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BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese is the ultimate quick mac and cheese dinner when you need something fast, filling, and packed with flavor. This easy mac and cheese recipe turns boxed mac into a hearty beef mac and cheese with smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and melty cheese.

If you are looking for a boxed mac and cheese upgrade that actually feels like a full meal, this is it.

BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese served family-style with multiple plates and a serving bowl

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Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 15 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner
  • Turns boxed mac into a hearty beef mac and cheese
  • Loaded with BBQ flavor, bacon, and extra cheese
  • Budget-friendly and made with simple ingredients
  • Perfect quick mac and cheese dinner for busy nights

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Ground Beef

This gives the BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese its hearty, filling base, turning it into a true beef mac and cheese dinner.

Boxed Mac and Cheese

The shortcut that makes this an easy mac and cheese recipe. It keeps prep fast and simple.

BBQ Sauce

Adds smoky, tangy flavor that transforms this into BBQ mac and cheese.

Bacon

Brings a crispy, salty bite that balances the creamy cheese sauce.

Cheddar Cheese

Melts into the sauce for extra richness and boosts the cheesy flavor.

ingredients for BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese including ground beef, bacon, boxed mac and cheese, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, milk, butter, onions, and green onions

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

  • lean ground beef – substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken
  • onion – substitute with onion powder if needed
  • macaroni and cheese dinner – no substitution recommended
  • unsalted butter – substitute with margarine if needed
  • whole milk – substitute with 2 percent milk or half-and-half
  • BBQ sauce – use your favorite variety for flavor customization
  • cheddar cheese – substitute with Colby Jack or a cheese blend
  • bacon – substitute with turkey bacon
  • green onions – optional garnish, no substitution recommended

Variations

  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter beef mac and cheese alternative
  • Use spicy BBQ sauce for a bold BBQ mac and cheese flavor
  • Add jalapeños for heat
  • Stir in extra cheese for a richer, easy mac and cheese recipe
  • Mix in ranch seasoning for a BBQ ranch twist
BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese on a plate with ground beef and green onions garnish

Tips for Best Results

  • Do not overcook the pasta, so your BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese stays creamy
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce
  • Add BBQ sauce gradually and adjust to taste
  • Cook bacon until crispy for the best texture

Looking for more easy dinner recipes like this BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese? Browse the full collection on the site to find more quick mac and cheese dinner ideas and family favorites.

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FAQs

Can I make BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

What BBQ sauce works best for BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese?

Any variety works. Sweet, smoky, or spicy will all slightly change the flavor.

Can I use a different pasta for this easy mac and cheese recipe?

Yes, but boxed mac keeps this a true quick mac and cheese dinner.

Can I make this without bacon?

Yes. The BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese will still be flavorful without it.

How to Store BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese

Store leftover BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This beef mac and cheese reheats well, making it great for meal prep

How to Make BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

This BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese comes together quickly using simple ingredients. You cook the beef, prepare the boxed mac and cheese, then mix everything together for a creamy, smoky, and satisfying meal.

Quick steps:

  1. Cook ground beef and onion until no longer pink, then drain
  2. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions
  3. Stir in butter, milk, BBQ sauce, cheese, and beef mixture
  4. Add half the bacon and mix well
  5. Top with remaining bacon and green onions before serving

Serve this BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese with your favorite sides, like creamy pea salad, southern bacon-fried cabbage, or candied yams, for a full comfort-food meal.

For something different, pair it with honey garlic pork tenderloin or try it alongside lighter options like lemon garlic baked cod or crispy air fryer coconut shrimp to balance the richness.

raw ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet for BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese
cooked ground beef and onions browned in a skillet for BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese
cooked elbow macaroni in a pot for BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese
macaroni with butter, cheese, and BBQ sauce added for BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese
cooked ground beef added to macaroni and cheese mixture for BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese
BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese topped with bacon in a pot
BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese mixed together in a pot with bacon added
BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese in a serving dish topped with bacon and green onions
spoonful of BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese showing ground beef and creamy cheese sauce

If You Enjoyed BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese

If you loved this BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese, you might also enjoy these easy comfort food recipes:

📌 Save This Recipe

Save this BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese for busy nights when you need a quick mac and cheese dinner that still feels like comfort food. It is perfect for easy dinner recipes, family meals, and simple weeknight dinners.

Suggested boards: easy dinner recipes, quick weeknight meals, comfort food, macaroni and cheese recipes, family dinner ideas

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fork lifting a bite of BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese showing ground beef and creamy sauce
BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese on a plate with bacon and green onions styled for a square image
4.45 from 9 votes
Servings: 10 servings

BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese

By Jamie Sherman
BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese is a simple boxed mac and cheese upgrade with beef, bacon, and rich BBQ flavor.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 boxes Macaroni and Cheese dinner, 7.25 oz. each
  • ½ cup butter, (1 stick)
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce, or more to taste
  • ½ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded, (2 oz.)
  • 12 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • green onions, chopped (optional)

Instructions 

  • Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed. Set aside.
    1 pound lean ground beef, 1 small onion
  • Cook the macaroni and cheese according to package directions. Drain.
    2 boxes Macaroni and Cheese dinner
  • Add the butter, milk, BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked beef mixture to the pasta. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
    ½ cup butter, ½ cup milk, ½ cup BBQ sauce, ½ cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Stir in half of the cooked bacon.
    12 ounces bacon
  • Serve topped with the remaining bacon and chopped green onions if desired.
    green onions

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

  • Store leftover BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days
  • Keep toppings separate for best freshness

♨️ REHEATING

  • Microwave – Heat BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese in 30-60 second intervals, stirring between each
  • Stovetop – Reheat over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to loosen
  • Oven – Cover and heat at 325°F until warmed through
  • Air fryer – Not recommended for this easy mac and cheese recipe

❄️ FREEZING

  • Freeze BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese in an airtight container for up to 2 months
  • Texture may change slightly due to the cheese sauce
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
  • Add extra BBQ sauce for a stronger BBQ mac and cheese flavor
  • Cook bacon until crispy for texture contrast
  • Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushy beef mac and cheese

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

  • Oven – Transfer BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes
  • Slow cooker – Combine and heat on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally

♻️ LEFTOVERS

  • Turn BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese into a baked casserole with extra cheese
  • Use as a filling for stuffed peppers
  • Serve alongside grilled meats for another meal

📝 NOTES

  • Ground turkey is a great lighter option for this beef mac and cheese
  • This recipe is flexible and easy to customize
  • Great for quick weeknight dinners and casual meals

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 32g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 82mg, Sodium: 831mg, Potassium: 374mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 405IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 129mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Love Bakes Good Cakes you may want to try next.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

More About Me

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4.45 from 9 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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8 Comments

  1. Susan@Organized31 says:

    My kids love mac n' cheese from a box. I can't eat it, but with your improvements I actually want to give it a try. Thanks for sharing at Inspire Us Thursday at Organized 31.

    Reply
  2. Natasha In Oz says:

    That looks delicious and so easy too! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe at the Say G’day Saturday linky party.

    This week’s linky party has just started so I hope you can stop by and say g’day!

    Best wishes for a great weekend,

    Natasha in Oz

    Reply
  3. Miz Helen says:

    Jamie, this is a great dish that we would just love. Hope you have a wonderful week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

    Reply
  4. Michelle says:

    Ooooo…yum! My son would love this! Thank you for linking, Jamie.

    Reply
  5. Ruth Soukup says:

    Nothing beats the blue box and I love that you spiced it up with BBQ sauce. I thought I was the only one who did that! This looks super yummy!

    We would love for you to link this up with us at Living Well Spending Less! You can link up any of your thrifty projects each Thursday – we would love to have you join us! http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/category/thrifty-thursday/

    Reply
  6. Diane Balch says:

    Great idea this might actually please both my cheesy kid and my beefy kid. Thanks for sharing it with us on foodie friday.

    Reply
  8. Linda @ With A Blast says:

    Looks delicious, Jamie – pinned 🙂

    Reply