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Baked Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

Ultimate comfort food combining creamy mac and cheese with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and a golden breadcrumb topping.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Mac and Cheese Base
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or shells
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20
  • 8 strips bacon diced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup American cheese cubed
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
For the Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 3 tbsp butter melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives chopped

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Large saucepan
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente, drain and set aside. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon, reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat.
  3. Add ground beef to skillet with bacon fat. Cook until browned, add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
  4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to form roux.
  6. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously. Cook, whisking frequently, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese until smooth. Add cheddar, American, and mozzarella, stirring until melted.
  8. In baking dish, combine pasta, beef mixture, most bacon, and cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  9. Mix panko breadcrumbs, remaining cheddar, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over mac and cheese.
  10. Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly around edges and golden brown on top. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
  11. Let cool 5-10 minutes to set slightly. Garnish with reserved bacon bits and fresh chives.
  12. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food creation!

Notes

Can be assembled 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results. Add extra bacon fat if needed when cooking beef.