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Ingredients
You only need familiar ingredients to make this comforting baked macaroni casserole.
Main Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
8 oz elbow macaroni
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 small onion, diced
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Ingredient Notes
Use a BBQ sauce you already love because its flavor really shines in this recipe. A smoky, honey, or hickory-style BBQ sauce works especially well.
Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese, but pre-shredded still works when convenience wins. And listen, some nights convenience absolutely wins!
Ground beef gives this casserole that classic cheeseburger flavor, but you can also use lean beef if you want a slightly lighter dish.
Tools You’ll Need
You do not need anything fancy for this recipe. Just grab a few kitchen basics:
9×13-inch baking dish
Large pot for boiling pasta
Large skillet
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon or spatula
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons
Possible Additions and Substitutions
This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese Casserole is already packed with flavor, but it is also easy to customize.
Tasty Additions
Add diced pickles after baking for a true cheeseburger-style finish.
Stir in chopped jalapeños for heat.
Add diced tomatoes before serving for freshness.
Top with crushed buttery crackers or crispy fried onions for crunch.
Mix in a little mustard with the BBQ sauce for a tangy burger flavor.
Easy Substitutions
Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef.
Swap elbow macaroni for shells, rotini, or penne.
Use pepper jack cheese in place of mozzarella for a spicier casserole.
Use smoked cheddar for even deeper BBQ flavor.
Try turkey bacon if that is what you keep on hand.
How to Make BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac N Cheese Casserole
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