rotini.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat and Veggies: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is browned. Drain any excess grease. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they are softened. Stir in the crumbled bacon.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, milk, sour cream, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the beef mixture. Pour the cheese sauce over everything, stirring to combine.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for Success
- Grate Your Own Cheese: For the best melt, I highly recommend grating a block of cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your pasta just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to become mushy.
- Drain the Grease: Draining the grease is crucial for a clean, savory flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This casserole is best served hot and fresh from the oven while the cheese is still gooey and the topping is crispy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is a meal in itself. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. You can serve it with a simple side of pickles or a fresh green salad to add some freshness. For a fun, party spread, it would go perfectly with other cheesy, indulgent snacks like a crockpot nacho dip or a platter of easy cheesy chicken sliders.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this casserole are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave or place them in a hot oven (350°F / 175°C) until heated through.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy easy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort foods, you might also like these other recipes:
- This Dorito Casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner shortcut
- These Totchos are my favorite party food hack: tater tot nachos for the win
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are my favorite way to feed a crowd fast
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is a perfect example of a new classic. It’s a simple, clever mashup that delivers on big, comforting flavor every single time. It’s a fun and easy way to get a fantastic meal on the table, and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
What’s your favorite comfort food mashup? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as simple as they are irresistible.
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac 'n' Cheese Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups sour cream
- 4 cups ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, ground beef, mozzarella cheese, milk, sour cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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