This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole is comfort food at its best — hearty, cheesy, and loaded with smoky bacon and tangy BBQ flavor. It brings together all the delicious elements of a backyard cheeseburger in one easy-to-bake dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Pasta Base:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or small shells)
- Salted water, for boiling
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Toppings (Optional):
- Pickle slices
- Chopped green onions
- Extra crumbled bacon