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Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni

Bacon cheeseburger macaroni is a quick, one-pan dinner loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, and tender pasta coated in a creamy Cheez Whiz and sharp cheddar sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes!

Creamy ground beef and macaroni casserole garnished with chopped chives.

This bacon cheeseburger macaroni is a cozy, family-friendly skillet dinner that delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in creamy, cheesy pasta form. It comes together quickly and uses a combination of Cheez Whiz and sharp cheddar for a smooth sauce that coats every bite.

Crispy bacon, sautéed onions, and savory ground beef pack in plenty of flavor, while evaporated milk or half-and-half keeps the sauce rich without being heavy. It’s a comforting weeknight dish you’ll want to make again and again.

What You’ll Like About This Dish

Fast and easy. Ready in about 30 minutes with simple steps.

Cheeseburger flavor. Cheez Whiz + cheddar makes a nostalgic, ultra-creamy sauce.

One-skillet convenience. Minimal cleanup and perfect for weeknights.

Kid-approved. Familiar flavors and tender pasta make it a family favorite.

Ingredient Notes

  • Elbow macaroni: Classic shape that holds the creamy sauce well; shells or rotini also work.
  • Ground beef: Lean beef browns quickly and keeps the dish from becoming greasy.
  • Onion: Adds savory depth to balance the cheese.
  • Bacon: Provides smoky, salty flavor—cook extra for topping if you like.
  • Cheez Whiz + cheddar: The combination keeps the sauce smooth but still sharp and cheesy.
  • Evaporated milk or half-and-half: Adjust for creaminess.
  • Garnish: Chives or parsley add color and freshness.

Steps to Make Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni

  1. Cook the macaroni until al dente and drain.
  2. Brown the ground beef in oil; add onion and cook until tender.
  3. Stir in the bacon, Cheez Whiz, cheddar, and evaporated milk until smooth.
  4. Add the cooked macaroni and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Taste and adjust seasonings; garnish and serve hot.

Tips

  • Add a splash more milk if the sauce thickens as it sits.
  • For a richer finish, stir in a spoonful of cream before serving.
  • Dice dill pickles or add pickle relish for a true “burger” twist.

Recipe Variations

  • Make it spicy. Add diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Swap the meat. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Use different pasta. Shells, rotini, or cavatappi hold sauce beautifully.
  • Add vegetables. Stir in peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture.
  • Boost the flavor. Add a dash of Worcestershire or mustard for a cheeseburger-style punch.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
  • Pair with garlic bread or Texas toast.
  • Add classic cheeseburger toppings like diced pickles or sliced scallions.
  • Choose roasted vegetables for a simple side.
  • Top each serving with extra bacon crumbles or chopped pickles for even more cheeseburger flavor.

How to Store

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Freeze: Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce.

Creamy macaroni and sausage pasta garnished with chopped chives.

Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni

Diana Rattray
This bacon cheeseburger macaroni is a quick and easy skillet dinner with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. A blend of Cheez Whiz and sharp cheddar creates a smooth, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, while crispy bacon and sautéed onions add irresistible savory flavor.
No ratings yet
Servings 5 servings
Calories 860
Course Cheese, Ground Beef, Pasta
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni, about 2 cups uncooked
  • 1 pound ground beef, lean
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 4 strips bacon, cooked, drained, and crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups Cheez Whiz, about 12 ounces
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, sharp
  • 1 cup evaporated milk, or half-and-half, or more as needed for creaminess
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped parsley or chives, optional garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  • Cook the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the ground beef and cook for about 4 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.  Add the chopped onion and continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft and translucent.
  • Add the bacon and sauce ingredients: Stir in the crumbled bacon, Cheez Whiz, cheddar cheese, and evaporated milk or half-and-half. Cook, stirring, until the Cheez Whiz melts into a smooth sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk.
  • Combine with pasta: Add the drained macaroni to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the cheesy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Tip: For an even creamier texture, add a splash of cream or half-and-half before serving, and garnish with extra bacon crumbles or diced pickles for a true cheeseburger twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 860kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 41gFat: 55gSaturated Fat: 26gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 166mgSodium: 1545mgPotassium: 721mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 814IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 573mgIron: 3mg

Disclaimer:

Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.

Keyword bacon cheeseburger macaroni, ground beef and cheese macaroni
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