Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Introduction
Prepare yourself for a fusion of your favourite comfort foods – BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger meets Mac ‘n’ Cheese. This splendid casserole is minced meat, bacon and creamy mac ‘n’ cheese spiked with BBQ sauce, all baked until piping hot and bubbly.
Why Make This Recipe
Indulge in this all-in-one casserole that binds together the essence of a juicy cheeseburger and a serving of mac ‘n’ cheese. It’s a mingling of flavors you cannot resist – each bite spells deliciousness, and it’s extremely easy to prepare.
How to Make Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole
Ingredients:
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– 1 lb ground beef
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced pickles and diced tomatoes for garnish
Directions:
1. Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish of 9×13 inches.
2. Cook elbow macaroni as per instructions on the package. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off the fat.
4. Blend in the cooked bacon, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the beef.
5. Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour. Cook this mixture for a minute.
6. Gradually whisk in milk, simmer and allow to thicken slightly.
7. Off heat, stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until it’s melted and smooth.
8. Mix the cheesy sauce with macaroni and the beef mixture. Transfer this to the casserole dish.
9. Optional: sprinkle some more cheese on top.
10. Bake in the oven until bubbly and golden on the top, for around 25-30 minutes.
11. Serve hot with optional toppings like pickles and diced tomatoes.
How to Serve Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole
Serve it hot right from the oven. You can complement it with a salad or a serving of crispy garlic bread.
How to Store Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers and consume within 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil and bake until heated through.
Tips to Make Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole
– Ensure to regularly stir the cheese sauce to prevent it from burning.
– You can cook the bacon in advance to save time.
– Choice of cheese can vary as per your preference.
FAQs
Q1: Can any other pasta be used apart from elbow macaroni?
Yes, similar pastas like rigatoni or penne can be used.
Q2: Can this be prepared ahead of time?
It can be prepared a day in advance with everything except the baking part, which can be done prior to serving.
Q3: How to make it vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with a vegetarian mince substitute and the bacon with a vegan bacon alternative.