Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! We all have those moments when a regular mac and cheese just won’t cut it. You want something with a little kick, a little more savory, and a lot more flavor. That’s where this Buffalo Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Mac comes in. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining all the deliciousness of a cheeseburger, the smoky flavor of bacon, the zesty kick of buffalo sauce, and the creamy goodness of mac and cheese. This is the kind of dish that disappears from the table in minutes, and it’s perfect for a game day, a cozy night in, or anytime you need a seriously satisfying, indulgent meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big believer that comfort food should never be boring, and this recipe is proof of that. What I love most is the perfect balance it strikes between creamy and spicy. The rich, cheesy sauce is the perfect canvas for the zesty buffalo and the smoky bacon, and the ground beef adds a hearty, savory base. The best part? It’s a fantastic one-pan meal that you can have on the table in about 30 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 pound ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 box macaroni noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and black pepper to taste
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.
- 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.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic for a reason, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix of cheeses.
- Buffalo Sauce and Ranch Dressing: You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing to your desired level of heat and creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the Bacon: Add the cooked and crumbled bacon to the skillet with the ground beef, stirring to combine.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, stirring well to coat the meat mixture.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the skillet, stirring to combine with the meat mixture.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture, then cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve: Serve the Buffalo Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Mac hot, garnished with extra bacon and a drizzle of ranch dressing, if desired.
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 hot sauce, 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 dish is best served hot and fresh from the skillet while the cheese is still gooey.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Buffalo Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Mac 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: 5g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this dish are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or in a skillet on the stovetop with a splash of milk to add moisture.
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
- This Walking Taco Bar is my favorite no-fuss way to feed a crowd
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Mac 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.
Buffalo Ranch Bacon Cheeseburger Mac: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups buffalo sauce
- 4 cups ranch dressing
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Mix in the cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, and chopped bacon until well combined and the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.
Leave a Reply