There’s something magical about a dish that combines everything you love in one skillet—like this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni. Imagine the cheesy, meaty goodness of a classic bacon cheeseburger, but in a creamy, crave-worthy pasta form. It’s comfort food at its finest and a serious weeknight winner.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving a cozy dinner that feels indulgent without being fussy, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal cleanup. Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Comfort Food – It combines pasta, beef, bacon, and cheese—what’s not to love?
- One-Pan Wonder – Less mess, more flavor.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Customizable – You can tweak it to your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Ground beef – 85/15 is a good balance of flavor and fat. Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work too.
- Bacon – Thick-cut adds great texture. Cook until crispy.
- Cheese – Feel free to mix in pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Ketchup, mustard & mayo – These give it that unmistakable cheeseburger taste.
- Pasta – Elbow macaroni is classic, but penne or shells also work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. - Add Flavor
Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant. - Mix Everything In
Add the cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, both cheeses, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. Stir everything together over low heat until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy and well combined. - Season and Garnish
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Top with chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color.
Tips for Success
- Grate your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t skip the mustard – It balances the richness and adds that true cheeseburger zing.
- Cook bacon ahead – You can batch-cook bacon earlier in the week and stash it in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this hearty dish with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. For drinks, a cold lager or sparkling lemonade makes the perfect pairing.
And if you’re hosting friends or game day guests, double the recipe—it disappears fast.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make it a day in advance and reheat before serving—it holds up beautifully.
What if I don’t like mayo?
You can reduce or omit it and just use extra cheese or a bit of sour cream for creaminess.
Can I make it spicy?
Totally. Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
More Recipes You’ll Love
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These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack – Tater Tot Nachos FTW
This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni is the move. It’s creamy, cheesy, and unapologetically satisfying. Perfect for those nights when you just want something indulgent and easy, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your rotation. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised when your family asks for seconds.
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