Say hello to your new favorite party food: Mac and Cheese Stuffed BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Bites. Yes, you read that right. These mini burger bites are loaded with bold BBQ flavor, wrapped around creamy mac and cheese, and finished with smoky crumbled turkey bacon—all nestled on slider buns. They’re gooey, savory, and utterly addictive.
Whether you’re planning for game day, a cookout, or just want to wow your guests, these stuffed cheeseburger bites check all the boxes for bold, bite-sized fun.
Why I Love This Recipe
- 🎯 Crowd-pleaser: Combines comfort food favorites—mac & cheese + cheeseburgers—in one delicious bite
- 🔥 Big flavor in a small package: BBQ, bacon, cheddar, and creamy cheese sauce wrapped in juicy beef
- 🎉 Perfect for parties or dinner: Serve as sliders or let them shine on their own
- 🧠 Make-ahead friendly: Prep the mac and cheese and bacon mix ahead of time for stress-free assembly
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheeseburger Bites:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Mini hamburger buns or slider buns
- Toothpicks, for securing
Instructions
🧀 Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk to form a roux; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and let cool slightly before stuffing.
🍔 Prepare the Cheeseburger Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.
🧷 Assemble the Cheeseburger Bites:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Flatten a small handful of beef mixture into your palm.
- Spoon a bit of mac and cheese into the center, sprinkle with turkey bacon and cheddar.
- Wrap the meat around the filling to form a sealed ball.
- Place each bite on the baking sheet, seam side down.
🔥 Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the beef is fully cooked and the bites are firm and golden.
- Optional: Add a slice of cheddar on top in the last few minutes for a melty finish.
🍽 Serve:
- Place each cheeseburger bite on a mini slider bun.
- Secure with a toothpick.
- Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce or ranch on the side.
Tips for Success
- Cool mac and cheese before stuffing—it’s easier to handle and less likely to leak
- Use a cookie scoop for even-sized burger bites
- Want extra crunch? Roll the bites in crushed fried onions before baking
- Prefer spicy? Use pepper jack cheese and add a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mix
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These burger bites make a great centerpiece for party platters, game day spreads, or fun family dinners.
Pair them with:
- This Blueberry Lemonade for a cool, sweet contrast
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders for a mini sandwich spread
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies for dessert
Storage & Leftovers
🧊 Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Use the oven or air fryer for best results—350°F for 8–10 minutes.
❄️ Freeze: Freeze unbaked stuffed burger bites and bake directly from frozen (add 5–7 minutes to cook time).
More Recipes You’ll Love
- How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
Final Thoughts
Mac and cheese. BBQ beef. Turkey bacon. Sliders. This recipe combines everything we love into one bite-sized powerhouse of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just feeding your cravings, Mac and Cheese Stuffed BBQ Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Bites bring the fun to the table.
Give this one a try, and if you make it—tag @ChefManiac and let us know how they turned out!
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