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.
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
Instructions
- Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Use cooking spray to lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 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).
- 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.
- Prepare the macaroni noodles as directed on the package for firm pasta.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly heated and the topping is golden.
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.
