BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese – smoky, cheesy, and loaded with flavor!

Ingredients:

12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
1 lb (450g) ground beef
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240ml) BBQ sauce
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and stir in minced garlic, cooking for another minute.
Add BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, stirring well.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Slowly add heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully melted.
Combine the cheese sauce, macaroni, and BBQ beef mixture, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Decoration Tips:

Drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top for a smoky finish.
Use a broiler for the last 2 minutes to get a crispy, cheesy crust.
Serve in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.