BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese
BBQ Beefy Mac and Cheese is a simple boxed mac and cheese upgrade with beef, bacon, and rich BBQ flavor.
Servings: 10 servings
Equipment
- large skillet
- large pot
- colander
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
