Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac: Ultimate Comfort Food Delight

Growing up, my kitchen was always filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of sizzling beef bacon. I remember those joyous evenings when my family would gather around a bubbling pot, eagerly waiting for what would soon become a favorite treat: the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings everyone together.

Creating this delightful dish has become a cherished tradition in my home. The combination of savory beef bacon, juicy ground beef, and creamy cheddar cheese is a surefire way to make any dinner special. It’s amazing how food can transform an ordinary day into a memorable occasion, and the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac does just that.

Each time I prepare this dish, I’m reminded of the simple pleasures of cooking. There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning a handful of ingredients into a comforting meal that delights everyone at the table. The Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac encapsulates the essence of home cooking: warmth, flavor, and a bit of fun.

This dish is a testament to how a few humble ingredients can create something truly spectacular. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and indulgent, the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac is your answer. It’s a dish that promises to be the highlight of your culinary repertoire.

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac

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• Author: Chloe
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in our savory Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac recipe! Learn how to create a delicious and satisfying meal that combines all your favorite flavors. Perfect for a hearty dinner option.

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Ingredients

• 12 strips beef bacon
• 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp (3 ml) minced garlic
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) ketchup, you can sub tomato paste if desired
• 1/2 tsp (3 ml) salt
• 1/4 tsp (1 ml) black pepper
• 16 oz (500 g) macaroni noodles
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (30 g) flour
• 1 1/2–2 cups (355–475 ml) milk
• 2 cups (225 g) cubed cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (30 g) bread crumbs or crush crackers
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil, melted
• 1/4 cup (25 g) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Use cooking spray to lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cover a baking sheet with foil, place a cooling rack on top, and arrange the bacon strips on the rack. Cook in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until done. Once the bacon is finished, take it out and lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes soft. Stir in the ketchup, salt, and pepper, and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until well mixed. Put aside.
4. Prepare the macaroni noodles as directed on the package for firm pasta.
5. In a large pot or the same pot used for the noodles, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Introduce the flour, whisking until it thickens and starts to bubble. Pour in 1 1/2 cups of milk, continuing to whisk until it thickens, which should only take a few minutes. Turn off the heat and mix in the cubed cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. If the sauce is too dense, gradually add the remaining milk, 1/4 cup at a time, to adjust the consistency.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring it is well coated. Mix in the cooked beef and crumble 8 strips of bacon into the mixture, stirring everything together.
7. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Crumble the rest of the bacon and blend it with the bread crumbs and melted vegetable oil. Spread this mixture over the macaroni and cheese, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly heated and the topping is golden.

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Notes

• Enhance the flavor by using smoked bacon or adding a touch of paprika to the cheese sauce.
• Customize your dish by incorporating your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into the ground beef mixture.
• Elevate the dish by mixing in some cooked and chopped jalapenos for a spicy twist.

Crafting the Ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac

Fundamentals

The foundation of the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac lies in its quality ingredients. Start with 12 strips of crispy beef bacon, providing a smoky depth that elevates the dish. Ground beef adds a hearty texture, while finely chopped onions and minced garlic enhance the flavor profile. The combination of ketchup, salt, and black pepper rounds out the savory notes.

Macaroni noodles serve as the perfect base, absorbing the rich cheese sauce. This sauce, made from vegetable oil, flour, milk, and cubed cheddar cheese, is creamy and indulgent. It holds the whole dish together, ensuring each bite is as delightful as the last.

Preparation/setup

Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Use cooking spray to lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring easy cleanup later. Arrange the beef bacon on a rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet, and bake until crispy.

While the bacon cooks, brown the ground beef in a skillet. Add onions and garlic, allowing their flavors to meld. Incorporate ketchup, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture simmer. Once done, set it aside, allowing the flavors to develop further.

Mastering the Art of Cheeseburger Mac

Technique

For the cheese sauce, heat vegetable oil in a large pot and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth consistency. Once the sauce thickens, remove it from heat and stir in cubed cheddar cheese until melted.

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is thoroughly coated. Integrate the beef mixture and crumble in eight strips of bacon, blending the components into a harmonious whole.

Tips/tricks

To enhance the richness of the cheese sauce, consider using a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses. This variation will provide a nuanced flavor that complements the savory beef bacon. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add more milk until the desired consistency is reached.

For a crispy topping, mix crumbled bacon with breadcrumbs and melted vegetable oil. Spread this over the macaroni before adding a final layer of shredded cheddar cheese. This step ensures a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Perfecting Your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac

Perfecting results

Baking the dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) allows the cheese to melt evenly and the top to achieve a golden hue. Keep an eye on it during the final minutes to prevent over-browning, ensuring a perfect balance of textures.

For an added layer of flavor, experiment with different seasonings in the beef mixture. A pinch of paprika or a dash of chili flakes can introduce a subtle heat that enhances the dish’s overall taste.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your cheese sauce appears lumpy, whisk vigorously and consider straining it to achieve a smoother texture. For those seeking a lighter version, substitute some of the cheddar with reduced-fat cheese or incorporate more vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach.

Adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by exploring different types of pasta. Shells or rotini can offer a different texture experience, capturing even more of the delicious cheese sauce within their curves.

Serving and Storing Your Cheeseburger Mac

Serving/presentation

Present your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac in the baking dish, allowing guests to serve themselves and admire the golden, crispy topping. For a touch of elegance, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. Serve alongside crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce, ensuring none of this delightful dish goes to waste.

Pairings/storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce.

For those who enjoy creative comfort food, you’ll definitely want to try these Bacon Macaroni Cheeseburger Wrap or these Crispy Bacon Cheeseburger Loaded Onion Ring Bomb. These recipes offer fun twists on classic flavors that are sure to delight.

Conclusion

The Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy with every bite. Its harmonious blend of savory beef, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe showcases the versatility and creativity of cooking, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it solo, the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Mac is sure to become a favorite.

Explore more delicious recipes like the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta or these Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones to keep your culinary adventures exciting. Each dish promises to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your kitchen.

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