BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘N’ Cheese Casserole

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this. Imagine everything you love about a juicy BBQ bacon cheeseburger—savory beef, crispy bacon, smoky barbecue sauce, and melty cheddar—baked into a creamy, cheesy mac ‘n’ cheese. That’s exactly what this casserole delivers, and every bite is packed with rich, comforting flavors.

I made a version of this dish for a casual family gathering. I wanted something fun, hearty, and packed with flavors that both kids and adults would love. The result? An instant hit.

Plates were cleared in minutes, and everyone asked for seconds. Since then, this recipe has become a go-to for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and even game-day parties.

This dish easy to tweak for different tastes. The smoky barbecue sauce adds a sweet-savory kick, while the crispy bacon and golden breadcrumb topping give it a delightful crunch. No matter what you’re making for,  it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Short Description

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole combines tender elbow macaroni, seasoned beef, crispy bacon, smoky barbecue sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese into a creamy, irresistible dish. Baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or game day.

Key Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper

Tools Needed

• Large pot (for cooking pasta)
• Skillet (for browning beef)
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater
• Aluminum foil

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and develops a golden, crispy topping.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess grease. Stir in the BBQ sauce and let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, BBQ beef mixture, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the macaroni mixture, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.

Step 5: Add the Topping & Bake

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crispy finish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 6: Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. The sauce thickens slightly, making it easier to scoop.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big, bold flavors – A perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and savory goodness.

Comfort food with a twist – Classic mac ‘n’ cheese meets a BBQ bacon cheeseburger.

Easy and budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

Great for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.

Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family dinners, parties, or potlucks.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooking the pasta → Cook until just al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.

Skipping the draining step for beef → Excess grease can make the casserole greasy. Always drain it before mixing.

Adding too much BBQ sauce → A little goes a long way. Too much can overpower the dish. Stick to ½ cup for a balanced flavor.

Not covering the dish while baking → This helps keep moisture in and prevents the top from burning before the inside is heated through.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Side dish ideas – Serve with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a balanced meal.

Best drink pairings – Try a cold glass of iced tea, a creamy milkshake, or even a bold red wine like Zinfandel for an elevated pairing.

Perfect for gatherings – Serve it buffet-style for potlucks or pair with burgers for a BBQ-themed feast.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers
– Let the casserole cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Option
– For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Instructions
– Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
– Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Shells, penne, or rotini work well since they hold the sauce beautifully.

3. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but a mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives extra gooeyness.

4. Can I make this without bacon?
Yes, but bacon adds a smoky crunch. Try turkey bacon or crispy fried onions for texture.

5. How can I make this healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and ground turkey instead of beef.

Tips & Tricks

– For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup of cream cheese before baking.
– Boost the flavor by adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick.
– Make it spicier by drizzling hot sauce or adding chopped jalapeños.

Recipe Variations

Tex-Mex Style
Swap BBQ sauce for salsa and add 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Buffalo Chicken Version
Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken.
Swap BBQ sauce for Buffalo sauce.

Vegetarian Option
Use plant-based ground beef and vegetarian bacon.
Add roasted mushrooms for a hearty texture.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole is the kind of meal that brings people together. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with smoky, savory flavors that make each bite unforgettable. I love how simple it is to make, yet it delivers the kind of comfort food satisfaction that feels like a treat. It’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something warm and indulgent. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen!