Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because I’m about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with the Ultimate BBQ Cheeseburger Mac Attack! This dish is an absolute INSANE fusion of all the best things – juicy burgers, gooey cheese, and saucy, spicy mac and cheese. Warning: This is gonna cause some serious food jealousy, so get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Why You’ll Love This Ultimate BBQ Cheeseburger Mac Attack
This epic mashup of burger and mac and cheese is about to blow your mind! Imagine all the best parts of a juicy, flavor-packed cheeseburger combined with the cheesy, creamy goodness of mac and cheese. It’s a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more and more. Plus, with the added kick of tangy BBQ sauce, this dish is truly a revolutionary comfort food creation. Life gave us the ingredients, and I’m about to make them LEGENDARY!
Ingredients
For this Ultimate BBQ Cheeseburger Mac Attack, you’ll need ground beef, elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, onion, garlic, spices, and a few other pantry staples. The key is getting the perfect balance of beefy, cheesy, and saucy flavors.
- 1 lb – Ground beef
- 8 oz – Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – BBQ sauce
- 1 – Onion, diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 1 tsp – Chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles (for a leaner or vegetarian option)
- Cheddar Cheese: Blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack (for a creamier cheese sauce)
How to Make Ultimate BBQ Cheeseburger Mac Attack
This dish comes together in just a few simple steps – get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. While that’s happening, brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then add in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, stir in the BBQ sauce, seasoning, and a splash of the pasta cooking water to create a saucy, flavorful base. Then, add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the dish is well-combined.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To really take this dish to the next level, top it with even more shredded cheese and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce. Then, pop it in the oven for a few minutes to get that irresistible, melty cheese topping.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Finally, garnish your Ultimate BBQ Cheeseburger Mac Attack with chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of paprika for a truly explosive flavor experience.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheese Options: Feel free to swap out the cheddar for a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a creamy Gouda.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy twist, stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs on top for an extra layer of texture.
- Sauce Variations: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors – from classic to smoky to sweet, they’ll all add their own unique twist.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving for maximum cheesy, saucy goodness.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of this Ultimate BBQ Cheeseburger Mac Attack is a flavor-packed, comfort food masterpiece. With a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and melty cheese, it’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied and energized. And don’t worry, the indulgence is totally worth it!
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 53 g
- Fat: 31 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This BBQ Cheeseburger Mac Attack actually holds up really well. You can prepare it in advance and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten things up a bit, you can use leaner ground beef, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat pasta. You can also sneak in some extra veggies like diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or baking dish. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
What should I serve with the BBQ Cheeseburger Mac Attack?
This ultimate comfort food dish is a meal in itself, but you can always add a fresh salad or roasted veggies on the side for a more well-rounded meal.
How spicy is this recipe?
The level of spice really depends on the type of BBQ sauce you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for a sweet or smoky sauce. For an extra kick, choose a sauce with a bit more heat.
Try These Next
- Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders With Bbq Sauce
- Juicy Bbq Cheeseburger Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Spicy Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders With Tangy Pickles
Ultimate BBQ Cheeseburger Mac Attack
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Burger Kingdom
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dive into the Ultimate BBQ Cheeseburger Mac Attack, a mouthwatering fusion of cheesy macaroni and a juicy BBQ cheeseburger, topped with crispy bacon and tangy pickles.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup pickles, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned.
3. Add BBQ sauce to the beef and stir to combine.
4. In a separate pot, combine cooked macaroni, milk, and cheddar cheese over low heat, stirring until melted.
5. Mix in the BBQ beef, crumbled bacon, and diced pickles.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef.
Feel free to customize toppings like jalapeños or extra cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: cheeseburger, macaroni, BBQ, comfort food