Description
Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
250g elbow macaroni
200g ground beef
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside
.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside
.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux
.
Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy
.
4. Combine:
Add the cooked macaroni and ground beef to the cheese sauce and stir to combine
.
5. Top with Bacon:
Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top and mix gently
.
6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm
.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof dish. First, start your pasta water boiling in a large pot. While it heats, begin browning the ground beef in a large skillet. Once the beef is cooked, remove it and use the same skillet to make your roux: melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for a full minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken before turning off the heat, then add the cheeses, stirring until fully melted. Finally, fold in the drained pasta, cooked beef, and most of the bacon, reserving some for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and hearty dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a classic comfort food combo, add a side of garlic bread or steamed green beans. It’s perfect for a family dinner, game day spread, or potluck.
How-to Summary
To make Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese: cook pasta and brown beef separately. Create a cheese sauce by making a roux (butter + flour), whisking in milk to thicken, then melting in shredded cheeses. Combine sauce with pasta and beef, top with crumbled bacon and parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Shells, cavatappi, or rotini are excellent choices as they hold the cheese sauce well.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce, or mix in a tablespoon of chopped pickled jalapeños.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish (without the final bacon garnish), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered, until bubbly, adding the bacon just before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture, or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese? You can, but block cheese you shred yourself melts more smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce slightly grainy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the roux: Cook it just for a minute. If it gets too dark, it will affect the flavor and color of your sauce.
- Adding cheese to sauce that is too hot: Remove the sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from separating or becoming oily.
- Using cold milk: Using milk at room temperature helps it incorporate into the roux smoothly and thicken more evenly.
- Not seasoning each component: Season the beef while cooking and taste the cheese sauce before combining. Layered seasoning is key.
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese masterfully combines two beloved classics into one incredibly satisfying dish. It’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a creamy, cheesy, and meaty pasta that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget the final garnish of fresh parsley—it adds a welcome pop of color and freshness.