Warm & Cozy Baked Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy comfort food takes an incredible turn with this baked turkey bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese that combines classic diner flavors in one hearty dish.

Crispy bacon bits and lean ground turkey elevate every cheesy, golden bite.

The skillet brings together tender pasta, melted cheese, and savory meat in a mouthwatering fusion.

Weeknight dinner just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of rich, smoky, and cheesy goodness.

The simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this meal a winner for busy households.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this delicious mac and cheese disappears from the dinner table.

What Goes Well With Cheeseburger Mac

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the mac and cheese.
• Refresh with Crisp Beer: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the creaminess and provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy dish.
• Balance with Tangy Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to add brightness and acidity that counteracts the dish's richness.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts to add nutritional balance and provide a vegetable component to this hearty meal.

Cheesy Combo Ideas for This Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Makeover: Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version of this hearty dish.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetarian bacon alternatives to maintain the robust flavor profile while eliminating meat.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, and use a combination of cream cheese and heavy cream to keep the creamy texture without excess carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes, coconut milk instead of regular milk, and nutritional yeast to create a creamy sauce that accommodates lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids love mac and cheese with bacon and beef. The flavors are familiar and comforting, and the dish is easy to eat. Most children enjoy the cheesy texture and meaty additions.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Swap cheddar and mozzarella with monterey jack, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles. Just ensure you use cheeses that melt well and complement each other.

• What if I want a healthier version?

Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, turkey bacon, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat pasta. You can also add vegetables like spinach or peas to increase nutritional value without compromising taste.

• How do I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming dry?

Add a bit more milk or beef broth if the mixture seems dry before baking. The extra liquid helps create a creamy consistency and prevents the dish from becoming too dense or hard.

Why Cheeseburger Mac With Turkey Bacon Satisfies

• Supercharge Comfort Food: Transform classic mac and cheese into a hearty, protein-packed meal that satisfies deep cravings with its rich, meaty flavor profile.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Designed to wow both kids and adults, this recipe brilliantly combines familiar ingredients like bacon, cheese, and pasta into one irresistible dish that guarantees clean plates.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Deliciousness: Seamlessly prepare this one-pan wonder with straightforward cooking steps, requiring minimal kitchen skills while delivering restaurant-quality results that taste like you've spent hours cooking.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts easily by swapping ground beef with turkey or adding different cheese variations to suit individual preferences.

What You Need for This Mac & Cheese Bake

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce.

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that brings smoky and salty goodness.
• Onion: Adds sweet and savory depth to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a luxurious and stretchy texture.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps bind the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Flavorful liquid that adds depth to the dish.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy condiment that boosts umami flavor.
• Mustard: Adds a slight tang and complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional topping for extra crunch.
• Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the breadcrumb topping.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Mac

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot until perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside, ready for cheesy transformation.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon

• Bacon

Sizzle chopped bacon in a skillet until it reaches crispy perfection.

Transfer to a paper towel, leaving behind a delicious layer of bacon grease.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

• Ground beef or turkey
• Onion
• Garlic

Use the same skillet to brown the meat.

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions turn translucent and soft.

Drain any extra grease.

Step 5: Create the Cheesy Mixture

• Cooked macaroni
• Crispy bacon
• Meat mixture
• Milk
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Mix thoroughly, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour the creamy mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously across the top.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Olive oil

Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and scatter over the cheese layer for an extra crispy finish.

Step 8: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbles with deliciousness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the mac and cheese, letting it rest for a few minutes.

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch.

Dig in and savor every cheesy, bacony bite!

Tips for a Cheesy, Flavorful Mac Casserole

• Cook bacon until extra crispy for an intense smoky taste that elevates the entire dish's richness and texture.
• Undercook macaroni slightly during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, ensuring perfectly tender noodles.
• Easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier or vegetarian version without losing flavor complexity.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged to guarantee smooth melting and prevent grainy sauce texture.
• Experiment with additional mix-ins like diced jalapeños, green chiles, or crispy breadcrumbs to personalize the mac and cheese experience.

How to Store and Reheat This Pasta Bake

• – Refrigerate leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store chilled for 3-4 days maximum. Prevent bacterial growth by keeping the dish cold.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Transfer leftovers to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle additional cheese on top for extra flavor. Cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Wrap the mac and cheese tightly in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.

Baked Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Mac And Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, indulgent baked turkey bacon cheeseburger mac and cheese blends comfort food favorites into one irresistible dish. Hearty layers of cheesy pasta, savory ground turkey, and crispy bacon create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Pasta and Other Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for topping)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for a comforting casserole.
2. Submerge elbow macaroni in boiling water, allowing it to dance and soften until perfectly tender. Carefully strain and reserve for the upcoming flavor fusion.
3. Transform bacon into crispy, golden morsels by rendering its goodness in a spacious skillet. Carefully transfer the crunchy bits to an absorbent paper landing, preserving a whisper of savory grease.
4. Utilize the same skillet to brown the ground protein, breaking it into delicate crumbles. Introduce finely diced onions and aromatic garlic, sautéing until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
5. Orchestrate a creamy symphony by combining the cooked pasta, crisp bacon fragments, seasoned meat mixture, velvety milk, robust beef broth, tangy Worcestershire sauce, and zippy mustard. Gently fold in a generous portion of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
6. Transfer the luxurious mixture into a well-prepared baking vessel, spreading it evenly. Crown the creation with a lavish blanket of remaining cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
7. For enthusiasts of textural contrast, toss breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and scatter them artfully across the cheesy landscape.
8. Slide the baking dish into the waiting oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbling surface that promises delectable results.
9. Carefully extract the masterpiece, letting it rest briefly to settle its flavors. Optionally, sprinkle fresh green onions as a vibrant finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Bacon Swaps: Turkey bacon works perfectly for a leaner option, while vegetarian bacon alternatives can make this dish meat-free without sacrificing smoky flavor.
• Cheese Flexibility: Mix different cheese types like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and customize the dish to personal taste preferences.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free macaroni and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Meal Prep Magic: This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Prepare in advance, portion into containers, and reheat for quick weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg