Imagine taking all the irresistible flavors of a juicy cheeseburger, the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese, and the smoky allure of crispy bacon, and then baking them into a sliceable, hearty pie. That’s exactly what you get with this Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Pie! This dish is a true family pleaser, combining savory ground beef, tender pasta, rich cheese, and bits of smoky bacon, all bound together in a golden, custardy bake. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup, perfect for a casual dinner, a potluck, or any time you need a seriously satisfying meal that’s easy to make and even easier to devour.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big believer in transforming beloved classics into exciting new forms, and this Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Pie is a perfect example. I absolutely love how this recipe brings together so many familiar, comforting flavors into one cohesive and incredibly satisfying dish. The combination of seasoned ground beef, salty bacon, and the creamy, cheesy macaroni creates an explosion of taste and texture in every bite. It’s hearty without being heavy, and the simple list of ingredients means it comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it bakes up beautifully in a pie dish, offering a unique presentation that’s always a hit at the dinner table. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers on all fronts of flavor and ease!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to assemble this deliciously comforting pie:
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
Swaps and Notes
This pie is quite versatile and can be adapted to your family’s preferences:
- Bacon: For convenience, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits, but cooking fresh bacon and using a little of the rendered fat for the beef adds extra flavor.
- Ground Meat: Ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and pork can be used instead of just ground beef.
- Cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar for a cheddar-jack blend, Colby, or even a mix including a little Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Macaroni: Any small pasta shape like ditalini or small shells would also work well. Make sure it’s cooked al dente before adding to the mix.
- Milk: For an extra rich pie, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of whole milk.
- Spices: A pinch of onion powder or a dash of your favorite burger seasoning could be added to the beef mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Topping: For the breadcrumbs, you can mix them with a tablespoon of melted butter for an even crispier, golden topping. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs also adds a nice touch.
- Veggies: Diced bell peppers or finely chopped mushrooms could be added with the onion for extra veggies.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this savory pie baking!
- Prep Oven & Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish (or an 8×8 inch baking dish) with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook the 1 pound ground beef, diced small onion, and minced garlic over medium heat. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is tender and translucent. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare Macaroni: While the beef cooks, ensure your 1 cup of macaroni is cooked according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the cooked and crumbled bacon, the cooked beef and onion mixture, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are well distributed.
- Whisk Custard Base: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 1 cup whole milk, 2 large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika until thoroughly combined. This is your binding liquid.
- Mix Everything: Pour the whisked milk and egg mixture over the macaroni-beef mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are well coated and combined.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared greased pie dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Topping & Bake: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the pie. Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pie is set in the center (it shouldn’t be jiggly) and the top is beautifully golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the pie to set up and makes for cleaner slices. Enjoy your delicious Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Pie!
Tips for Success
- Cook Bacon First: If you’re cooking bacon from scratch, do it before the ground beef. You can even use a little of the rendered bacon fat to sauté the onion and garlic for extra flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your macaroni to just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Drain Fat: Properly draining the fat from the ground beef is crucial for a pie that’s flavorful but not greasy.
- Whisk Eggs Well: Ensure the eggs are thoroughly whisked with the milk and seasonings for an even consistency in the pie.
- Let it Set: Don’t rush the cooling process! Allowing the pie to cool slightly before slicing helps it hold its shape and prevents it from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Pie is a hearty, complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would cut through the richness of the pie.
- Dill Pickles: Sliced dill pickles or gherkins on the side add a classic cheeseburger tang that really complements the flavors.
- Ketchup & Mustard: Offer extra ketchup and mustard for drizzling on top, just like you would a burger!
- Beverage Pairings: A cold cola, iced tea, or even a light lager would be excellent choices to wash down this satisfying meal.
- Cheesy Dips: For a fun, indulgent meal, consider serving alongside other cheesy favorites like This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers or This Beer Cheese Dip is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, individual slices can be warmed in the microwave, though the crust might lose some crispness. For best results, reheat slices in an oven-safe dish at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Covering loosely with foil can prevent the top from over-browning.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of easy, comforting, and incredibly flavorful meals, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite, family-friendly dishes:
- For another fantastic cheesy creation, don’t miss How I Turned a Classic Sandwich Into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- If you’re looking for simple one-pan meals that deliver big on flavor, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a must-try.
- And for an incredibly easy way to feed a crowd, these These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a total game-changer.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Pie is more than just a meal; it’s an experience! It brings together everything you love about classic comfort food in a fun, hearty, and easy-to-serve format. It’s perfect for family dinner, a casual get-together, or simply when you’re craving something truly satisfying.
I hope you give this recipe a try and see just how delicious this mashup can be! What are your favorite comfort food combinations? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And as always, for more fantastic recipes, keep an eye on ChefManiac.com!
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