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BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac Skillet

BBQ bacon cheeseburger mac skillet - featured image
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This BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac Skillet combines all your favorite burger flavors—savory beef, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese—into a comforting, one-pan pasta dish topped with crispy onions. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or small shells (about 3 cups dry pasta)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped (about 6 oz)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tsp yellow or Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 tsp each)
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • Sliced dill pickles for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients: chop bacon, dice onion, shred cheese, and measure sauces and liquids.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp (6-7 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tbsp bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté until soft (about 2 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and crumbly (5-6 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard. Drain excess grease if needed.
  5. Stir in BBQ sauce and ketchup. Let bubble for 1-2 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching.
  6. Add dry pasta, beef broth, and milk. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on medium-low, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed (10-12 minutes). Add more broth if needed.
  7. Remove lid. Add both cheeses and half the cooked bacon. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Sprinkle crispy fried onions and remaining bacon on top. Broil skillet for 2-4 minutes until onions are golden and top is bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes. Top with dill pickle slices if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning the onions. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check labels on BBQ sauce and crispy onions. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or milk. Add pickled jalapeños or chipotle BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: bbq bacon cheeseburger mac, skillet pasta, one pan dinner, comfort food, cheeseburger mac and cheese, easy weeknight meal, bacon mac and cheese, crispy onions, family dinner, kid friendly

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/bbq-bacon-cheeseburger-mac-skillet-recipe-easy-one-pan-with-crispy-onions/