Cheesy Bacon Burger Mac
Indulge in this deliciously rich and satisfying Cheesy Bacon Burger Mac, a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese that combines succulent ground beef, crispy bacon, and creamy Velveeta shells. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this one-pan wonder is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences—allowing you to add your favorite spices or even some vegetables. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a comforting dish that the whole family will love. Get ready for a scrumptious blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing!
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Velveeta shells and cheese dinner
1 (12-ounce box (preferably Velveeta 2% variety))
onions
3 (tablespoons, diced)
bacon
3 (slices, diced small)
lean ground beef
1/2 (pound)
seasoning salt
1/2 (teaspoon (or seasoning blend of your choice))
garlic powder
1/2 (teaspoon (or more, to taste))
black pepper
to taste
ketchup
2 (tablespoons)
butter
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Velveeta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the drippings behind.
3
In the same skillet, add the diced onions and ground beef. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. About 6-8 minutes.
4
Once the beef is browned, return the crispy bacon to the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir in the seasoning salt, garlic powder, and pepper, mixing well.
5
Lower the heat and add the cheese packet from the Velveeta shells, along with ketchup and butter. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
6
Add the drained macaroni to the skillet, gently stirring until the pasta is well combined with the beef and cheese mixture. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
7
Serve immediately, and enjoy! Feel free to customize by adding your favorite veggies on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Bacon Burger Mac?
It is a rich and satisfying twist on classic mac and cheese that combines ground beef, crispy bacon, and creamy Velveeta shells.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The entire dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for one 12-ounce box of Velveeta shells and cheese dinner, preferably the 2% variety.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer a different protein source.
What kind of bacon is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 slices of bacon, diced small and cooked until crispy.
Do I need to add butter to the cheese sauce?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of butter are added to the cheese mixture to enhance the creaminess and flavor.
Why is ketchup included in the ingredients?
Ketchup is used to give the dish its distinct 'burger' flavor profile, complementing the beef and bacon.
How much ground beef do I need?
You will need 1/2 pound of lean ground beef for this recipe.
What seasonings are recommended?
The recipe uses seasoning salt, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste.
Should I drain the pasta water?
Yes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, cook the shells until al dente, and then drain them before adding to the meat mixture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can customize this one-pan wonder by stirring in your favorite vegetables like peas or bell peppers.
How do I cook the bacon for this recipe?
Dice the bacon and cook it in a large skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy, then remove it while keeping the drippings.
Do I leave the bacon grease in the pan?
Yes, the recipe suggests leaving the drippings in the skillet to cook the onions and ground beef for extra flavor.
How long do I brown the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef with the onions for about 6-8 minutes until it is no longer pink.
When do I add the cheese packet?
The cheese packet from the Velveeta box is added after the beef is cooked and returned to the pan with the bacon.
Can I make this dish more spicy?
Yes, you can easily customize the flavor by adding red pepper flakes or your favorite spicy seasoning blend.
Is this a one-pan meal?
While you need a pot to boil the pasta, the rest of the ingredients are combined in a single large skillet.
What is the best way to serve Cheesy Bacon Burger Mac?
It should be served immediately while hot, potentially with a side of fresh vegetables.
How much onion is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of diced onions.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder?
Yes, you can substitute the garlic powder with fresh minced garlic, adding it when you sauté the onions.
How do I ensure the pasta is well combined?
Gently stir the drained macaroni into the skillet with the beef and cheese mixture for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Is it okay to use regular mac and cheese?
You can, but Velveeta shells provide the specific creamy texture and cheese sauce consistency intended for this recipe.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated later.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the shells only until they are al dente, as they will continue to heat once added to the skillet.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, its cheesy, familiar flavors make it a very kid-friendly meal.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet or pot to accommodate the volume.
What if I don't have seasoning salt?
You can use a mix of regular salt, paprika, and onion powder as a substitute.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use frozen onions?
Yes, frozen diced onions will work perfectly fine for this skillet meal.