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
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)
Instructions
- Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a cozy 350°F, creating the perfect environment for a comforting casserole.
- Submerge elbow macaroni in boiling water, allowing it to dance and soften until perfectly tender. Carefully strain and reserve for the upcoming flavor fusion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- For enthusiasts of textural contrast, toss breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and scatter them artfully across the cheesy landscape.
- 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.
- 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