Looking for a dish that combines the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the classic flavors of a cheeseburger? Look no further! Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Tacos take the best of both comfort foods and pack them into a delicious taco shell for a meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving something out of the ordinary, this unique dish is sure to impress. The soft taco shells serve as the perfect vehicle for tender ground beef, crispy bacon, cheesy macaroni, and all your favorite burger toppings. Think of it as your favorite cheeseburger, but in a taco shell—and loaded with mac and cheese!
What makes this recipe even better is how customizable it is. You can add jalapeños for a spicy kick, swap out ground beef for turkey or a plant-based alternative, or add extra veggies for a bit of crunch. Ready to level up your taco night? Let’s dive into this ultimate comfort food mash-up!
Ingredients
- 8 taco shells (soft or hard)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cooked macaroni and cheese (homemade or boxed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: lettuce, jalapeños, or avocado
Directions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare the bacon: While the beef cooks, cook the bacon slices in a separate skillet until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
- Make the macaroni and cheese: If not already prepared, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions or use homemade mac and cheese. Keep warm.
- Assemble the tacos: In each taco shell, layer a spoonful of macaroni and cheese, followed by the cooked ground beef. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
- Add the sauces: Drizzle ketchup and mustard over the fillings for a classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy these cheesy, savory tacos while they’re hot.
How to Prepare
Start by cooking the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbly, then drain any excess fat. Simultaneously, fry your bacon until crispy, and prepare your macaroni and cheese. Once all components are ready, assemble your tacos by layering macaroni and cheese, beef, and all toppings in each shell. Finally, drizzle ketchup and mustard for that signature cheeseburger taste. These tacos are best served hot and fresh!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
Makes 8 tacos.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought mac and cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought or boxed mac and cheese will work just fine, though homemade adds an extra touch.
2. Can I substitute the ground beef for a different protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat are great substitutes.
3. Are there alternative toppings I can use?
You can add avocado, jalapeños, or lettuce for more texture and flavor.
4. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the components ahead but assemble the tacos right before serving so they don’t get soggy.
5. How can I make these tacos healthier?
Opt for whole wheat taco shells, lean ground turkey, and add plenty of veggies like lettuce and tomatoes for a lighter version.
Conclusion
Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Tacos bring together three favorite comfort foods into one irresistible meal. The combination of creamy mac and cheese, savory ground beef, and crispy bacon wrapped in a taco shell is a flavor experience like no other. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing dish, these tacos are versatile and can be customized to suit anyone’s taste. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy something fun and unique, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Plus, with only 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s quick and easy to make!
Try these out next time you want to break the taco night routine or when you’re craving something truly indulgent and satisfying. They’re cheesy, meaty, and oh-so-good—everything you want in a taco and more!
PrintBacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Tacos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes 8 tacos 1x
Description
Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Tacos are a delightful fusion of classic comfort foods. These tacos are filled with creamy mac and cheese, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and topped with all your favorite cheeseburger fixings. Wrapped in a soft taco shell, they offer a unique and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger with a twist. Perfect for taco nights or casual dinners, this recipe brings a fun, indulgent meal to the table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 taco shells (soft or hard)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup prepared macaroni and cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: lettuce, avocado, or jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until browned, and then drain any excess grease.
- Prepare bacon: While the beef is cooking, fry the bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
- Make macaroni and cheese: Prepare the macaroni and cheese as instructed if it’s not already made.
- Assemble the tacos: Fill each taco shell with a layer of macaroni and cheese, followed by ground beef. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, onions, and pickles.
- Add sauces: Drizzle with ketchup and mustard for that classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the tacos hot, adding optional toppings like lettuce or jalapeños for extra crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative.
- Experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for added spice.
- For a lighter version, opt for whole wheat taco shells and low-fat cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion (American/Mexican)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Bacon, Macaroni, Cheeseburger, Tacos, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Fusion Recipe