Must-Try BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n’ Cheese Casserole

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and stir in the BBQ sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add the cooked macaroni to the pan, mixing everything together.

Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until the sauce is thickened and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Casserole:
Combine the beef and macaroni mixture with the cheese sauce. Stir well until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly and bake for 20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Top with Bacon:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole for an extra crunch and smoky flavor.

Serve:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Serving and Storage Tips: