Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac is the ultimate comfort food that brings together all the flavors you love from a classic bacon cheeseburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni. Imagine tender pasta tossed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon bits, and oozy melted cheese, all in one delicious dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you crave something hearty and comforting. This recipe is not only a hit with kids but also a favorite among adults, making it a great meal for all ages.
What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of common ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dinner ready in no time. Plus, it’s customizable! You can add extra toppings like pickles, onions, or even jalapeños to kick up the flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for something nostalgic or simply want a satisfying dish that combines bacon, cheeseburgers, and pasta, this Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac has you covered. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: pickles, diced tomatoes, jalapeños
Directions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool, then crumble.
- Cook the ground beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Stir in the beef broth, milk, ketchup, and mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Mix in pasta: Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Top with additional bacon bits and any optional toppings you like. Enjoy!
How to Prepare
To make this dish, start by cooking the pasta and setting it aside. Next, cook the bacon until crispy, then brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Once the beef is cooked, add broth, milk, ketchup, mustard, and cheddar cheese to create a creamy sauce. Stir in the cooked macaroni and bacon to finish. The result is a cheesy, beefy, bacon-filled mac that’s hard to resist.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work well in this dish. - Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use a cheese blend or even Monterey Jack for a different flavor. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat when ready to serve. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. - Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. - What toppings can I add?
Toppings like pickles, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes can add extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac is a meal that satisfies on all fronts: it’s savory, cheesy, and full of flavor. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, and gooey cheddar cheese mixed with tender macaroni creates the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s versatile enough to add your favorite toppings, so you can make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s quick to make, and every bite brings back memories of classic cheeseburgers while also providing the coziness of macaroni and cheese. Make this delicious dish a staple for your weeknight dinners or casual gatherings!
PrintLoaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac combines all your favorite flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with the comfort of creamy mac and cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is a quick, delicious meal the whole family will love. It’s savory, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon, juicy beef, and tender pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: pickles, jalapeños, diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook bacon: Fry bacon until crispy. Let it cool, then crumble.
- Brown beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
- Create sauce: Add beef broth, milk, ketchup, and mustard to the beef. Simmer and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Stir in cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon until fully mixed.
- Serve: Garnish with extra cheese and any desired toppings. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or BBQ sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 (estimate)
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg